It’s been an eventful few days in Parradise.
Though times are rarely uneventful in the Blue and Golden West, emotions have just run the full gamut in the space of little more than 72 hours.
Firstly, we had the good news of contract extensions which locked in some of the Eels younger talent for next year and beyond. Yes Maka, I’m going to include you in that youthful brigade.
Then we all felt Haze Dunster’s pain as his season came crashing to an end before it had even begun. The trial loss to the Dragons, though inconsequential, only added to the gloom at the stadium.
Now we look ahead to the Panthers trial and the kick off of the NRLW season.
The ride is open for business and you know there’s always plenty of highs and lows.
Bumpers Up!
Dunster’s Season Done
It happens every year. Preseason trial matches invariably produce season-impacting injuries and questions are asked about the value of staging such games.
Haze Dunster enjoyed a strong back half of the 2021 season and was a worthy recipient of the Eels Rookie of the Year award. His preseason training was indicative of a man determined to take his game to the next level.
Haze
The Cumberland Throw has followed Haze’s journey from junior reps to NRL. It didn’t happen overnight for the popular Kiwi. His work ethic kept him on that path even when there were plenty who doubted his credentials.
As for the knee injury, it shouldn’t have happened. You can’t condition knees to withstand the twist and force applied in Fuimaono’s tackle.
I don’t want any replies to this column that target Fuimaono. He’ll face a lengthy period on the sidelines and will be dealing with the emotions of causing serious injury to someone who is literally a member of his family.
What we should all do is wish Haze the best for his recovery, and look forward to his return to the team in 2023.
The Good Stats
After the impressive early attacking salvo in Sunday’s trial, Parra struggled to impose any sustained pressure on the Dragons defence.
There was a valid reason for that.
Parra had an overall possession rate of 44%, a figure which dropped to 42% during the second half.
A 6 to 2 penalty count, and a number of set restarts for the Dragons undoubtedly helped that stat along.
Despite that, the Eels made more run metres (1197 to 1113) more post contact metres (364 to 339) and more line breaks (6 to 4).
Sean makes that ripper tackle (image Fox Sports)
Furthermore, Parra missed fewer tackles (11 to 24) and made fewer errors (8 to 12).
It makes you wonder how the game was lost.
Of course, stats don’t tell the whole story, and some errors can be more critical depending on when and where they occur.
What we do know is that the Eels starting side was a class above St George during their time on the field, whilst the Dragons created problems with their offloads during their possession-dominating second half.
My overall assessment will be typical of any losing team at this time of the year.
“It was only a trial!”
The Learnings?
There wasn’t really anything from the Eels that surprised me. I didn’t expect any attack beyond basic shapes, and the players to impress were those who were already having strong preseasons.
To that end, Jake Arthur reinforced that he is a play maker on the rise, whilst workhorses like Makahesi Makatoa and Ky Rodwell confirmed why the Eels have recently extended their deals.
Hayze Perham displayed his versatility, but for mine he looks best suited at fullback where his pace in covering kicks and sweeping into plays looks most effective.
Ofahiki
Ofahiki Ogden had a bit of a mixed bag performance. He featured in some strong carries but also made a couple of errors. I reckon the hit out will do him the world of good.
Of the other rookies, Sean Russell was probably the most impressive. Forget about his strange decision to play at a ball destined to be a non-threatening touch finder.
Instead focus on moments such as his try, his try-saving tackle and a number of elusive runs.
With the injury to Dunster, we might be seeing more of Sean in the top grade.
Contract Extensions
Late last week, Dylan Brown decided to exercise his player option for the 2023 season. Given that he will be officially able to negotiate with other clubs on November 1, this gives the club a window of around eight months to consider their next offer.
Likewise, at all of 21 years of age, Dylan gives himself some breathing space before deciding his future.
The deals for Rodwell, Makatoa, Ogden and Greig come as no surprise.
Ky Rodwell
Rodwell and Makatoa were in outstanding form in the NSW Cup in 2021 before Covid shut down lower tiers of footy. When the opportunity came for an NRL debut, both impressed.
Greig achieved his NRL debut soon after his move from the Cowboys, but injury curtailed his season. Those who witnessed his All-Stars performance are now aware of how fit he looks after his first Eels preseason.
Ogden is a physical presence, unwanted at the Dogs but given a lifeline at the Eels.
Just like Greig, this was the first full Eels preseason for all of these forwards. All four have impressed me, but more importantly they’ve impressed BA to the point of earning current and future full time spots.
Riff Revenge?
Parra takes the first steps towards avenging their controversial finals loss to the Panthers when they travel to the foot of the mountains for this week’s trial.
Image via Fox Sports
Both teams are likely to feature more of their NRL starting team in what is traditionally the major trial of every preseason, not to mention the latest chapter of the western derby. After this week, supporters will get a clearer picture of the coaches’ vision for round 1 line ups.
Last year Penrith hit the ground running in a stunning trial performance. At the time I said they played finals football in the preseason and I questioned whether they had the capacity to sustain such form over a long season.
For the most part, they did.
I don’t need the Eels to win this week because I don’t expect them to show too much of their hand in a trial.
Furthermore, beating the Panthers in a trial, on their home turf, still doesn’t go close to making up for the pain of a dubious finals exit.
But it won’t hurt.
Round 1 Arrives
After much anticipation, the Eels inaugural NRLW campaign finally kicks off in the third match of Sunday’s triple-header at Newcastle.
The Partnerships on the kit
The squad has done a terrific job of fan engagement over the last couple of months, with interest extending to new corporate partners who’ve filled the branding spaces on the 2022 playing kit.
Having watched an opposed session at training a couple of weeks ago, I’m predicting that the Eels will play physical and entertaining footy. There’s experience, leadership and skill in the spine, the forwards will lay a powerful platform, and the pace in the backs can take advantage of any space created for them.
Watch for captain Simaima Taufa to lead by example and drive the girls to back themselves.
Weather forecasts aren’t kind for this week.
Let’s hope that the rain disappears by Sunday and a big crowd is in attendance for a terrific day of rugby league.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Sixties, surely Simonsson will not play this coming trial. Surely. At this stage we need to keep at least one winger from injury risk and ready for round 1. Other first graders 20 to 30 mins at the very most. Surely. (Andrew Voss has whispered the player Parra are making inquiries about from the Broncs for immediate signing).
Graz, you can’t cotton wool players. Hazes injury was unfortunate, it’s part of the game. What I got out of the trial was the influence Ennis had on our attack inside the opposition 20. I think we will see more moves around the play the ball than previous seasons, not relying on Moses kicking as much.
Interesting observation.
Graz, I think that Mick has nailed it. Injuries can happen in a game, at training, or even slipping in the bathroom. Although never when racing a fan down the Corso. They will play Simonsson. I’m interested in finding out who that signing might be.
At least we now know it won’t be Isaako or Oates. What’s your thoughts on Edrick Lee. Had a bad injury run in ’21, won’t get much of a go in Newcastle this year, good both ends of the field, just not sure defensively.
I would consider it Mick. I believe he has an upside to his game.
Really enjoyed having the footy back on TV. Was good to see our forwards dominating in the first 20 minutes. We have some great depth there. Other special mentions..I thought hayze perham was a spark and could add some value during the season…Mitch rein is another good pickup..very crisp from dummy half, just the way mitch likes it…It is a real shame dunster got injured, he looked like he had a great off season, looked bigger and fitter…as much as i would love to give russell a go on the wing, I feel as though we need an experience winger for depth…dont mind the idea of picking up an out of favour winger from another club.
Jason, I’d say that picking up another winger is essential, even if Sean has the inside running. Below that there is even more inexperience with Naiduki and Komolafe. It would be a major step for both to play regular NSW Cup in 2022.
Absolutely.
Hi Sixties – thanks for yet another good read but I disagree that a trial is just a trial. IMO we have a soft underbelly and this has been shown numerous times esp in finals. Even when we seem to be on top of another team we rarely put them to the sword as clubs like Panthers and Storm do.
We were leading 16-0 after 16 mins and ended up losing the game.
I think that anything a player puts on an Eels jersey that they are out there to win! We need to harden up and be more ruthless. As I said, just my opinion.
Cheers Mark. I don’t disagree about having a ruthless attitude, but I think the weekend demonstrated the difference between trial results and premiership footy. Certainly trials with 25 or more players getting a run. Next week will be a step closer, and both teams will aim to perform well. Also, in my opinion going easy increases the risk of injury, so I want to see something closer to NRL standard.
Thanks for the wrap Sixties.
Reassuring to extend those cluster of contracts – I think arguably too many players went into the negotiation period last year.
I agree, Russel, Rodwell and Maka stood out from the fringe players.
Terrible news for Haze, Russell now gets a chance.
The game did slip away after a strong start not helped by poor discipline and dropped ball. JA doesn’t have the experience to turn the team around from the self destruct mode but will learn from the game.
The Riff will be a big step up, will be interesting
Dday, a bit tough to say JA doesn’t have the experience to turn the team around, you have to remember, when he was on we were leading, we lost it after he went off.
I think that’s a fair comment.
DDay. I thought we lost direction when JA left the field – and that was exacerbated by the minimal possession. I sat at the northern end and got a good view of our attack in the early period. To my eye Jake had a very strong game, and that was despite the occasions when the ball was not going to him on the left when he was calling for it. The opportunities were there, as evidenced by the line breaks and we could have put even more points on the board.
Tks sixties. I still say Junior got dudded on his ‘leg drop’ suspension, there was no movement other natural body momentum, whereas Fuimaono definitely alters the positioning of his leg to make a weak waist tackle more effective, but I 100% reckon it was reflex, not with intent, due to body position and
his instinct that his first effort needed more. Split second, gone wrong. (Not targeting sixties, just observing). Whatever, such a cruel blow for Haze.
I also thought the learnings from the trial might be some quiet reflection from all tiers of players, without being specific, there were some rusty moments that will remind people that the serious stuff is coming up.
Fair call on all points BDon.
I agree with your thoughts on intent in THAT tackle. There is no way that he would want to seriously injure someone who is literally family. However, he needs to learn from this. Given his past indiscretions, he must now realise that he runs the risk of the dangerous tackle resulting from his method. Therefore moving forward, such a style of tackle becomes reckless – ie no consideration of the consequence.
Agreed 60’s and BDon; my concern is the nrl with these tackles. IF they want to stamp them out, then these players need to miss a good part of the season; its a bad look. Not 5-7 weeks, thats a pittance to what the injured player gets.,
I go back to the wrestle and all the variations back over 10 yrs ago….Nathan Cayless copped a bad one in Melb i think when we made semis with J Taylor as coach….those wrestling tackles and others are still in the game with coaches coaching this.
The NRL needs to make examples out of players. That tackle was bad and looked bad, and it should have no place in the game. Dunster’s career could be in strife after this. The issue is the NRL is too soft and has been for a while.
Milo/ sixties, when the tackle occurred it just looked like an awkward momentum thing, but replays showed Fuimoana bringing his leg into the tackle as a second movement. I don’t think he had time to do that as an intentional play, it just happened because his body was falling into position to do that, he had no second tackler assist to feel like Haze had been stopped. Junior’s suspension a couple of seasons back was all about saying ‘no defense for these tackles, must not happen’.
As we know, Juniors wasn’t in the same universe as these other hip drops. I don’t even think it was a hip drop. So yes, if his copped a suspension then it should have been a message sent.
Fuimaono has now had a couple of decent suspensions for similar tackles. He needs to stop and if he doesn’t then should face sterner consequences.
Overall a good summation of the trial. Seems that once again though that we have the refs seemingly stuck with the arm that hits the eels for trivialities compared with the opposition
Having watched the progress of Haze since before his call up in place of MJ in 2020, to see him run on in a season where his prowess as a player, was showing incremental performances for season 2021. I was really looking forward to the trial against saints, and for 15 minutes it really looked that Haze had grown more in his playing abilities, which I believed was heading upwards.
To see the tackle that has taken his season away is for me gut wrenching, but not as much as it must have felt for Haze himself. To watch him crying out in pain was a most unpleasant sight & sound. Initially with trainers helping him off the field, I thought it was a serious injury but he came off, and like many we waited with baited breath as to the prognosis, I for one was really gutted when the injury was announced, I doubt that Haze would be a horse racing gambler as having a trifecta in an injury was the last thing he and supporters would have expected.
Haze, I really hope & pray that this season will see you back in 2023, stronger and more determined to keep going and rise to the heights that I (at least) believe you are capable of. To you and your Lovely Girl Friend/Partner my best wishes to the both of you into the future.
May God Bless you both and a strong recovery, rather than an too early rush back.
PS sixties. I understand your reasoning for clamp on the tackle that Haze copped, if you take this down, no issues, but! I would love to say more, as to my viewing of the incident I find very hard to not say anything. Take it down if you want.
Your comments and sentiments are fine Colin. I didn’t like what I saw, but there’s not just the disappointment of the injury, there would also be the emotion from the closeness between the players. I am conscious that we don’t want to tread a path that makes it more uncomfortable than it would already be.
Haze was developing a genuine understanding alongside Waqa and they both looked terrific during this preseason.
The only thing I find particularly strange is the length of Ogden’s contact it seems a bit much for a guy who so far hasn’t done much in 1st grade and was axed by the wooden spooners 2 years based of being good in training is strange I would of waited a bit longer before extending but what do I know.
We don’t know the size of the contract, so the value that they are getting from doing a longer deal now might make it low risk, high reward territory. In retrospect, we should have locked in Ice after the previous preseason.
I doubt his manager would of entered into negotiations that early with a 2years in pocket to begin with.
Ogden gets this year plus 2 more if he comes good value it would need to be quite the career turn around cause he’s not made the most of his opportunities so far
Good write up.
Shocking outcome for Haze. While Russell played well, do you think Opacic to left centre and Waqa to the wing could be an option? A big body out of the back field to start sets never hurts!
I had this discussion with another supporter yesterday. I was on the Waqa to Winger bus up till the back half of last season. I thought he was a strike player for us in late 2021 and I wish I could emphasise just how impressive he’s been at centre over this preseason. I guess him to the wing is an option, but I doubt it would happen.
Why not opiacic on the wing he’s played 1st grade there before
I think Waqa is more likely to shift there than Tom
Shocking injury for Dunster. How much behind Dunster is Russell skill and development wise? I know our depth shrinks even further but how much do we lose in Russell?
In terms of potential, I don’t think there’s any loss. The trial showed glimpses of what Russell will offer, and long term he is probably best suited to fullback. However, Russell like many other young players has missed a bit of footy due to Covid, whereas Haze has been in the full time squad since the 2019 preseason. Then again Haze got virtually no game time in 2020 until called up for the finals match with Souths.
So the difference is probably a bit of physicality, the time spent in an NRL squad and dozen NRL games.
Great read, thx Sixties. Here’s my own thought out opinion on trials. An injury in a trial game is somewhat academic in regards to the risk reward of having them.
Firstly an injury in a trial is just as likely to happen in round 1 as it is in the preceding trial. You could argue that rd1 will be more intense than the trial and therefore produce more injuries to younger players who don’t have that NRL acquired knowledge and tuffness.
Also the trial are gr8 for showcasing to the fans all the up and coming stars of the future.
I think the balance of ne trial primarily for up and comers and one for experienced players is a good balance. You then trust the coach for who he thinks needs the hit out and whether he wants to cotton wool anyone.
Solomone Naiduki, he seemed to have trouble with his hands? How was he in the lower grades?
Just seems powerful but hands might let him down in NRL.
It’s a fair assessment. Powerful runner but needs to work on his handling.
It was really interesting to see Shaun Lane in attack. All last year I wanted him off the edge and in the middle but even considering it was a trial to see him running brilliant and different attacking lines with conviction and options was so pleasing. I think at times last year we really missed his attacking ability and too see glimpses of it on Sunday has the potential to make our shifts less predictable.
Haze is a Parra junior and the blue and gold never fold. He has a hard path ahead but it will only make the victory, both team and personal, all the better. Good luck young man.
That type of tackle needs to be outlawed with really heavy sanctions. It carries enormous risk and can end a players career not just a season. Can you imagine if junior players start copying it, as they do with many moves they see on TV.
Spot on Shelley about Land and that tackle. Totally agree.
I’m still very, very filthy about that tackle, future brother-in-law or not.
Shelley, it was a reminder of how Lane ran off Dylan when he first came to the Eels.
Thanks sixties, great insights.
I didn’t see the game, only some highlights.
I think the trials are great and injuries occur, hey many occur at training…
We will be better off for this, and I don’t see the penny game as anything but a trial. I still hate them….and their coach.
I hope the team has nailed down their starts as at times we have seen Parra start slow…..and also refs penalise the pork pie out of us.
I am trying to see how I can watch this next one via the net.
Good luck with finding a stream to watch Milo. And you’re right about injuries. I’ve seen a few at training over the years.