Last week was one of the better weeks for our mighty Eels.
Four Eels were officially welcomed to the club, albeit with one not arriving until 2023. More on that later.
So where does that leave Parra?
Can we declare that the club is heading in the right direction with regard to its roster, or do opinions still hinge on the outcome of negotiations with Junior Paulo?
I won’t delve into what’s happening there because I remain confident that big Junz will ink a deal with the Blue and Gold very soon.
So Junior aside, I’m currently pleased with where the club stands heading into 2022, and my Blue and Gold lenses are now focussed on the brightness of the future.
Are you prepared to accept the positive vibes in this week’s Bumpers Up?
If so, read on.
Stronger in 22?
With so much focus on the loss of players for the 2023 season, the media and indeed many Eels fans seem to have overlooked the Eels chances in 2022.
I find this difficult to understand given that I rate the Eels as having a stronger squad going into next season.
How so?
Parra’s major losses from the 2021 squad were Blake Ferguson and Will Smith. Fergo was always capable of creating something out of nothing, but he did experience a rough patch during the season which resulted in a stint in NSW Cup.
In contrast, the Eels have recruited Bailey Simonsson, a talented back with arguably his best seasons ahead of him. The former Canberra flyer also provides the versatility to cover fullback and centre should the need arise.
Simonsson and Russell battle it out
Backline depth will be unquestionably stronger with Will Penisini securing an NRL berth following a string of impressive late season performances, and Haze Dunster hitting his best form in the back half of the year after moving his tally of NRL games into double figures.
Throw in the blooding of Jake Arthur, Sean Russell, Sam Loizou and Hayze Perham and the evidence is there that 2021 set the club up for the future.
Moving to the forwards, Parra have retained all of their stars and the competition for places will be even more intense with Rodwell and Makatoa getting their first taste of the NRL and Dave Hollis undertaking his third preseason. The addition of Ogden, along with the continued development of pathways forwards will only benefit the squad.
Finally, the dummy half position proved to be a problem in 2021 with the loss of all three hookers late in the season. I was disappointed that Joey Lussick decided to return to England, but the recruitment of Mitch Rein fills that hole.
Brendan Hands and Jayden Yates will battle it out as the third option, potentially providing better cover should Mahoney continue to have injury issues next season.
Greener Pastures For Green Machiner
Simonsson on Monday
Bailey Simonsson could not have been more impressive in his first session at Kellyville.
The 23 year old wing recruit led home the backs in virtually every run, then caught the eye with his step and acceleration in a brief opposed drill.
At 188cm, he isn’t in the Tupou or Saab category of tall wingers, but he does possess sufficient height to contest high balls in both attack and defence.
Simonsson has played finals footy, and has Maori All Star and All Blacks sevens experience – not too shabby for a bloke with less than 50 NRL games on his resume. There’s been some interesting speculation surrounding his departure, but having the Raiders chip in for the next two years is a brilliant outcome.
I’m expecting Parra to start the season with Dunster and Simonsson on the wings.
Oggy Mark 2
Parra’s latest “Oggy” finally commenced training with the team on Monday. He’s arrived in reasonable shape, with his conditioning appearing to be comparable with Eels other big men.
As I noted in my training report, Ogden looks bigger than his listed 106kg weight. He definitely isn’t 14 to 18 kgs lighter than Wiremu Greig.
Some of the incumbent Eels forwards will have the jump on him for 2022, but who knows what impression he’ll make when the opposed sessions ramp up.
Mitch Too
Are two Mitches in one spine too much? Not for mine.
Mitch Rein (image courtesy of Bocko – Eels media)
Mitch Rein is already impressing with his work ethic at Eels training. The former Titan/Panther/Dragon is very fit and finishes amongst the leaders in most of his conditioning runs.
I’m honestly struggling to recall any time during his career at the Dragons, the Riff or the Titans when he started the year as the preferred dummy half. Yet the tough number 9 has registered 207 first grade games.
You don’t play over 200 NRL games without talent or doing plenty right. I have little doubt that he’ll prove to be a worthy acquisition for 2022.
How Soon Is Now?
When I first heard the whispers that Josh Hodgson was on the Eels radar, I was somewhat sceptical. After all, he’s had some injuries and his recent form was not at the standard of previous seasons.
Hodgson
I then put that form into perspective, after all few of the men in green had a great year in what was a disappointing 2021 for the Raiders. There was no shortage of Green Machine players below their best, and the mid season exit of George Williams compounded John Bateman’s 2020 departure.
Hodgson has just turned 32 and will play at 33 in his first year with the Eels. However, he wouldn’t be the first senior player to provide excellent value into his mid 30s, and his experience and leadership could prove to be ideal for the Eels spine.
I’ve just posted my letter to Santa requesting an early release for Josh. Do you think St Nick will consider it too greedy? He already has my wish for Junior to sign that extension.
Bevan French
There’s a bit of speculation in the media about the future of Bevan French.
The former Eel has previously come under consideration for a return to the club and it wouldn’t come as a surprise for some rumours to start.
If the price was right, should Parra consider bringing him home?
It will be interesting to read your opinions.
Junior Rep Trials
The Junior Representative competitions commence on February 5, so it should come as no surprise that the Eels are about to play the first of their trials.
Anyone keen for a road trip, or any fans living south of Sydney, can catch Parra in action against the Raiders in Goulburn this Saturday.
The venue is the Workers Arena, with the action kicking off at 11:00 with the Tarsha Gale clash, followed by the Matts at 1:00pm and the Ball at 2:30pm.
We wish the players all the best.
Eels forever!
Sixties
A very nice and interesting read sixties.
I agree in total as to how our strengths will be next year, all of the players who are going elsewhere will be in the NRL squad, but I also am of the very that we have signed some quality players that will take the club further than we have been for some years. I’m not prepared at this point in time to predict a premiership next year but we wont be far off the mark either, perhaps the GF may see us in that arena.
Certainly, at least for me Jnr is a must keep, and would not doubt that he and RCG will play together in their new contract years, will they ask for another year meaning 4 extra’s?
As I look at the group, with new faces in the team, along with rookies who will make something of an impact also, I believe that we will have the rookies putting big pressures on the wanderers before they even wander, maybe not all will fill the NRL team list every week either.
We now have some genuine speed on the wings, which may even make it tough for Sivo to rejoin the NRL team once he’s recovered. Something we have lacked in for some years. Outside of those departing the eels will show spirit in each department, while many will wonder the loss of Reed, my personal thinking is that we are well covered there, even with the loss of Reed.
One biggy for me is to see a page feature and photo that shows up the squads for next season.
Work hard for the remaining for days sixties with the reports, will hope to see on the flegg game in Goulburn.
Cheers Colin,
I really like our depth for 2022. Of the top teams, Penrith, Melbourne and Souths have lost significant players and in Souths case, their coach. Easts might rebound with less injury issues, whilst Manly, with a fit Turbo, have some good young forwards. We will be up there again with this squad.
An interesting set of club data along with a sort of review on Foz this morning where for the eels, a comment has it that Sivo is considering dropping his PO for 2023 to go to Union, personally I think that could be good for the club and him.
His first year with us was excellent, but his last two have been something of a downward spiral, has not had the power running and pushing players away from him, he did improve with his high ball catching but was still caught out with his inability to turn & chase when the opposition stood him up, very slow to adjust to that.
His injury I understand, (tell me I am wrong with how long he’s likely to be out) has him not playing until mid season, if that’s the case, I can only really see him in reserves as Dunster & Simonson holding down the wing spots, and possibly retire, actually its pretty similar to Fergs with him although Fergs was better all round though.
With the youngsters coming through and the signing. Simmonsson, sivo will surely be deemed a surplus to requirements
He still has a long rehab journey ahead
Began had apparently played well OS but it’s a very different competition. I wouldn’t be running my hands either way.
Had injury and form issues I believe.
Has the club picked players for Jersey flegg team yet ,sixties
They have Ken. And Simon Woodford is the coach
Tks sixties. I’ve just got a feeling that Mitch Rein will prove more than useful in 2022. This will be the best pack he’s played with since his early days at St George, is now experienced and mature, and will only have to adapt to the team structures and not overplay his hand.I reckon our spine will fire this year, so important to have depth/competence in the 9’s.
I feel the same BDon and he has looked good at training.
Sixties, i am vibing ‘The Smith’s’, I am the son, and the heir…..’ or the like. Great song too.
I am very happy with the latest recruitment and like Hodgson being signed, as he brings smartness and calmness around the ruck which I feel would benefit the Mitch and Gutho team. Yes i wish he would arrive sooner as well, and I would be happy to move on Mahoney. Nothing personal but that would be a great move now for me, as the younger brigade get 12 months more from Hodgson.
Rein also brings smarts and as you said anyone who has played over 200 odd NRL games is well versed on toughness and he has this. To me this is an astute buy not unlike B Smith in around the late 1990’s when he bought in guys like Simon / Schifilliti and co.
No to Bevan French, sorry but he has had his shot and I cannot see him as a benefit when we have recruited well and have young guys on the up.
For me Paulo being signed again would be the icing on the cake, sauce on the Ken’s curry pie…
Milo, glad you got the Smiths reference. I only had one response recognising my Small Faces reference with Ogden a couple of weeks back and that was a text from my mate who’s a Tigers supporter.
The experience at dummy half is something that we won’t lack going forward. And you’re right about Junior, with your analogy spot on!
I don’t think Parra will miss Fergy. His ego sometimes overrode his decision making and the younger players will do just as good if not better than his last season. In fact, there now seems plenty of speed in the backline (and while Gutho is not express he isn’t exactly slow) which behind the current forward pack the potential is for some significant damage to opposition teams. I am one not convinced by Hodgson for 2023. I do respect him as a play but age and injury history are a concern. But I’d be more than happy to be proven wrong. As for French, I’m not sure. The reasons why he fell out of favour in 2019 would need to be resolved.
Wasn’t Frenchs fault,he was not used right,the way he was used was like being feed to the wolves.
2018 was a shocking year for him with injury and form. Then we had Sivo and Fergy on the wing and Gutho at fullback in 2019. He was going to be hard pressed to find a way back.
How he was used ??? He was a winger , catch ,run tackle , the last one was his downfall .CANT, english league suited him , no one tackles !!
Colin, with respect, Bevan lost his natural footy instinct in 2018. It was a bad year, and maybe he was most symptomatic of it. But his form issues didn’t relate to how he was used. He’d take on defences on the outside, when the best option was inside, then get dragged into touch. He’d throw the dummy when support runners were in better position. He’d have minimal involvement when he used to come looking for it. Bevan wasn’t Bevan. He lost himself at the end with us, and going to Super League was a good place to find his mojo again.
I don’t know enough about where he’s at right now to offer an opinion. Just interested in the opinion of others here.
I totally understand the point you make about Bevan but my beef was i think BA should of instructed the backs to run straighter , to much running sideways leaving Bevan no room to show his brilliants ,Thanks Sixties,love TCT
Cheers Colin.
Shaun, I agree about Fergo.
Critics overplay Gutho’s lack of pace. He isn’t fast compared to many of the “dynamic” fullbacks who rely on their pace, but he’s not pedestrian. Still, Simonsson provides an alternative now.
I wasn’t thrilled about Hodgson but I’ve almost completely flipped that opinion now.
Gutho’s pace is between his ears. He can read the game and defensively the best in the game as well as being the best fullback for Parra.
Can you show photos with names so we know all the new players coming through ? Great content , keep it up
I am as optimistic as you are 60’s,
I note your Santa wish that Hodgson comes this year as well. I had the same reservations as you re Hodgson, but I have come around to the fact he maybe the forward leader we have lacked at a thinking level. This means as part of that wish that we can release Reed in those circumstances, the case being who will Bulldogs give us in return. My conditions on this wish list is we keep Junior so whoever we get has to benefit us just the same.
I always liked Bevan but accepted he needed to leave. That said I always thought he lacked lateral movement after the loss of his posterior ligament, I note he missed much of last season with hamstring injury and this is a problem with a guy that speed is such a big part of his game….lets hope we have a perfect world in which case it would be great to get him back and play him….wherever?
After some dark looking days, I agree we are better than last year with the subjective difference we still have Junior!
PS Don’t underestimate that Ennis, Macgregor and Woody will make a great adjustment to our coaching ranks and provide a much stronger strategic basis to our game day tactics as well as player development.
I was critical of BA but these recruitments I believe cover his development as much as the players.
It just maybe just the impetus to take BA to the very top line of coaches.
Poppa, many don’t know that BA has sought such input over the years. He sought Ennis a couple of years back but it didn’t happen for whatever reason. I was at Saleyards the day Ennis came in to check things out.
The consultant positions, Woolford in his role – it’s all designed to provide the best input in developing players and adding extra knowledge as a resource for coaches and players.
I’ll endeavour to put up as many as I can with training reports. See today’s.
I’m super pumped about Hodgson coming, I wonder if Canberra would be up for a swap deal with Mahoney 🤔 I’ll take that deal in a heartbeat!
This is the first time I’m hearing anything about French, I’ll be happy to take him back but not sure where he fits in our team.
Michael, whilst it’s my wish to get Hodgson early, it would be difficult to see the Raiders obliging given the issues with their other dummy half. We can still hope!!!
I think all signs point to a 2022 premiership tilt, and if we fail a small rebuild from 2023.
Gutho and Moses should only get better or stay constant with more years under their belts. The way each plays the game should mean they age well. The players we let go are disappointing in that regard, but aren’t game winners (Mahoney aside who has an injury cloud).
Recruiting some experience to pre-empt a 2023 rebuild to me makes sense. You need a plan b if the current squad doesn’t deliver. The new depth will increase competition for spots that didn’t exist last year where we fell back on juniors by default.
Junior I don’t think is as much a male or break as others. I think come 2023, his best years will be behind him. Realistically our next window is probably 2024/5. You need experience in the spine at that point.
You can never predict a premiership but if all the fan negativity and market prices are right, 2022 is the year of the eels!
Sorry and thanks 60s. Appreciate all the work!
Cheers Mick. I’m quietly confident Junior will stay and if that’s the case, not much of a rebuild in 2023 if at all. I haven’t discounted losing other players, as the market might drive some clubs to throw once in a career offers their way. But I think our depth holds us in good stead and there are terrific young players in our pathways.
Quietly confidant on Junior 60’s, is that gut feel or a reason that sneaks in from somewhere as to why its taking so long?
I’m not critical of you btw just gives me another straw to hang on to hoping your right Lol
Gut feel – can I just say that my last gut feel was Reed leaving
congrats Sixties, well done and give those guts a goord rub for the rest of the year, I think we can knock it off now. This is the best side since 2001 for 2022
Cheers Poppa. Happy days
Gee Mick, come 2023 Junior’s best years will be behind him, he’s 28 and a middle forward. I would have thought he is no where near his peak yet….Hope your wrong! Most middles at their best after 30 IMO.
Poppa, I think Junior is critical and alongside Reg, offers that senior player/leadership for the younger forwards.
Thanks Sixties! I only wish the season would start this week and not March…
I agree with you that the recruitment options are astute, especially given that BA has a history of getting the best out of players. I worry about Hodgson’s injury list (similar could now be said about Reed?), but being a professional athlete I expect he will look after himself…and remain hungry for a title. Having Rein in the side will also mean he wont be over-worked.
Go Parra!
Thanks Paul. I was guilty of judging the most recent version of Hodgson, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But the total Canberra context needs to be given some consideration. They have some issues there – that squad did not respond well to the coach last year.
Question I wanted to ask you 60’s, is would you have any objection if I cut and pasted some of your training comments on IEE, keeping in mind the irrational responses that may/could come, I would only do so with your wishes but I do believe that there would be genuine enjoyment from the more silent participants and of course I would give any credit to you and TCT.
Also I would be assuming that the mods over there would accept same.
You won’t offend me if you say you would prefer not.
Your kidding , an opportunity to vilify and ridicule everyone and everything unregulated !!!
I appreciate your sentiments and reasoning Poppa but I reckon you know my thoughts.
Fair enough mate, matter closed.
Thanks Poppa.
I think Mitch Rein is a decent add for depth at hooker. In particular because he isn’t dissimilar in style to Mahoney, so the timing for the halves doesn’t change.
But that is one of the reasons, i am a lot less excited about Hodgson. Hodgson picks the ball up, assess, then ball plays. Mahoney makes his decision before the ball is played and delivers off the ground and capable of long deep passes. Hodgson isn’t capable of this which will totally change the timing and reduce the time Moses and Brown have – and both players look much better when they have time to skip to the outside of defenders. Mahoney is also willing to be directed by his fullback when the fullback see’s an opportunity through the middle. Historically, Hodgson has been incapable of seeding responsibility around the middle of the park and i see a real conflict developing between Gutherson and Hodgson.
I’m also a bit over hearing about Hodgson’s leadership. Age/experience doesn’t equal leadership skills. In Hodgson’s career, even when at the top of his game, his leadership was not a quality that was ever highlighted. Infact, an issue at the Raiders for a few years has been a lack of leadership from anyone in the playing group. I personally think this is just platitudes being given to fans to try and mask the fact that this was a desperation signing at a key position, not part of a long term plan for the club. I know the one-eyed fan doesn’t want to hear that, but for me, it is hard to look at it any other way.
Brett I made a similar comment over on the other site shortly after the signing was announced.
While I may not have put it as succinctly as yourself I share your opinion on the JH signing.
I am maybe not as pessimistic as you but the JH signing is an area of concern.
My area of concern is how you deal with a loose cannon in the Spine. We all witnessed the problems when Norman played with little regard to the game plan.
However I think that Mitch is a better 7 now and more of a leader. BA is more seasoned now as a Head Coach and will have more tools in the kit to deal with it.
Brett, I’d also consider the halves that Hodgson was working with at the Raiders. They did struggle.
As for the long term, I believe both Rein and Hodgson will be beneficial in the development of the young dummy halves coming through
Great read Sixties.
After, initially being disappointed by the loss of some likeable players. I now see it for what it is and it’s not the end of the world. I believe we have very good depth for 22. Ogden, Simmonson look the goods. I believe Hodgson will also join us early and Rein will be giving Reed a run for his money 💰.
I’m not sure about Junior, I’ll be pleasantly surprised if he’s re-signed. Because it has taken so long…If he goes well who’s to say Ogden cannot fill that void??
Thanks for the great reports. I’m really looking forward to 22.
Thanks Pete. The great thing about the now is the strength of the 2022 squad. The positive about 23 is that 22 is yet to be written.
Always enjoy these blogs – thanks Sixties.
But why do you think Simonsson will be wing? FRom what I have seen Simonsson is good with setting up his winger and Waqa is poor. Both are good at running and catching. Unless Simonsson cant defend in the centres I would have thought Simonsson centre and Waqa wing?
They are training with Simonsson on the wing. That said, he does offer options in two other positions.
Thanks – so both Will and Bailey prefer the right?
Looks that way
From memory Lane had a good involvement in our last game of the season against Penrith, but he needs to use that to springboard into a solid start for 2022 because I thought in general he was lack lustre last year. I’ve not tracked Bevan French’s form in the old dart. If he’s been good , has maintained his speed and bulked up a little then yeah get him back because he had some X factor. Sixties I would scrub Josh off your 2022 Xmas list. If he came onboard whilst Mahoney is still there I think it would cause disruption. He would not want to play in reserves and I think mahoney is an important part in our spine who knows all the plays. Let’s get over the frustration of him moving on in 2023. I believe there is not any real bad blood with him and management and I note he is still being used in our marketing campaigns for next year. I’m not saying he is a better hooker than Josh only that he wld be a better fit for our team in 2022.
I don’t expect an early arrival. The Raiders couldn’t afford to lose a dummy half. My attitude with Reed and all the departing players is to consider them as one season signings. There is no problem with aiming to get the best out of a player for the season.
Yes and if the boys leaving at the end of 2022 leave us with a premiership then I will always consider them as proud parra boys.
If they break the drought they are parra immortals
Fair call 😁
I’ll go with that.
Now that Junior has resigned, I think it’s a bit clearer where the club is going in terms of recruitment. Our strengths are our middle, backed up nicely from halfback and fullback. These have been the priority signings for 2023. It also looks like hooker and edge forwards are a lower priority where you spend average money. Outside backs are seen as generally expendable and you don’t overspend on these positions.
Is this a recipe for success? Probably not really ideal given we will lose players we have developed, but given cap constraints at least it is a worthy template to build on. I’m more confident for 2023 and we still have a premiership potential team for 2022.
We will remain strong in 2023 with a year or so to add to the roster. The future remains bright