How much can we take out of the 36 point demolition of an under strength Panthers in a preseason trial?
Obviously, it was sweet, if for nothing other than the reaction of the Penrith supporters in the dilapidated stands around us. Mostly it was the stunned silence that put the smile on my face.
The “stand up flags up” was notorious for its absence, but they are the reigning premiers for a reason and will hit back with all hands on deck.
Given the circumstances of the match, there’s little point in drawing a form line against the opposition or even examining Parra’s season prospects. What we need to examine is whether it provided the coaching staff with the answers to any preseason questions.
As a quick aside, it was validating for me to watch the team execute in some of the focus areas from the preseason. I’m still reluctant to elaborate on those, mostly because there was enough kept up the sleeve to leave opposition sides in the dark.
But, all of the foundations were pleasing. The defence was effective in keeping the opposition to zero, the forwards overpowered their opposites and functioned as a unit in attack, whilst their physicality earned the shifts. The spine was outstanding and everyone knew their role.
From my perspective, the major takes are mostly about selections. All contenders pushed their case for inclusion and if the decisions aren’t tough enough for the opening round, they’ll be even harder by round two.
Sean Russell Emerges
Before Haze Dunster suffered his season ending injury, this would not be a topic for discussion. Coach Arthur was already on record that the starting 13 picked itself.
Sean Russell (image NRL.com)
However, when one door closes another opens, and Russell marched boldly into PARRAdise last night, his invitation held up for all to see.
Even putting his impressive try aside, the talented rookie played with pace, power and importantly, intelligence. He literally could have done nothing more to convince BA that he was ready.
Everything that he did demonstrated composure and a hefty measure of football nous. He pulled all the right reins with every decision, and he carried the ball powerfully into contact, and then elusively when given space.
Any Eels supporter watching his performance would have few concerns should win a wing spot come round one.
Jake Arthur – The Left Field Alternative
Nobody saw this coming, unless they’d taken a sneaky look at Eels training this past week.
The inclusion of Jake Arthur in the halves, accompanied by the double positional switch of Brown to left centre and Blake to the wing, provides another way to cover for Haze Dunster’s injury.
Jake Arthur
Arthur has been one of the stars of the preseason and literally demanded to be selected.
Apart from one missed tackle, JA looked comfortable in his role and handled the tactical kicking with aplomb. Likewise, Dylan Brown shifted out to the edge with ease and linked with JA for a classy try.
If the trial was testing the viability of this option, then it easily scored a pass mark.
The Bench
I’m assuming that the inclusion of Jake Arthur on the bench was BA’s method of looking at an alternative to Sean Russell, or to consider what his options are should the Eels not recruit another winger for the season.
However, this course of action might just have provided the solution to finding a place for the form player of preseason training – JA.
At the moment, Jake Arthur doesn’t have the versatility to cover positions outside the halves. His body frame might be heading towards changing that, but the person who has the utility value is Dylan Brown. He can cover centre, or possibly dummy half.
That doesn’t mean that Brown gets shifted to the bench. He was in rare touch last night and provided early confirmation that he’s focussed on producing a huge 2022. The spine fired their first warning shot against the Riff and it might just have been heard all around the NRL.
Selecting Arthur on the bench can work, but I’m not certain that BA will go that way. It might be effective for the team but given that Jake is a 19 year old playmaker, would his development be better served by getting limited NRL game time off the bench or by 80 minutes guiding a team in NSW Cup?
Deciding the composition of the bench is likely to provide the answer.
Let’s put the opening round aside as the unavailability of certain players could make the first game an anomaly.
After round one, Marata Niukore and Nathan Brown will be certain inclusions, with Brown and Matterson fighting out for the starting lock role.
This leaves two positions.
Makahesi “Krakatoa”
Based on the preseason and the trials, it’s difficult to ignore the claims of Makahesi Makatoa. The man who should have Krakatoa as his surname with the impact of his carries is the late bloomer success story that should encourage a few “park players” to keep chasing their dream.
This now leaves that final spot. Will BA go with another middle forward such as Oregon Kaufusi or a more versatile player who can cover multiple positions.
It’s arguable that Marata already fills that brief with his capacity to play centre, back row or middle.
Perhaps BA has already shown his hand by including Stone ahead of Rein in the trials. At a pinch, Mr 3:16 can cover for Reed but it’s the pain and energy that he injects which the coach is likely looking for.
And finally there is Bryce Cartwright. He was a rightfully favoured option in 2021 but based on the trials he seems to have taken a step down the pecking order for this season.
My Tip
Forced to make a call, I’ll tip Arthur to select the same team in round one as he did for the trial. It was a winning combination that he’d be reluctant to change.
Going forward, Brown and Niukore return and will force out Kaufusi and probably Jake Arthur. Form and/or injuries might change that, but that seems the likely scenario.
The only change will be whether BA decides to include a specialist dummy half on the bench. If Rein gets the nod, that would push Stone out of his spot, but there’s been no indicator from the trials that this will occur.
Have the trials answered your questions?
What was your major take from the obliteration of the Panthers?
The season is upon us and I love it!
Eels forever!
Sixties
The trial form showed the eels have used the off-season well.
Changes to the attacking lines were impressive; direct lines by the middles/edge forwards and halves with angles runs back against the grain & offloads. Defence was well organised.
Russell looked ready for NRL – smart plays and did his share of the tough hit ups.
Not sure about the JA utility role – that’s a lot of shifting to get him onto the bench. Alternatively, if there is an injury to Moses/gutho or in the centres then I think there’s a tested solution ready to go.
Eels are in good shape, lots of options primed – couldn’t have asked for more from the pre-season.
I think you summed it up well. Apart from the injury to Haze, the Eels have got what they needed from the preseason.
A very concise summary 60’s and I believe you hit all the pertinent points, whilst watching it I could not understand the JA move but the idea certainly has merit once I have defused it. It surprised me mainly because BA has never been one to make structural changes of such a nature, do you think it is coming from the two consultants and have they been that influential this quickly.
Leads me to ask the question how hands on are the consultants and is there a formal process where everyone comes together that you are aware of ?
How does Ryan Carr fit at this stage, as it seems we will be a lot more fluid between the main team and the NSW Cup side. Players like Bryce Cartwright will get more time in Reserve Grade and I think it is good for these players to get more match time before being called in. Others like Moretti and Rodwell come into the same equation, also Opacic.
It would seem reasonable if we are going to replace a winger that Blake is obvious which means the JA / Brown switch would be on.
Now I am not getting carried away with JA’s capability but I could not help but think the way we used to switch Kenny and Ella as centre’s & 5/8’s…..it also confirms (in my mind) that Dyllan is not true 7 at this point of his career and that such a switch between 5/8 and centre will not hurt one bit.
My optimism is at a premium still and lets not get lost on the press pushing the early flyers syndrome, we know circumstances for that in the past were pertinent and this side is much better balanced than any previous since the renaissance.
Poppa, I have seen both consultants at training, though I believe Ennis also has a hands-on role not dissimilar to Johns. If they don’t get to training they would get access to video of training to provide feedback. They would not be in such roles if BA didn’t want the type of feedback that they can provide. You might have noticed the vision of Mary in the box with BA.
For some reason there is a perception that Arthur isn’t open to new ideas or the opinions of experienced people, yet the evidence has always been there that is quite the opposite. Prior to Johns there was Kimmorley and Ive witnessed a variety of visitors to training over the years.
Ryan Carr is in a full time position, which means that he works with all of the players during the preseason – as all of the coaching team do. As we get to this point of the preseason he adds more focus to working with the full time players in his team each week.
Compared to last weeks Saints game loss, I had some concerning thinking with the way the game may go, didn’t help with the later time that had been advertised for the game to start at 530p, and when I turned on was half way through first half, and with that score I thought the game was in the 2nd half and I would see a short game.
In the end trials are trials and a time for experimenting with player exchanges, and I believe that is what we saw yesterday. With the loss of Haze for the year, there was a need to experiment as far as his replacement goes, hopefully Haze will make a full recovery and not lose his wing spot.
There has been several posts I have read on different platforms about having DBrown swapped to centre, that happened with JA taking his 6 spot, and I thought it went well.
Some of the replacement backs will need a big year for showing what they have in their play bags. However, & its early days so far but I am not really sold on Ogden, a big unit but I don’t believe he is NRL standard in the two games that I have seen of him.
Cartwright to the bench also covers the halves plus provides his silky skills to the team generally and Niukore covers middle, edge and centre so a lot of versatility with these two. Would prefer Nathan Brown to come off the bench for 20-30mins of high impact energy once starting middles are off which might extend his career.
Cartwright still lakes composure , risky as always !!
One of those moments led to a sin bin and being placed on report
I value Carty’s skills but as I said, it looks like he’ll have to fight for a spot.
I really want Cartwright to succeed but he still makes just as many errors as he does brilliant stuff. He just does not provide the reliability needed.
He can be an extremely dangerous ball runner, and just needs to find the right balance
Lots of commentary around Panthers being under strength. My question is, Does Cleary, JFH, Edwards, and Yeo make up 36 points? I dont think so.
it doesn’t, and there was probably more merit in Parra’s performance using a reggies side in round 25 last year.
The trial underlined what a decent squad at our disposal and the damage that they can do.
Have to be pleased with the style of play , defence and the younger players going on with it as they were added in the second half.
The bench now becomes one of the major discussion points. From the outset always thought it would not be ideal for the balance of the team to bring JA on to the bench, that was somewhat allayed by what we saw in the trial. Personally, would prefer someone like Rein to make up the balance of the bench, provides cover for “he who is leaving” and another experienced player in to the mix of early season games.
Always better to win in trials and start the year with confidence, does however give the media knobs something to write about – starting the season too fast, mid season collapse etc , which they are doing .
I noticed that the talk was already on that. My preferences will always be to try to win every match, and if that means piling on early season points and guaranteeing a finals spot, count me in. As for the “fade” we all know that the team didn’t adjust to the Qld shift last year, but got their act together by finals time. They struck terrific form for the finals but we all know what happened.
That fade was sponsored by injuries to key players.
Moses
RCG
Mahoney
Lussick
Tks sixties, good angle to explore. Our spine is ripening, augurs well.Pack, ditto. Matterson is finding his mojo again. Defence out wide problem looks resolved – Manly and Souths(with Mitchell) will test this theory. We’ve got to get Wiremu on the bench and identify/develop his role.
In mentioning Wiremu, you provide a reminder of the depth in the middle forwards. There are a few options!
Great result albeit a trial. No injuries and a to Nil scoreline. Russell stepped up to the plate and didn’t disappoint. BA blooded him last year and that decision has paid off. Also, as you said Rd 25 last year was about this year. I think Simmonson and Russell will get better. But the call to put JA at 6, Dylbags at centre and Waqa to wing was also a great call.
I heard Cronk talking about the late season fade and can BA prevent that? I believe he can. Our forwards look strong and in the wet to play that game was outstanding. I don’t know the error count? Did we make any…
The best part was listening to Cleary post game interview… LoL
Pete, the Penrith fans near us had the ref in the targets. Can you believe that 🤣🤣🤣
Not sure how the Riff got on the refs case, at one stage it felt like an U8s game where he was trying to even up the score. Anyway, great effort and the naysayers like Hoops, Buzz, and others will do their usual. If we had lost, the headline was easy to write, failures and downhill skiers, while they salivate on the Roosters, Souffs and Dogs as usual. Lunch anyone at Fox Sports or Chinese at Canterbury Leagues 🤔
I know these things can be normal and your own side not innocent, but the Riff’s last player up off the tackle was constantly dwelling , particularly as the pressure built from our high possession rate. Cummins was giving them leeway but whistled it every now and then as a warning shot. I heard him clearly shout it once, then pinged them on the next tackle, not listening lads.
We must have been sitting in the same spot. Could not believe the rants about the ref. Maybe rulebooks can be part of the membership packages
The team 1-13 is now set in stone
the a bench however will be the biggest talking point.
id have Makatoa, Kafusi, Cartwright, Rein
No team is ever set in stone , injurys , suspensions and different players fir different teams , thats coaching .
So true, we will see quite a few combinations/permutations during the year.
I had something similar a couple of weeks ago. I was surprised over the last two weeks by the selections but it’s hard to dispute them.
I think Rein being a specialist hooker I’d not have him on the bench but if Reed goes down in a game Stone/Dylan can fill that role.
Then if Reed is out, Rein comes in to start similar to Joey last year he was only used twice off the bench because he didn’t have the utility value
Rein is not a genuine utility my opinion whereas will smith was , ja will spend more time ko cup as he should but need better than a 1 position player on bench so in certain games id leave it to people qualified , stone to 9 , gee i hope not .
Stone is a stop gap as cover during a game Rein plays as a out and out hooker.
He stays in the Reggie’s team getting 80 mins each week that way if needed he’s ready
Agree with that , misunderstood what you said 👍
Krakatoa and oregano only two i have penciled in , rest is decided by opposition . Brown back round 1 presumably so that changes bench , then marata next week changes again , stones looking a bit crumbly .
Can’t disagree with the 1-13. But my bench would find a place for Wiremu Greig Anon?
I know I’m going to get shot down but if BA moves the best young number 6 the club has produced to centre to fit his Son into the team he has lost me. There are a number of options that make a lot more sense if we need to shift Waqa to the Wing.
Marata and Tom Opacic have both proven to be great in the centre’s so why weaken 5/8 and centre to get the same result.
Yes Jake works hard and has some talent but he isn’t even close to Dylan Brown and if Brad thinks otherwise I’d be amazed. You can’t have a 5/8 that doesn’t have a first class running game and unfortunately Jake doesn’t.
Where was that even suggested, was to look at structures if injuries occurred during a game. Need to stop trying to bring the family into it, can assure you that is so far from the truth that the coach would do it.
Seriously, conspiracy theories are not needed and maybe kept to another forum, where they are endemic.
Firstly it wasn’t suggested it was there for all to see. Jake made the 17 on Saturday which was very strange given his limited versatility.
He could have been named anywhere in yesterday’s squad and played any role that was required. Yet he’s named in the 17. I seriously hope it’s not a sign of things to come.
Jake has the potential to be a handy player but unfortunately he has two excellent halves in his way. The only way he should see first grade anytime soon is due to injury or suspension.
I don’t see the problem that you are seeing Clive. Firstly it was a trial and it provided an opportunity to consider an option to cover a wing spot.
There have been many people suggesting different positions for Dylan and the coach experimented with one in a trial. Dylan responded by having his most involved game in in memory. How can that be a bad thing?
Sixties my concern is it appears the coaches are placing Jake far higher up the pecking order for first grade than he currently deserves. If Moses and Dylan are healthy there is no way he should play NRL.
He absolutely should be getting game time as back up half but to have him named on the bench in front of guys like Rein and Cartwright is ridiculous.
As for putting Brown in the centre’s why would you weaken 5/8 and Centre to fix a winger shortage when you could slot Marata or Opacic straight into centre?
Brown had his best game in ages yesterday at 5/8, it had nothing to do with him being in the centres.
Clive it was a trial. There were some innovations. They also won by 36 nil. If it was a premiership match and performed poorly I might share your concerns. Dylan had an outstanding game in the halves and I wouldn’t want that changed at the moment. I also observed quite clearly that BA needed to decide what would be best for Jakes development and getting limited minutes off the bench is not ideal for a playmaking half.
Granted it was a trial but we were told a number of times it was basically our best team on the park and that it’s last chance to get our game in order.
Just out of curiosity do you feel JA has the ability to be a better half than Dylan?
Put simply you have no idea , silly comment but mines even sillier bothering to reply !!
Obviously kenny was a mug according to you clive , me id be amazed if anyone placed any credibility in your comments full stop .
I genuinely don’t have a clue what your rambling on about. I’m guessing when you refer to “kenny” that your talking about Brett in which case I have no idea why he is relevant to this conversation.
In future can you fit your “genius” into one message and put a name to it.
Your words “the best no 6 the club has produced “ ,yep i was referring to brett Kenny recognized not only by the club but the game as one of our greatest talents with the laurels to prove . Clive from here on the the anonymous person previously known as anonymous is steve just to please you . Your concern re coaches decisions implies you know far more than they do so i hope they check with you in future , your knowledge is obviously going to waste !
Great write up 60s. All the articles recently are leaving me with lots of questions – in a good way. Unfortunately I didn’t watch, was moving house, but glad to see the result even against an understrength Riff in a trial.
Perhaps another way to look at it, there are a few players that I think would benefit from more game time in NSW Cup and therefore help make NRL selections. Namely Cartwright, Kafusi, and Stone. Last year they all looked a bit underdone on the field at certain points with some of their on field decision. The same goes for Ogden I presume. Whereas Makatoa and Rein I suspect will be more game ready. I think of those blokes get more game time in NSW cup, their ‘impact’ roles when they make the 17 will be more effective. So for mine at a guess the bench has Maka and Rein.
Mick, there were times last year when BA selected players such as Carty, Kaufusi and others in reggies to get the minutes into them. They also monitor how many kilometres players do during the week, and if they drop down due to being on the bench, they get extra km into their legs.
Agree mick and this applies to the youngsters ,ja , hes simply been given time in trials to help with his development i would suggest the same with Russell , both their immediate future are in ko cup getting experience taking whatever opps given them in nrl by injurys , suspensions etc but develop them we must , weve become a powerhouse again because of the hard work done by our coaching staff so thier decisions are the ones that guide the club , me im happy with that but unfortunately others think they know better , a portion of any squad are backup options only with the devekopment juniors being the future , our development seems to be working well considering reedy ,oregan ,stone and marata all being poached from our ranks while the nrl sits on its hands offering no protection or compensation to the clubs involved .
Steve, I think what the coaches have done really well is to develop more players below NRL who are very capable to fill in when called upon.
I really enjoyed the game last night. While I am fully aware that it was a trial and Panthers had very good players missing from the game.
However the highlight for me was that the Eels kept them pointless. Even once the reserves came out to rest the starters the resolve remained.
Just a couple of mentions from me including Penisini. He just does not look like a player with 5 games of NRL experience.
In the first try among others he played a crucial role. He kept his head and didn’t just go for the line. He saw Reed calling for the ball and got it to him with accuracy.
Makahesi Makatoa has gone up another level this season. His work rate was very good last night on both sides of the ball. Furthermore he showed good anticipation and desire to pick up a couple of tries.
The other player who I believe has improved a lot since last year is Sean Russell. I look forward to what he is capable of in a couple of years.
Bring on the Titans.
I’m never too fussed about trial game results but I gotta say that was impressive even with Penrith being under strength. If that is indeed a glimpse of 2022 then it will be a good season.
It was a terrific way to round off the preseason, and to have no injuries was a major bonus.
Interesting that a few people have mentioned the possibility of Brown playing at 9. I mentioned this over a year ago for the first time and still maintain he’d kill it. Has the defence, ball playing skills, kicking ability and is quick between the ears. He would HAVE to increase his participation in games and would do well imo. Then JA and Moses in the halves. Favourable towards the salary cap too.
Matthew Komolafe had one very good run that caught my eye, strong looking. What can you tell us about him Sixties? In a position where we are light the younger brigade are a couple of injuries from being blooded….
Matt needs footy after the last two years. A combination of injury and Covid lockdowns have limited his time on the field. He’s still eligible for Flegg and might be played there. If he gets NSW Cup time, that would be a great next step.
Great discussion here. I wonder if the key to bringing Arthur’s skills into the mix is to have Niukore play at CTR, shifting Blake to cover Dunster. Niukore killed it at CTR last year and it could bring his impact into the game for longer. Dylan Brown could shift there for a spell towards the end of the game to add some extra playmaking options. Defensively, that side would be formidable in defence and hard to tackle
It’s not a bad call. I guess the thing is that BA can structure his bench in that way too, which means he can pick different benches to suit different opponents.
Mr Sixties, I have said in the past if Penrith play every team like they play Parra then they could win the competition. What Parra did yesterday was right out of Penrith’s pkaybook. They took it seriously and wanted not only to win but tell them to watch out we mean business.
Sure they had some key players out but Penrith never takes it easy.againat the Eels. It was a most polished win in difficult conditions. It was a confidence booster.
I have to say I was most impressed with young Jake. Is he ready for NRL? Well he is not far off – his kicking game has really improved. I still believe he needs time in the lower grade to continue to his progress.
When it comes to bench selections this should be based on the team they play. There is no easy game but clearly some teams are easier than others. Bench rotation will assist with coping with any fade out towards the end. As fit as they can be they are still humans and rotation during the season (not toward the end) will help the team and help carry the load. Now that Fergo has departed our the defence down that side is excellent. Parra should make Penisini first cab of the rank for the next long term signing. He is a class act.
If they play like they yesterday than they have a real chance to make it this year. It’s a tough competition but winnable and Parra certainly has the depth to go all the way.
I was nodding my head as I read this reply of yours Zero. There definitely was a message sent, especially as the Riff played last years trial like it was a grand final. As for Will, his contract must be a priority.
Totally getting ahead of myself, but injuries/bench will also give coaching staff some thought fodder for 2023. They won’t be waiting til October to shape their thinking, particularly about the impact of Niukore/Papali’i.
Their training should taper and players rested as the season goes on to limit any fade. Hopefully lessons learned last year.
Great write up as always TCT
Thought Junior Paulo was outstanding, he looks like a real leader, Matto put some good shots on, Maka is fast becoming a Parra legend too. Reg was a workhorse.
Could sit here and list every forward i thought there were all great. Shame about Cartwright, not sure he will get suspended didnt look too bad.
I like what Jake bought in the second half, he’s got a big future.
I was talking about the forwards to a wise bloke this morning. Couldn’t fault anyone. In fact couldn’t fault anyone who got on the field.
As for Jake, a more dedicated young player you wouldn’t meet. His work ethic off the field, and his composure on it, will stand him in great stead.
Exciting times for the Eels. In my eyes the trials have revealed the significant depth the eels have at their disposal for 2022 (wingers being the exception). Full credit to the coaching staff and recruitment staff for pulling the right reigns to ensure we have a competitive squad and not just starting 13. Looking back 5 years or so we would have dreamed of being in this position and to make it happen deserves to be praised. The Eels are building for sustained success and apart from that missing premiership I couldn’t ask for anymore.
👍
How easily we forget!
I never forget Grunta. I travelled to Maitland and attended every training session in 2018.
Our capacity to add the right players to the squad and turn fringe players into quality NRL players seems to be the major difference.
https://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2018/02/24/knights-downed-by-eels-in-maitland-trial/
Remember the last time we were excited about a trial match
I for one will not be holding my breath
Aww ,go on 5 minutes ought to do it !
As someone who was close to the action in 2018 I never forget. I would also suggest that the staff haven’t either.
I hope it was a good lesson learnt….. Dark days from that game on……annus horribilis
See a proctologist for that .