Which festive season character is having the greatest influence on the Eels?
During this pre-Christmas period it’s felt like the visits from Santa and the Grinch have been so frequent that there must be some type of loyalty program in play.
In the spirit of giving, the jolly bearded man has delivered Reg, Gutho, Junior, Simonsson, Rein, Hodgson, Ogden, Dunster, Russell, Arthur and Makatoa. Unfortunately, the cynical, green Grinch took away Papali’i, Niukore, Mahoney, Stone and Kaufusi.
There are no prizes for guessing which player agent I would cast in the role of the Grinch this year. Ultimately, departures of his clients bring the benefit of less drama down the track.
Furthermore, those familiar with the Dr Seuss story know that even though the residents of Whoville (Kellyville?) awoke to find their most treasured possessions had been taken, it did not stop them from celebrating or being happy.
So the Grinch can try to make Eels supporters miserable, but we know that the better times ahead will not be derailed.
Bumpers Up.
Uplifting
That word was used by TCT regular “John Eel” when commenting on the the contract extension of Junior Paulo.
I had earlier commented on the positive psychological impact of the four year deal, but after watching the social media responses from supporters and players alike, I reckon John’s succinct wording absolutely nailed it.
Yes Junior!
The Eels policy of not engaging in inflated bidding wars is something that I’ve publicly advocated. Yet, I saw Junior’s contract as a tipping point, a deal that had to be done even if it meant having greater flexibility in the terms negotiated. If that makes me a hypocrite I’ll wear the tag, and I won’t be Robinson Crusoe.
Junior is a leader within the club, for pathways products and Pasifika players alike. He has a presence that others respect.
But further to that, he is one of Parra’s X factors – a player who can manufacture attacking opportunities out of nothing.
The reaction from team mates and fans strongly supports the priority the Eels placed on retaining Paulo and RCG. Having two of the NRL’s premier props ensures the strong foundation in the middle of the field will continue to be laid.
No Trouble With This Treble
Speaking of retentions, the club continued to lock in its 2023 roster by securing one year extensions for Jake Arthur, Sean Russell and Makahesi Makatoa.
All three players made their NRL debuts in 2021, with Jake notching up seven appearances, Sean two and Makahesi five.
The Eels social media announcement
Jake and Sean are amongst the most recent Eels pathways players to get to the top grade, a journey that saw them climb from the Rouse Hill Rhinos to the Eels Junior Rep sides. Both did well when called upon, especially as they were 18 and 19 respectively and the fact that each had limited football in 2020 due to COVID shutdowns.
Make no mistake, they are talents with long NRL careers ahead of them.
In contrast, Makahesi is one of the NRL’s rarities – a first grade debutant at 28 years of age after knocking around in lower grade football at Canterbury, Canberra and then England. Following coach Ryan Carr from the Raiders to Featherstone Rovers and now to Parra has ultimately paid dividends for the workaholic prop.
I’m expecting Jake and Sean to continue to get called upon during 2022 when injury strikes, but Maka is a genuine chance for a top 17 spot.
He’s already catching the eye at preseason training.
Ore-Gone?
It now looks likely that the Eels are going to lose another forward, with Oregon Kaufusi reported to be joining the Sharks from 2023.
Oregon (image Bocko Eels media)
Another product of Parra’s pathways system, Oggy is rumoured to have agreed to a three year deal worth $1.2 million. The improved opportunity of being selected in the starting thirteen is also said to be instrumental in his move.
It’s hard to blame the powerful Eels prop.
Oregon faces tough competition for a bench spot in an Eels pack renowned for its depth, and the type of coin that the Sharks have offered is too good to ignore.
However, the contract does not commence until 2023, so once more it’s a case of the Eels still being able to call on an in-demand player for the upcoming season. Oregon is in incredible shape, and he’ll make an important contribution to the Eels 2022 campaign.
Early Trials
The Eels Harold Matthews and SG Ball teams reached one of their preseason milestones with their weekend trials against the Raiders.
SG Ball dummy half, Jacob Davis, in action on Saturday.
Encouragingly, both matches went the way of the Blue and Golds with the Matts winning by 40 to 16, and the Ball victorious to the tune of 36 to 12.
Unfortunately, the Tarsha Gale girls had their match cancelled.
Though it’s not essential to win a trial, results like these don’t hurt, especially if the coaching staff saw what they needed to see during the matches.
The Eels will be playing two more trials in January before the Junior Rep season kicks off on February 5.
We look forward to reporting on those matches on TCT.
Members Open Training
Parra’s NRL squad wrapped up their 2021 commitments with a special members only open training on Monday.
Given the ever-changing demands surrounding COVID, I thought that the Kellyville Park event was well organised.
Haze meets some young fans (image via Bocko)
Pre-booking attendance helped to control the numbers, but the positive, family-friendly vibe on this first day of the school holidays, coupled with the fun activities for the kids, made the morning worthwhile.
It was also terrific to see Eels staff and executives mingling with the members as they watched the NRL squad go through their paces.
Incidentally, BA didn’t change the session to suit the event. It was fairly typical of Monday training – conditioning, two hand touch footy and a bit of contact work.
Arthur even alternated between the fields – again typical of a normal session but not ideal for the crowd sitting on the hill alongside to top field. Training lasted for a full two hours, demonstrating that the coach wasn’t going to waste a scheduled preseason field session.
Enjoy the break fellas.
Seasons Greetings
When it comes to “breaks”, there will be no “shut down” of TCT during the festive period.
If news happens, we’ll be on it, plus there’s a couple of feature stories that I’m expecting to publish over this period.
And please don’t forget our social accounts. The most recent tweets and Facebook posts are easy to access and appear on the side panel of our home page.
However, just over a year ago we added an Instagram account to our platforms. This is used to share images and slightly different content so be sure to check it out here.
It’s been a record-breaking 12 months for The Cumberland Throw, absolutely massive actually, and I’ll have more to write on this when December wraps up.
For now, all the best for Christmas. May it be a happy, and importantly, a safe time for you and your loved ones.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to the TCT Team.
Thanks Jimmy. Thanks for your regular contributions. Stay healthy and all the best for Christmas to you and your loved ones.
thanks sixties, your website is a regular for me as i am unable to get to sydney at all. I look forward to your updates! have a nice break mate and i look forward to seeing all the good content again next year.
Thanks so much Anon. Very pleased that we are a regular part of your footy media. All the best to you and your family for Christmas. Stay well, and we look forward to you joining us again next year.
A wonderful wrap up of season 2021 Sixties.
As I ponder the losses as well as the latest one with Oggie it will be sad to see them go, & moreso with Oggie as his time at the eels and I believe developed well despite some areas he needed to fix in his game, overall though for his age and strengths he will have a good future sadly not with the eels though. The next 12 months for him and the other departures will provide good watching.
I was nervous about losing Jnr as it seemed to drag on and the longer it did, the more I thought he was going but also I had the feeling that he would stay, given his offsider in RCG, and the crop of versatile players that have come to the club
To all here at TCT, seasons greetings for a safe and happy Christmas and exciting New Year.
Thanks Colin. To be honest, the vibe around Junior staying had remained positive so I’m confident that it was always his desire to finish his career at Parra.
Merry Christmas mate.
Sixties I guess for me it was more the longish time between the end of season and the signing of Jnr, the dearth of information that had come out from the club, and the aspect of uncertainty as to what is happening, on a personal note I felt that it was the worst end of season aspect with the player juggling that was so played out in the media pretty much targeting the eels in every little move, that in the main was pretty poor and in particular from sources that have too much media outlet controlling in the game.
In saying all that, I always felt that Jnr would remain with the club, the 4 year deal was a surprise and a very very welcome one. The early resigning of RCG, I tend to think was a real catalyst for his signing as they have been playing partners now for some years, they know each others plays, and are both solid players and that solidarity can be seen in how they show out on the field.
I don’t mean to have a negative aspect at this time of the year with the eels as a whole, also the discussions on TCT are in the main generally positive and show strong resolve as supporters which is on show at training and when the season restarts in the fullest, Combank stadium will be roaring in support.
Merry Christmas to you as well sixties, and to all involved in reports and the true supporters of the eels.
Thanks Sixties and team for your comprehensive, passionate and measured approach to the year as always. Seasons greetings and enjoy the festive period.
Great we signed up all those mentioned and yes its sad to lose players, but we cannot pay overs for bench type players. Kaufusi could have stayed for less and been part of the 17 each week, but he has got the $$$ and good luck to him.
Players will come on up and get their chances now. Niukore and Stone family and opportunity reasons and a good pay day and the others, well, its all different.
Glad we have signed some youngsters up and we have no idea what 2023 will look like; i doubt we will go after a superstar but we have a chance to pick up some decent players, and good riddance to the grub of a manager.
For me we need to look at our backrow in 12 months and see who is on the up and who else we can purchase; we seem to have some props coming through but may need another depth player, as Kaufusi and Niukore had some NRL experience. Does this mean Sims? Could be v handy for the right $$$.
Milo good post I basically agree with all you have said.
It has seemed for a couple of seasons now that BA was looking for a little more than he was giving. It was clear with Makatoa’s rise that Oregon had slipped a little in the pecking order.
The Sims signing would seem a good option. Plenty of ability and experience and would not cost the earth. Probably would enjoy lining up next to his cousin RCG.
Have a merry Christmas
Thanks John and yes Makatoa showed a lot for me and his age is also a benefit in some way, thus being he has fought to make it to the NRL. He may only be with us for a short time but if he comes on next season that would be ideal, to blend with some youngsters coming up.
Yes, Sims would be a good one, and for the right $$.
Enjoy the Christmas time and no doubt The Entrance is filling up…..those daft Sydneysiders….
We had royalty here on Monday.
BA
He is getting in early…..heard he was up here the other week too. Saw a photo of him at the Bateau Bowling Club…
You know my thoughts about the Central Coast
The Entrance hotel has,by my observation, recently spent around $1 million on upgrades.
They have installed a massive screen which I intend to make the most of for Eels away games.
So Sixties any time you wish to coordinate a game up here, I am certain that Milo and I are keen to oblige.
I’m hoping to spend time up there during 2022. Covid has spoilt the last 2 years
Yes John, I saw some of this occurring during our lockdown walks, and it looked v good.
I hope they get the customers back after a terrible two years, like many other small businesses.
I would love to coordinate something mate, but my job has seen us moving o/seas Mid February…..I will miss the area for a while, and Kens Pies of course!!
Best of luck in your new venture. I am sure that you will keep in touch with TCT.
John and Milo, I’m fairly sure that Sims and RCG have a family connection. There were rumours about Parra being interested when the 2021 season ended.
Cousins
Yes, he would be a v good acquisition for the right $$$
Sims is RCG’s cousin, never knew that. Another family member for the eels???
Merry good news perhaps post a Merry Christmas John.
Cheers Milo. I already like the nucleus of our 2023 roster, and with players moving on, opportunities are created. I’m sure we will pick up a few quality additions over the next 12 months.
Thanks Sixties (plus Mitch, Forty and Shelly), your work through the year is second to none in regards to the info that you supply us. I’m gutted to be losing Oregon but hopefully now our pathways are in great shape, there will be more like him coming through. Am I being greedy in wishing for an early season episode of the Tip Sheet with Mark O’Neill as the guest?? I realise he won’t be able to give too much away but I would be fascinated to hear more detail about the plan and thinking for cap management that we have at the moment. Merry Christmas to you all and have a safe break. Thanks for your passion and dedication.
Stand by for that episode Greg!
Thanks and Merry Christmas
Mr Sixties, it concerns me when other clubs poach pathway players. I wonder whether the clubs should approach the NRL and devise a compensation package for clubs who lose pathway players to other clubs. When we consider the cost of training and management that accrues in bringing them to NRL standard only to lose them when they are ready to make a positive impact then there should be consideration for compensation. It does take a number of years to get the skills to be ready for first grade. That is really a hidden cost.
It’s disappointing we are losing Kafusi but, that’s business. Actually I thought the Dolphins would consider him.
Anyway, players come and go – the question that comes to mind – where did disloyalty start – with clubs – the players or the agents.
It seems to me agents have an inordinate effect/impact on clubs.
Again a problem has developed with no easy solution.
Cheers Zero. I have mapped out a post about player agents, aiming for a balanced examination of the good and the bad. Over the last decade I’ve learnt of some who do fantastic work for their clients, and others who are actually detrimental to the players’ careers.
I’m unsure about publishing it. I have to be careful.
egg shells sixties, but looking for them and treading hard enough on them so that those outside can hear the noise of them cracking and breaking, main thing is tread softly but hard enough for the discerning to hear, and have the mess cleaned up.
Sixties thank you for the kind words. I was just expressing how I felt.
Merry Christmas
You’re welcome John. Merry Christmas
Thanks Team TCT. Absolutely required reading for any Eels fan.
Wishing you all a safe and happy Christmas and an Eelectric New Year.
Cheers
Gaz
Says it all.
Hey Graz. Thanks for being a long time supporter mate. Merry Christmas.
Cheers Gazza. Thanks for your support. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.
The best comment I have seen relating to the Eels and the media being almost hysterical in their reporting was “ a Penrith player could be captured live on tv by aliens and the headline would be, “a Parra junior who once played in the district U7s has been captured , an example of losing players again “
Like a few people , I watched Oregan come through the junior reps, but his contract is good for him, but not for a bench forward in our roster. Hope he does well and uses the contract money to set himself up.
You’re probably right about that media take Derek. And as for Oregon, he couldn’t pass up that opportunity.
Derek I always enjoy your posts. Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas Sixies and the TCT crew and congratulations on an outstanding year with great content, looking forward to more of it next year.
Will there be another rookies spotlight again with 5 or so of our best juniors/new comers?
Merry Christmas to you and your family Michael and thank your for your replies and support.
Forty is looking at profiling some of our talent in the train and trial preseason group.
With all the interest in our players, you’d think we won a premiership! But on a serious note, it’s a clear sign the club does the right thing in building careers and capabilities. So best of luck to Oregon.
Well done to the TCT team, you guys put in an immense amount of work, it’s all high quality and quick to publish. And best of all, enjoyable. Merry Christmas & happy new year. Looking forward to a big 2022.
Cheers Mick. Appreciate the kind words. All the best for Christmas to you and your loved ones.
Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year to all of you at TCT!
Thanks TolEelts. Wishing you and your family a great Christmas mate.
5 players leaving is unacceptable, especially because nearly all are Juniors that came through the system. moneyball
Not quite the case
Niukore – Warriors
Papalili’i – Warriors
Stone – West’s Magpies into U 21
Reed- Bulldogs into Flegg
Kaufusi – definitely
Niukore returning to NZ for family reasons
Papaili’i receiving close to $500k more to play for a team in the bottom 2
Stone – not a starter , now receiving starting money and extended contract
Reed – understand total package north of $700k for 4 years, Xmas time for Reed
Kaufusi – behind the starting props, challenged by players coming through, decent money and 3 years, hope he achieves what he can
Second row is not the most difficult position to find value, meeting either Papali’i or Mahoneys contract would create issues going forward in the cap. Bennett stated paying overs is madness in management.
Agree + Fergo, Smith, Hipgrave and Lussick all lost for various reasons. Not sure if any were juniors.
So, in your opinion/view is the eels are the only ones that are losing players from their team, yet reality is that how many of those players really have come through the Juniors? Only Oregon has been from within.
The other 4 are from other clubs, and most other clubs have also lost or will lose primary players from their ranks. In fact if you had a check over all the teams, and Zero Tackle is a fair site that has all the NRL teams listed, showing their end of year changes, losses, gains, re-signed and off contract.
Its like a circus event that only has merry go rounds to enjoy.
So you’d pay above market price for all of them would you?
By the way, although the Eels turned them into quality players, Oregon is the only Eels junior in the group. Just making sure you have your facts correct.
Moneyball is one of chief’s favourite words.
I think he must be running out of aliases
You’d hope so, but he loves TCT so much, that even our rejection of his affections can’t keep him away.
He’s easy to spot isn’t he. He’s obsessed I tell ya!
Hodgo, thats your view no doubt. Have you thought that all clubs have a form of ‘moneyball’? Go through any club and show me where they do not attempt to gain players for value for money, besides a few clubs buying ‘elite’ players in key positions. Look at Melbourne for exmaple and take out a few so called stars and the others are there for a chance as well as some second chances. It is not really different to us.
We lost Reed who is a standard NRL player, and yes Niukore was offered extremely good $$$$ to basically go home; Pap and Oregon got offered v good $$ from all reports, and good luck to them.
Stone also wants a starting spot, and good on him.
Have you seen who Penrith have lost? and we almost beat those cheats with some luck!!
Yes Milo, and Riff, Storm, Bunnies have all lost key players, for 22 and 23, but their roster management is not questioned. And the scenario is the same – clubs below them paying big coin for players and them not able or willing to match it.
A few weeks ago, I was glad to be in the pre season. The idea of watching a Parra team with so many guys leaving was heartbreaking. But now after some decent re-signings, I can see that things aren’t that bad. I now can’t wait til the season starts and hopefully with can give the premiership a tilt. Keep the posts coming guys. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas West Coast. Appreciate your support from over there.
Thanks Sixties plus Mitch, Forty, Gol and Shelly.
Great reading this year. Thanks for giving us that bit of an extra insight to the Eels.
All The best
Cheers Pete. Big plans for next year. Merry Christmas.
Great work Sixties and Forty your continual efforts to deliver great articles and reports to all us supporters is much appreciated.Wishing you both and your Families a merry Christmas.
Cheers Gianni. Merry Christmas and see you at CommBank Stadium in the new year.