It’s time for certain supporters to take a walk into the big room of mirrors.
If you are someone who despises bullying and/or trolls on social media, yet have jumped into various platforms to throw personal comments at the Arthur family, then take a long hard look at yourself.
The level of hatred and abuse that I’ve seen directed at Brad, and especially at Jake, since Saturday’s loss to the Cowboys has more than crossed the line.
Some of it is just pure stupidity. For example, comments wishing that the Eels lose ten games in a row so that both are sacked, or hoping that the Eels lose to the Dogs with Jake at 5/8 are windows to the lack of grey matter of the author.
Brad Arthur
However, there have been personally vindictive and abusive comments made about Brad and Jake. In all likelihood, BA would care less about any barbs that he cops.
The attacks on his son are a far different matter.
Stay with me as I try to paint the landscape.
Jake was arguably the star of the preseason. The narcs out there will immediately be ready to reply that such a result was more reflective of the lesser performance of the squad. I’ve read such quips before and they hold no relevance.
The Eels boast one of the most consistently performing squads in the NRL, having qualified for the last three finals series. Parra also boasts outstanding, high profile trainers such as Gutho, Dylan, Mahoney and Ice.
For Jake to shine against experienced NRL campaigners said plenty about his development and attitude.
And I’m not just talking conditioning. I’m referencing opposed work which can sometimes be as intense as an NRL match.
I’ve watched Jake play since he was 14, and the accelerated development of his game has caught me by surprise. Given the Covid shut downs of lower grade competitions, it’s even more stunning.
At the end of the preseason I stated that it would be unfair to leave Jake out of the 17, but noted that it was impossible to leave out Moses or Brown.
However, the blokes in the shed wanted Jake to be included and BA found a place for him on the bench. It was an unexpected role but in round one, he was called on after Sean Russell’s injury. Fortunately he steadied the ship when the first half touch football game began to play right into the Titans hands.
It’s well documented that a sudden bout of appendicitis struck Jake as he sat on the bench during the Cronulla game and resulted in him missing the next three rounds. His comeback was in Round 6 of the NSW Cup where he was one of the best on field in the victory over the Magpies.
Jake Arthur
Parra’s mounting injury toll forced BA into a decision that he didn’t want to make, moving Brown away from 5/8.
Why did he do it? There are literally no top 30 backs left in the club.
For those who doubt it, let me run through yesterday’s NSW Cup backline – Rankin, Komolafe, Cini, Loizou, Minhinnick, Hands, Williams.
And for those who missed it, with a host of players filling in across the grades, the injury crisis finally caught up with the club this weekend, losing the Cup 28-4 and the Flegg 30-6. Familiar score lines?
So we have a 19 year old player on the rise, a talented kid who loves his club with a passion, who’s not yet a regular first grader but will be, and he’s brought into the team when there is a casualty ward full of Parra backline players.
The first up result was a victory over the struggling Knights. All good, but supporters still found reasons to launch personal attacks even after a win.
Second up, the Eels turn in a substandard effort in getting hammered by the Cowboys.
Guess who cops the abuse and the blame? There was no shortage of highly paid stars who weren’t up to scratch. You don’t cop a thirty point thrashing without multiple players being below par.
Let me repeat my comments after the Eels highly disappointing effort.
Anyone blaming Jake wasn’t watching the match. They weren’t watching the team straying from the match plan, playing laterally without getting control of the middle. They must have missed the poor finishing that cost the Eels tries, or the missed tackles that allowed the Cows to score far too easily.
They also didn’t give much credit to a very good Cowboys team that executed near perfectly in conditions that suited them, and in front of a crowd that clearly favoured them.
Those are the facts.
The other fact is that when BA was forced to shift Dylan Brown to centre, it understandably displeased many supporters. Brown was in rare form. Emotion is a part of supporting a team and should always remain so.
But such emotion is not an excuse for keyboard warriors – actually, the appropriate term is keyboard cowards.
Valid criticism will never cross the line. Different opinions can be expressed without launching into abuse. Healthy debate after a loss is something that all supporters are entitled to engage in.
The media has today reported the social media comments of Eels “supporters”.
Phil Rothfield has also written about the responses to such comments from Eels media executive Kate Cardwell. She’s drawn a line in the sand. I applaud Kate and stand alongside her in declaring that enough is enough. The hate has been sickening and I wouldn’t have seen the worst of it.
I’ve now muted those on social media platforms that have crossed the line and I’ll continue to do so.
For those who participate in or condone personal abuse, shame on you. In an era when people are more aware of mental health, you must be tone deaf. That’s the kindest response I could make.
Following rugby league and being passionate about the Eels is something that has always provided me with much joy.
I refuse to let the minority, the hateful, take that away.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Sixties, a totally honest a fair post compared to the many comments on the other site, and no doubt will be found on others at the same time.
I made the comment regarding the Nepotism tag on the other site. What I said was that in 75 years of my life I had never heard the word Nepotism, until it surfaced in a huge way there. When I looked the meaning up, this morning I was surprised but overall not really owing to the number of longer term posters there who love putting the team and club down when a loss is made.
I ended my post by saying I have left the site and taken the following tag off what I said, if I am attacked it will not worry me one bit.
I also noted that we have 8 NRL players out injured, with 2 possibly back next round and another the following week, But that would not matter to the so called fans and expert ones at that over there.
I would seriously wonder how many of those who troll the lines over there, whether they have any real understanding of the game at all, if they are eels said fans, well that is not true, while every team suffers losses and big ones do their fans carry on calling for blood, maybe in odd cases it may happen, but gee I believe those who are making the comments towards JA and coaching staff have no idea, have never laced a pair of RL boots and ran out on training paddocks and games, to feel the hard earned wins, even the losses.
Age & health has prevented me from going to games but I really wonder even if the drive difference was not as it is, I seriously could not stay at a game that the amount of hent up anger in those who make the defamatory comments with no real knowledge of the game and people they put down.
Well said Colin.
Well said Sixties, supporters feel the pain of defeat as well as the players, but the standard of social media vitriol crossed the line. There was no recognition of the club missing 9 players out of an NRL registered 28, and it now only impacted on the top side but across the board as all teams were weakened.
Comment all you like about tactics, missed tackles etc, but attacks on a family that is as passionate about the club as any fan is beyond the pale.
The highs and lows of sporting teams are legendary from the junior league U10s to A grade, losing matches they were expected to win, and turning in substandard performances, this is what you see when you are not a robot ( yes, they fail too).
To make a point, take 9 players out of any NRL team, and 7 of the, being outside backs, do the maths and look at the names and it’s obvious there will be massive swings in performance.
Be disappointed, but expectations have changed for the club from the dark days of the 90s and the early 2010s, the coach has built the team to where success is the norm. At the end of the day , we are the Blue and Gold Army, and that’s the bottom line , support your team.
In closing, social media can provide the worst of all of us, in the past we would talk to a mate about how the result was awful now so many spew unnecessary and hateful comments for everyone to see, and worse it encourages more of the same.
Well said Derek. As you point out BA is a victim of his own success.
Supporters are like neighbours. You don’t get to pick them, it is the luck of the draw.
Hi Sixties, agree social media crosses the line way to much when not needed. As for JA I have always believed even after his 1st game he was not ready for first grade. Is he up to it only time will tell. I think BA is doing him an injustice by selecting him, I know all fathers want to help their children to succeed and give them all the assistance they can but most time being close you tend to have a blind spot. I truly believe he would be better served JA that is in reserve grade for 1 to 2 seasons allowing him to get his body prepared for playing men for 80 minutes and honing his skills without the scrutiny and pressure of fg. Nothing against JA, even if he wasn’t BA son I would think the same, too many talented players never reached their potential for being rushed in or promoted in when not ready, hopefully this doesn’t happen to JA.
One of the problems is the kid is just so likeable. The best coaches and maybe Brad is one of them are not ones that surround themselves
In yes men. From what we read it was the assistant coaches and senior players who pushed Jake’s cause and assured his father was up to the task. Time might show they were wrong. Without knowing the inner machinations inside the club it’s hard to be steadfast in having an opinion, nevertheless I feel that someone like matterson should of been placed in the centres and Dylan left where he was . It’s been a finicky project to get Dylan to find his feet at 58 , both at a confidence and decision making level , that is to say learning to run more. I really like Jake as a young man and his bravery and deference to those around him is so pleasing. Those throwing the stones in ad hominem fashion should be ignored.
Totally agree Mat, like your thoughts with Matterson as I thought the same with him or even Cartwright who I believe has actually played a few games at center.
Here, bloody here! The vitriol against both have been disgraceful. I’ve been sick of it and have said so on most of the Facebook fan pages I am on.
Im a big fan of Jake’s. I get that he has some development to go, but I’ve seen enough to see a future. I just hope it’s with our club.
Please let the guys at the club, especially Jake if you get the chance, that the gooses saying this stuff are the loud minority. Jake has many fans too afraid to express it because of the splash back.
Rothfield ?? 😅 I’ve had a good look at the different sites and there are the normal pin heads who are completely off the tree but all in all they are very very much the minority. I’ve found most are of the opinion that JA doesn’t have the ability to hold a position in the team, whether it be starting or on the bench at this point of his career and have expressed those views. There is a lot of sympathy for JA , not so much for BA.
I’m not the coach and BA must live by his decisions but my opinion is that if BA selects JA then like all players, he is subject to any criticism that may come his way. He can’t be shielded ! And can I say as an aside, if you are playing 5/8 and you fail to run a metre , throw some pretty ordinary passes and your contribution is negligible then perhaps you give ammunition to those guns ? 🤔
Whilst I agree with your points sixties, we must be very careful in not categorising everyone in the same boat as being harmful just because they personally believe that he doesn’t has the skills to be there.
Personally, I thought it was probably not the greatest move by Kate Cardwell on behalf of the club as evidenced by the fact that she later removed her tweet.
Participation in the ‘big show’ is not a nursery. It’s not for the faint hearted. It’s ruthless and uncompromising and that’s the way the professional athletes want it to be. It’s the best against the best and the best way for JA to answer the criticism is for him to accept the challenge and take the game by the scruff of the neck.
Game day is not practice day. He can look like Dally Messenger in practice but it means absolutely nothing if he crumbles during a real game.
That’s the challenge kid – if you are everything that sixties says you are then show us ! Results talk and bullshit walks!
I’m sure tough as teak, BA would be saying to him, if you can’t take a bloody nose son, perhaps you don’t belong in the game ? And if JA is anything like his father then that’s probably the way he’s dealing with it too.
Did the point of this editorial make a lovely whooshing sound as it sailed over your head? FMD.
Well said.
The Eels halves are some of the most scrutinised in the completion . They’ve all been put under the blow torch since Sterlo. It isn’t unique to Jake , but what is unique is his absolute fast tracking to the NRL side . You can’t debate that . He went from schoolboy footy , to a handful of Cup games , to a spot in the Eels side. I’m
not sure he was ready for that pressure cooker and the club and especially BA had to see what was coming here. He’s quite a talented youngster but that doesn’t mean he is ready to come in at the drop of a hat and take over the running of an NRL side . He’s far from it .
It’s all very well and good to dominate training and be up there with the big dogs but that again is part of his development. He’s had the luxury of training with a first grade squad since he was about 8. There’s been many a solid trainer throughout rugby league history , it doesn’t mean a spot in the NRL has been earned. For starters where does his fit in our side ? The only way you can get him on the bench is to disrupt the halves as he can’t play any other position . He’s being developed into an out and out halfback. Having he and Mitch on the field at the same time hasn’t generally worked and the team look like the key players become unfamiliar with their roles. We play a style with a ball running 5/8 and a ball playing fullback. Jake is not a ball runner so the roles seem a little unsure by looking at what’s going on on the field.
He’s currently off the pace . I think most fans would love to see him do well but I don’t think it’s unfair to ask how this is good for his development. He’s far to young and inexperienced to be facing this level of scrutiny and hostility but the more you spotlight it and blame the fans the worse his growing pains in such a high profile spot are going to be . These pains should be happening in NSW Cup. It’s going to become a very destabilising issue as we have to sit through the NRL 360 boys discussing it every night .. staring out with blaming fans and moving onto how it effects other players in the team .. no doubt .
I acknowledge we have a lot of outside back injuries but this isn’t the answer . Teams aren’t messing around with their spines to fix other problems . You don’t need to make key spots weaker by choice . There’s nothing wrong with defending DB at centre and pushing a backrower into 5/8 if need be and then swapping in attack . The move seems to have been made more to get Hake into the side than out of necessity.
Agreed. That is how I see it as well.
Well said. Totally agree
Thank you for what I see as a well thought out explanation of what half the fans have also observed on field. I didn’t think JA was the worst player on the paddock against the Cowboys, but I did see our spine continue to suffer for the lack of one of our halves injecting himself into the fray and backing up the others in a role that has developed over them playing together for nearly 4 years now which the other three have become used to also.
Also the lack of Dylan Brown’s presence on the left side of the ruck attacking the opposition with agressive running at gaps being created around and through tiring forwards bringing Shaun Lane and whoever is playing centre and wing onto the ball on that left side. When you take that threat out of our attacking options the opposition can almost ignore that potential threat and put more energy and focus into dismantling Mitch Moses on the right with his comrades in that structure.
It’s not necessarily what JA does wrong, it’s also what he can’t do to maintain the brilliance of the missing cog in our previously white hot spine which he has not actually replaced; but in reality by his presence at 5/8 he has banished DB to the wilderness at centre. Not JA’s fault, he doesn’t pick the team.
This is spot on James, nice write-up.
Well said. The kid needs time in NSW cup to develop. He is not ready for NRL and is not a super talented kid who should be fast tracked
A great article. The sad thing is that when you try to be the voice of reason and call some of these people out you then become the target.
I was talking to my friend about the stupidity from the fans who actually were hurling abuse at him on his Instagram. He then told me about how there are fans who wished for him to get an ACL.
I will say that Brad as a father should be thinking about his sons mental health. Whether we like it or not, people will always see favouritism when it comes to family. While Jakob had a top preseason, it doesn’t get people a spot. There have been players who excel in that period.
If his son isn’t ready for first grade and he picked him, then that is what people will see. Is it right for people to do what they do? Absolutely not. Does it happen in sport? It sure does.
Look at guys like Brooks, Gutherson and Moses. When people haven’t been happy with them, the abuse has definitely gone too far. In fact, I saw Jakob Arthur defenders who wanted to deflect onto Moses. You could see that Moses had heavy strapping on his shoulder and leg.
Our injury toll is horrid and I think that it is understandable that Brad was not in a great position, but iirc even before the injuries, people were not happy with Brad picking Jakob in the 30. It was seen as Brad potentially trying to mess with the halves combo and he was in the end, even before the injury toll got bad.
Jakob needs to play in a team that doesn’t have the pressure that Parra does. Parra has a stigma and people are looking for someone to blame. It isn’t fair that they take it out on a kid and it is shameful how far people have taken it, but once you put on those boots and run out into first grade, people don’t see the kid, they see their representative.
I feel sorry for Jakob and I hope that he doesn’t become resentful, but grows to be a top player. It doesn’t look like it is his time yet, but that usually comes with being green. It doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have the ability to succeed.
Really well said. My first thought is how JA would be feeling as a young kid. The nature of the comments that were directed at BA and JA were disgusting – we were all disappointed with the result but the personal attacks by supporters is definitely crossing the line. I didn’t read too many because I won’t give my time reading these types of comments or the posts and comments on other EELS groups along the same lines.
Well said Sixties and Huss. I WAS a member of the other MOB, but no longer. I could not believe what I was reading. I hope the team rallies around young Jake, and I’m sure they will, no one deserves the criticism he has copped. Huss was right in saying that none of them have ever laced a boot or even been involved in a club on a coaching or administrative basis. It’s easy to tell by some of the comments made, such as, should never move a player out of his position to strengthen another, Dylan to centre, then in the next sentence saying we should have put Matterson to centre, arguably been our best forward the last couple of games, but to them it’s alright to move your best forward to a position he has never played at this level. At least I know I can come on here and have an opinion and not be attacked by the herd.
Except, I said exactly what you have re Matto and the illogicality of their argument on the Post Grade Games, and got called stupid, with every single post I make being systematically down-voted.
It’s getting to the point I don’t want to post after a loss, because some people only come here to post vitriol after a loss – they were all remarkably quiet after the Newcastle win.
I want to engage in debate about what worked and what didn’t. Black and white or generalist statements aren’t discussion, they’re just venting (or bitching, if you’re not feeling so generous in your assessment of them, which I’m currently not).
A position he has never played? Lol. Matterson has played plenty of centre while at the Roosters.
He may have but was mostly used as an edge forward, besides that, he has bulked up and used more as middle these days, he has been our only bench player to have any impact the last couple of games. Centre is a specialist position, Penrith or Melbourne are two teams you don’t want to throw “rookie” into that position. I thought the club was granted a dispensation for Cini, I don’t know why they haven’t given him a go, even on the wing and put Simmonson in at centre, he has played their at Canberra. Overall I think the team has done well considering the injuries we’ve had.
Great response Sixties. This reaction by the fans was predictable.
These fans are at least predictable. They are always negative and rarely seek the truth.
We all know that they were not at their best but there were also things that conspired against them. I also have a feeling that the odd player was playing injured.
Yeah, I wondered about injuries – Gutho seems to be minimising contact after copping a hit a few weeks back, and Mitch normally takes on the line at some point, and I can’t recall him doing it at all. Blokes who might normally have a week out to settle a problem are no doubt having to push through at the moment.
Wilhemina, most who critised the team, especially with the attacks on BA & Jakob fail to realize that we had 7 players out injured, including 2 for the season, Dunster & Stone, then we had 5 out with uncertain return dates, however there is the prospects of Russel & Naiduki both of whom may be right to play against the rif.
Any team who has 7 players out injured especially when the majority are backs, or even if it was forwards were always going to battle against any opposition.
For me the majority of those who attacked the club, players and coach, also against Jake, are not worthy to be part of the eels team. Mob mentality is a curse and they are the ones that are pretty much cursed without any sane or realism in the criticisim, its what they likely get the most satisfaction from.
I for one will not let them spoil my support and any encouragement that I can give to the team, the coach, the club and to any genuine eels supporter. A totally opposite aspect that what has come out from the others and the fact being they are poor losers, poor people and poor fans, and not supporters at all.
Wilhelmina I am yet to watch the game a second time however I will.
From my recollection I don’t believe that Mitch took the line on. That would indicate to me that he is carrying an injury.
You’ve got more fortitude than me John – I was struggling to sit through it the first time!
BA said in his Presser Moses back seized up during the game but should be right for Panthers with treatment during the week
John, didn’t Mitch have quite heavy bandaging on his upper right side Calf for several weeks prior to this game? I tend to believe that Mitch may well be still recovering from that original injury. His kicking has been no where near to how he was prior to the injury.
It’s such a shame that we need to continue to have these conversations. FFS some people just need to seriously think!
I am one of the many as I’m sure you all are that sat in my lounge room and yelled frustrated expletives at the screen, refrained from throwing things and yes criticised many aspects of many individual selections and performances. But literally, once the game ended and I painfully sat through the dribble from commentators, I settled down and moved on. Taking to social media, knowing full well that players themselves and their families are also present, to cast vile aspersions to anybody, just isn’t something that I’d consider. Nor does it help anyone.
I have left a number of FB pages that were more inclined to have members that felt the need to behave in this manner. I, and I’m sure many of you, just don’t need to see that tripe. I really do wonder what these people think of themselves and those close to them, what sort of mindset do they carry with them day to day. Keyboard cowards I think is a much better term, and maybe we can get it to stick.
Thanks for the op ed piece Sixties and I’m glad that the media and the club are also leaping to defend not only JA, but BA and the team as well.
BTW, Saturday’s game was more about the performance of the Cowboys than of our team. I’ve never seen any team put as much pressure on any kicker than they put on Mitch. It was a very impressive performance from them.
Anthony Todd Payten is a good coach. He is doing a great job job and came up with a smarter game plan than O’Brien last week.
They attacked to their right Edge knowing we had a newby winger on that side. There winger just happened to be very experienced and one of the best jumpers in the game.
With social media and 24 hour channels looking to fill content that’s the NRL world now days . Things are going to be scrutinised . Some comments will be rational , others over the top and some downright nasty . The nasty ones are more a reflection of those saying them but in amongst it are also some home truths .
Being able to handle them is part of the development into a first grade footballer. Running all day with Gutho at training is one part of the developing into the role. JA is far too young and inexperienced and impotently at this stage of his career is far too unpolished a performer. Hes perfuming like a kid who rightfully isn’t used to the speed , physicality and hasn’t developed the confidence and ability to execute at NRL level . He’s going to be criticised and everyone could see it coming. I’m not saying it’s right but it’s reality. People wishing for injuries or losing streaks or directing hate at the kid aren’t all there. People questioning why we went into the season with a first choice back up half and first choice bench player who has less than 10 NSW Cup games and a bunch of mediocre NRL appearances in his development are valid .
Sean O’ Sullivan had a big off-season at Penrith . He’s played a tonne more Cup than JA and is probably a first grader. He performed great when he stepped into the team for Nathan Cleary earlier in the year and showed the benefits of a game that has matured at Cup level . He’s probably too good for that level now and will be on the move in 2023 for an NRL role . They don’t have a place for him in the team. How many outside back injuries do you think it would take for them to move Luai to centre and put O’Sullivan in the side just because it’s an option ? BA took a stupid option and should be wearing the criticism , not Jake .
It’s fair to call out social media commentary that crosses a line, understood as personal abuse and accusations of impropriety.
That said, it’s also fair to ask if young JA is actually ready for first grade half? Sometimes the stats tell a revealing story and sometimes not. Against the Cowboys, the latter. JA had 3 runs for 13m, but Moses also only had 5 runs for 21m. Neither half troubled any of the attacking stats and each had 2 missed and inefficient tackles each. JA kicked 5 times for 91m vs Moses 13 for 352, but Moses is the primary kicker and each got a few repeat sets from kicks regardless.
But the kicker is Dylan Brown has been running for 100+ meters per game and that helps free up Moses by creating attack on either side of the ruck. It forces indecision in the opposition line. Hence Cronk was right to suggest Eels won’t trouble Penrith without Dylan at 5/8. We must look at overall team cohesion. In attack, the Eels suffer against a committed defense with JA at 5/8. That’s reality. And in defense, the stats don’t capture 6 tries all down that JA, D.Brown and Perham channel. Watch replays and Brown is edging inwards to cover JA, a lack of trust from a very good defender. And BA still has much to answer for coaching a condensed defensive line shag consistently leaves the winger posted. But JA is contributing to those outside defenders squeezing in.
All power to JA to continue to improve and good on him for being a good trainer and good enough to debut young. But JA at 5/8 will harm the Eels’ attack and defense against good teams. That’s reality. A back rower plugging center is probably a better option.
Nicely said Daz, there is a common thread coming through this discussion and that is everyone deplores the nepotism and personal attacks afforded through social media.
The other aspects are that Jake is not ready for first grade and that BA needs to be wiser and more understanding of the potential of this type of conflict.
Even last year I had question marks over Jake staying with Parra through this development period and maybe going to Newcastle under O’Brien. I have read in the last couple of days that Jake has been “offered” to Storm. I don’t know how true that is, but it could be a wise move and could kill this overall discussion as it is not healthy for our club regardless of opinions as they stand.
Poppa why would you send Jake to O’Brien. Aren’t they on the bottom of the ladder at the moment.
I was amazed that O’Brien didn’t put pressure on our inexperienced left side last week.
The Storm is different though. I could see some merit in that. You look at the Clearys, Nathan was established prior to his fathers return to the Panthers.
Notwithstanding all those ramblings the best solution is to get players off the injured list and back on the field. That way Jake could go back to State Cup and continue his apprenticeship.
John, it was purely that BA has a good personal relationship with O’Brien and there would be an element of trust in sending him somewhere he can relate to.
That said if he could get into the Storm system, it would be tremendous for the kid.
We lost to a team currently third on the ladder in conditions that they were better suited too. They turned up and where the better team on the day. I love parra and was disappointed with the loss but move on people, it’s a game and its meant to be fun. Getting all worked up about it isn’t going help the team or your health.
Yes but again We again looked lost and devoid of any idea in attack with the changed Spine combinations. You have to admit that regardless of how it looks at training , the same thing happened last year .
Jake / Mitch hasn’t worked . Jake / Dylan hasn’t worked. He may be training the house down but he isn’t gelling with the other key members of our team on game day and we need to be doing whats best for the team on game day .
We looked short of attacking options/execution against the Tigers too. So it can’t all be JA. That’s just the easy answer.
Dyl was much more involved against Newcastle, even playing at centre. Why wasn’t he stepping in and getting into different positions during this game? Why wasn’t Moses demanding more of the ball? Why was Mahoney continually choosing the crash play against a rock-solid defensive line? Because they didn’t follow the game plan.
We scored 20 points against the Tigers.
The Tigers were without a win when we played them.
Well said mate! Only a young kid with plenty of time. Our game all round on the weekend was off. We are still in the top 8, with several players to return. Will be interesting to see how the boys back up against the riff. I dare say we will be up for this one. Wondering how jake would go in centres if we are still light on this week. My issue was more around moving our most in form 5/8 out of position. Jake needs time to develop his game, this negativity will do nothing for that!
Unfortunately for Jacob and Brad this will always happen until Jacob shows he belongs.
Unfortunately Jacob has been fast tracked to level he simply isn’t ready for that’s a judgement error on BA and the coaching group and that’s why this will keep adding fuel to the fire.
Best thing Jacob can do is go to another club and show he’s a 1st grader who deserves a spot Unfortunately at the moment he isn’t and being the coaches son puts him in the firing line.
I commented on social media the other day that it’s not Jacob’s fault that he’s not good enough I’m not good enough but if I was asked to play I would he’s been put into a situation he’s not ready for by his coach who happens to be his dad.
Totally agree with your comments sixties I wouldn
t mind betting these so called chicken sh**s have never played a game of league in their lives but utilize social media to vent their heroic statements.The club is going through an injury crisis at the moment & as much as I would prefer Dylan Brown at 5/8 he has put his hand up to help the rest of the team out Hence this crap about nepotism from BA needs to cease with the nasty comments directed at his son Jake I know from experience at Jakes age thrust into 1st grade is a might step up from lower grades & by continually putting the blame on his young shoulders will only lower his self confidence which is not easy to re-gain. I have been an eels supporter all my life & have seen plenty of bad times before but I personally take my hat off to BA with the terrific job he has done for a club that was in a lot of strife when he came there. Sure it`s disappointing to see them lose but I always thought there was 13 players in a side so why single out 1 for the loss I believe they will bounce back & shut these pathetic morons upJob descriptions
The Coaches – coach
Players – play
Supporters – support
Thugs – baseball bat in hands, dark alley picking on the young and vulnerable and feeling great about themselves, and always start a conversation with the word “l”….
The less we mention these keyboard idiots the better.
This!
Hear, hear. There are too many pea-hearted “supporters”. If you drop your head and carry on at every loss, you aren’t a supporter at all. Our injury problem has meant compromise and Jake is part of that. It’s not his fault we are short on troops and to say he has only been picked because of his father is tone-deaf.
This is the only social media site I read, simply because Mr Sixties does not allow personal abuse. Certainly one can be critical of another’s comment but rarely is it personal. Should it be then I would have nothing to do with it.
However it is a supporters tacit right to critise a teams performance including that of a player.
Sometimes one can make it personal out of pure frustration.
To wish ill upon upon a player or the team is touching the bottom of ugliness.
Parra fans who have followed the team for decades have seen both the worst and the best. Through thick and thin they have stuck to Parra like a limpet to the side of a ship. Each and every year we think it’s our time only to be disappointed.
When I die I want Parra Eels to lower my coffin so they can let me down for the last time. In other words right down to the end they are my team.
Brad Arthur is the Coach – I strongly disagree with some of his selections including g young Jacob. He will be a very good footballer but, just not yet. I also strongly disagree with his bench rotations – he gets it wrong just about every game.
But this will never stop me from supporting my team. Parra will always be my team regardless of what decisions are made.
Hi everyone.
i wanted to thank anyone who’s taken the time to reply. I won’t get into discussions about Jake’s form, and though this post is about the abuse directed at him, it could really be about many players.
Rather than reply to everyone, I just wanted to add this.
Many of us view NRL players as living the dream. And no doubt a footballers life has some major benefits. But we don’t see the ugly side of interactions. The vile messages sent. The harassment. The abuse called out at them. Not to forget the expectation that they are like public property when they are in their private time. It shouldn’t surprise people to know that even the accounts of partners, family and friends get tracked down by trolls in their quest to deliver their “wisdom”. The
When players engage with supporters, either personally or via social media, it adds to the enjoyment of our sport. But when the personal attacks happen, it’s easy to understand why some players are reticent to interact. There are no winners in that.
Totally true and very much to the point of the perceived problem. Thanks for that post & sincerely hope that others read it and see the reality that is not really just about one aspect or person in the team, rather about the team as a whole, which includes those who are part of the team and they accept and help new players as they should, and do more for the teams/club & staff than just the supporters.
Well said Sixties.
The vitriol of the mob on thid matter is just ugly. I wonder if the mob would stand next to their families and repeat the vitriol?
Whilst I don’t like moving DB out of position I’m mindful I don’t know the full context of the reasoning – we know about the injuries but not the pros / cons of the options.
I wonder if Quinn, Martine, Barnes etc. all copped as much flack when we moved our greatest 5/8 into the centres to cover for injuries back in the 80s?
“Parra’s mounting injury toll forced BA into a decision that he didn’t want to make, moving Brown away from 5/8.” I do not agree that this move is forced! The spine is the most important part of the NRL side, when your halves are in career best form, you do not split them. You find another solution, a backrower, a reggies back, Perham etc.
Personal attacks on JA are vile, however considered opinions that he is ill-equipped for the NRL should not be lumped in the troll basket. I do not have the benefit of watching the team train, I can only judge JA and others on game performance. I do not think it is trolling to suggest that our defence and our attack are negatively impacted with the current 5/8. This is on the coach not his
kid.
I don’t think anyone is saying you can’t have that opinion – you’re being hypersensitive if you think this is aimed at you. There are plenty of comments that have crossed the line though. Or ones that lazily imply JA’s been terrible in every game and has no redeeming features, shouldn’t even be playing NSW Cup. Or imply there are other good options that are blindly being ignored cos JA is getting special treatment.
There are NO good options.
You happen to think there are better ones than JA – fair enough, you can think that. They still aren’t good options though.
Personally, the thought of Cartwright defending in the centres is likely to give me nightmares. And if we take Matto out of the forwards, everyone will complain the bench are powderpuffs. It’s called a no-win situation.
There’s a few people who need to acknowledge that others are allowed to disagree with their opinion, just like they disagree with ours, instead of treating their opinion as absolute fact.
Agree with all you have said there Wilhelmina.
What I don’t understand is with these people being so skilled in the art of NRL coaching, why aren’t they exploiting their skills and getting paid to coach NRL.
Sixties your absolutely right, the online sledging is terrible and shouldn’t be tolerated. But Brad has put Jakob in a shocking position and it was easy to see where this was going.
Jakob should be learning the ropes in reserve grade and if Brad has any brains whatsoever he will start working on JA’s versatility. There is no way on earth Jake will ever be a better option in the Halves than Dylan or Moses so Brad needs to develop him into someone who can play a number of positions.
I said as soon as Brad starting using Dylan in the centres in the trials that this would end badly.
Performing well at training is a long way from playing well in the NRL and this crap about having no other options in the outside backs is a load of BS. Cartwright, Matterson or Loizou would be a better fit in the centres and it keeps the spine intact.
I really feel for Jake because he’s been put into a ridiculous situation. I hate to imagine what it’s going to be like if BA picks him against the Panthers and we get absolutely flogged. The poor kid doesn’t deserve it.
Well said and thanks for saying it. I feel the same way.
Well said 60’s. There is a difference between hatred and being upset at losing. I keep saying to myself, how many of these so called fans have laced on a boot, let alone at NRL level. I feel some would prefer we lose than win at times.
Milo there are times when I see things done by the coach and I think, I would not have done that.
However the reality is that the coach has all the updated information on which to make his decision.
The other advantage BA has over me is that his football IQ is at least 10 times higher than mine. In fact probably much more.
John, 100 % agreed. I get peeved with the losses and usually wont talk for ages.
I don’t always agree with BA and his team selections but hey i go back to Smithy when he would change the team before kick off….like you i am not coaching and not around the game like him. My issue is the hate directed at these people and it says a bit about them.
Well said sixties. The word ‘freedom’ has come up a lot in recent times.Social media has proven a gift of freedom to idiots. Balance and decency brings out the best in debate, we learn far more.Stick to your guns sixties & co. In a balanced and decent way BA, you should stick to your spine, but I do recall Moses and Brown spending 8 or 9 weeks on the sideline last year between them, maybe a Plan B was the aim here?
Yes and like both sixties and forty made it clear they were not pleased with the choice of Jake at 6 and sixties is now trying to convince everyone that Jake deserved to be there.
Listen to his latest podcast. Its all relative as he is now backtracking to make everything look sweet
There is no such a thing as free speech, What is said comes at a cost and sadly the cost has been the integrity of Eels fans, and the pain the Arthur family has had to endure. It would only be a very small number of fans that lashed out but seeing the keyboard cowards are faceless we all look bad. The team performance against the Cowboys was not good but that was nowhere near as bad as the the performance of some of the fans.
And as from posting anything from 60’s lol, he doesn’t live in the real world that bloke.
He was one of the Jake should be in first grade brigade, “the star of the off season” shows how clueless he is because from what I and anyone with a clue can see he is absolutely miles off first grade. It’s a joke he’s even the number 1 halves back up.
What does that also say about how we trained in the off season if he was one of our stars????
Rankin has outplayed him every time I saw them play together and lets face it Captain Rankin is a journeyman footy player on bald tires. But yes we should all have a look at ourselves says 60’s, a bloke who wouldn’t dare be critical of the Eels and the coach and set up he might lose all that access for his shiny new echo chamber that is called a forum.
Great post, 100% correct
So, you felt it was appropriate to respond to a post about crossing the line from critiquing performance/expressing an opinion into personal abuse with… personal abuse.
If you don’t value the opinion of the guys who write this site, why are you here?
I think you’ll find you’re one of those people referred to in the first line of the article. Go find that hall of mirrors. Come back when you can engage in respectful conversations.
Well noted mate and thanks for your support. The bloke who wrote that is well known on a couple of other sites, using a couple of names, and I’m not sure why he is here. He’s used those sites to throw insults at me too. I won’t lower myself into returning serve.
As is evident in this post, there is a mix of people who both agree and disagree but do so respectfully. I won’t be entering into further debate with him. He’s declared his intent to be disrespectful. Imagine how anyone would be treated if they walked into someone’s home and threw insults. They’d be quickly asked to leave.
There are plenty of people here who have disagreed with my takes champ, and that is and has always been good. But you’re the only one that wants to throw insults about me and baseless untruths about TCT. The site is in its 7th year, and it continues to have thousands of visitors every day. Furthermore, it is not a forum, and we have zero privileged NRL access.
Dont bother replying because as I said, this isn’t a forum, it’s our house and as a “guest” you’ve stepped through the door throwing garbage at us. You have many other places to hang out. Go there.
😂 sixties I don’t know or personally really care about the history between you two but in the last 3 years I have watched 80% of the games that JA has played and he has never stood out as an elite player. Hineyrulz is right, Rankin was always miles in front of Jake whenever I saw them play together. That’s why I commented a month or so ago that he must have done something extraordinary in training to deserve your effusive praise. Maybe I missed his great games and of course two people can watch a game and see totally different things.
So on that point – you pump someone up so much, the point made by hineyrulz – “What does that also say about how we trained in the off season if he was one of our stars????” is a valid point and shouldn’t be sanctioned.
I appreciate your access and dedication to training and enjoy your pre season assessments ( even though I have learnt to temper my expectations in line with your … different point of view.
This is completely getting away from the point, which is the trolling rather than the validity of selection. I know people see this differently. There’s no issue with that, though anyone would think reading some replies that I want Dylan Brown at Centre rather than 5/8. Last year I was railing against those who wanted Dylan moved because he wasn’t producing try assists or line break assists. Some of those people are probably the same ones criticising his selection at centre for two weeks. And to cloud the issue by saying that BA brought on the abuse because of his selection decisions is really finding an excuse for the trollers.
As for Hineyrulz/Alan Hunt, my only history with him is similar shots that he’s taken in the past. You see the way that people interact here and the way that I conduct myself. If you think that his reply was appropriate then I wouldn’t be able to say anything that would convince you otherwise.
But I will address a couple of your comments. I predicted that exact reply from that bloke about the preseason in my post. He wasn’t there. I can tell you that those that watched preseason training – other supporters who attended regularly, the staff, and the players regarded Jake as a standout.
In fact, I made it a point of getting the opinions of others in attendance before I wrote reports – just like a game (as you note) we all see things differently so I also like to report on things that others notice because there’s so many players on the field at the same time (With train and trials, 35-40 at times)
After watching a game, everyone’s opinion is just as valid as the next. And again, as you noted, we all see different things. Supporters who don’t rate certain players will put their every mistake or decision under the microscope. People who have favourites will focus on them to find every reason to praise – it’s human nature.
But for someone who hasn’t watched something to critique an opinion is absurd and completely lacking in any merit. The Eels preseason training is tough, just like every NRL club would be. They prepare to get off to a strong start and this is self evident as they haven’t been out of the top 8 since round 1 2019. There is zero validity in a comment that everyone else must be going poor for someone to be a standout.
As to your other point about reggies form, there are different opinions. I reckon I’ve seen one game from him that was well below standard and that was in 2021. Every other game, he was the halfback in a team that was sitting in the top 2/3 until Covid shut the comp down, and he was instrumental in that form.
Regardless of our different assessments of Jake, everyone is on the same page about Dylan being back at 5/8. I also hope that everyone is on the same page about some supporters crossing the line with their comments.
Sixties I tied to warn you that putting JA where he did not deserve to be would naturally generate hatred. The plan since the preseason has always been to put JA as 6 and DB to center. It has nothing to do with injuries – it happened round 1. So come up with an honest argument for it. I do not condone a lot of negativity on social media against a lot of our players who give 100%. But this is not the only case. The root of the problem is that JA should not be pushing DB out of the halves We gain nothing and lose a lot. BA does not seem to make rational decisions when it comes to his son – which is not unexpected. But this is a bad one for all involved.
There is nothing to debate. I am a massive fan of Dylan Brown. That goes back to when he was in Matts. I declared back then that he was a certainty to play NRL. When his form was down I defended him. I’ve sung Jake’s praises but never above Dylan as a 5/8. Even when Jake was a stand out in preseason I said that neither Dylan or Moses could be moved. It’s there in black and white. I also stated in a podcast that our halves were arguably the form halves of the early season (Cleary was out at that stage). We need Dylan and his extension has to be a priority.
Jake was selected on the bench for Round 1. He did well and when others said that he slowed the play I argued that he settled things down when it threatened to descend into touch footy.
In replying to you Wile I’ve already gone against my intent with this post. I don’t wish to argue selection decisions in this post. They are always debatable. The ones that count are ultimately those in the sheds and if people don’t agree that’s fine but it doesn’t provide the rationale or vindication for what has been seen on social media.
I chose not to respond to earlier replies that went down this path. My point in this post was about the vile personal attacks and I don’t think I need to elaborate further on my stance about that once I’ve expressed it.
Well said mate.
Hi people,
Really wanted to stay away from this one, seeing how it all unfolded in such an ugly way.
Thanks 60’s for your piece and that you guys allow comments critical or supportive here at the site – whether it is expressed often enough or not, we are all grateful for TcT.
There is one area here where we disagree though; you’ve given full support to eels media & manager who spoke out against angry fans the other night. This is not right mate.
Let me explain why I say that; all of us here spend money on the eels usually in my case in excess of $1,000 bucks a year. Membership, jerseys, kayo, and if my family travels to brizzy to see them play it’s almost another 1k on top of that for the privilege.
Those tweets from the main account which went out to all fans “get a life” etc. We’re completely unprofessional and only served to make matters worse. Clubs should never NEVER lash the fans that build them mate. Surely you can see that and agree with that.
Believe me, I in no way condone or agree with those trolls who spew vitriol at the arthur family or any player for that matter. It’s simply a no go in my book. Not on.
If there were too many unsolicited, ridiculous complaints about nepotism and abuse aimed at the arthurs or eels.
Cardwell and co should simply have stated; due to the personal and abusive nature of the commentary on tonights game – social media comments will be turned off for the foreseeable future.
And just left it there. Hers and the official twitter accounts comments made it worse, not better and certainly made the eels a laughing stock more than the insipid performance already made them out to be.
I have a life, i dont need some well paid, social media manager abusing me for loving my team. Thats just not on either.
Its a fail. And the other fail was Brad’s.
If he had exercised some insight, he could have named bryce cartwright at centre and jake on the bench. The minute things went south defensively, pull cartwright off inject jake at 6 and dylan into the centres.
Problem solved, no accusation of nepotism. Club gets the benefit of dylans defence and jakes steady hand playing style.
Factually speaking; the loss shouldve been falling square at the feet of the coach, moses, gutho and reedy anyway well before it got to Jake. He did nothing wrong, sure he made some mistakes but he’s 19. I have no issue with how he played, its about where he is developmentally. A few mistakes, loads of potential.
Everyone could see this issue coming, and its pathetic of people to suggest nepotism. But low hanging fruit gets picked first. Its That simple.
Our club needs to rise above the vitriol, keep a good clean line of communications with the supporters, put out fires, Not fan the flames.
And those morons who feel its their right to abuse people personally when the team doesnt do what is hoped will be where they belong, screaming endlessly into the void of social media. No ones listening, no one cares. We will be all too busy trying to win a premiership.
You make well-reasoned points Steele. I know that we don’t see the worst of the social media comments and the issue isn’t about critical comments. There’s a huge difference between a criticism and a personal attack. For example, we remove personal attacks on TCT and we might make a comment about removing the comments of people who do so. Anyone reading the replies might think that other negative comments aren’t too bad, but they haven’t seen what we’ve removed. Its something that the owners of platforms like ours have to be very conscious about, and sometimes it’s upsetting when we see how ugly people can be towards others, let alone how disrespectful they can be towards the owners of a site who these days are held accountable for the behaviour of visitors.
Jake hasn’t been the only target. I can only say this. If people saw someone that they cared about having the most vile things said, bearing in mind they are seeing things that others don’t see, it’s not unrealistic to see a push back against it. And if you feel that the wrong people have been thrown in with the push back, then I understand your frustration. Can we all handle our reactions to personal attacks better? Maybe I could have worded this editorial better, been more specific or even ignored the morons. But let’s not lose sight of those who cause the dramas in the first place, because they would be getting a sick thrill out of the reactions they create.
Thanks 60’s thats fair to say as well, you’re right in that we as users dont see all that the Admin sees. Good on you guys for moderating the content as well as you do. Thank you.
There has to be a line somewhere regarding abuse – that is not debated, i like many others, feel the push back if you will lumped the good fans and supporters in with the trolls as it was emotionally motivated and executed.
So i think in principle the club got it right by stopping it dead but the execution of that process was poorly handled and left them open to more ridicule and abuse because as you have rightly said some of these people get a thrill out of causing drama.
It would have been a decision we all could be happy with if the media had released a brief tweet or statement acknowledging what was happening and stating the comments will be turned off. Then privately they could block or report serial offenders..
…..But…as they say hindsight is 20/20. Hopefully we all can learn from it and improve our level of discourse in general.
Yes I agree that Kate handled this wrongly and that’s why I believed it was removed. Clearer heads have looked at it. But in this PC world, you stand accused and convicted if you don’t ride the wave. Hence those who jumped to her defence. I have no problem with those supporting Cardwell but don’t trash us who disagree with what she said ! Perhaps her position in the executive offices watching the game has disassociated her from the throng on the hill paying hard cash to support the club ?
I would hope that BA stepped in and said something like – JA is big enough and tough enough to handle this, he doesn’t need the club to fight his battles. Again, the club commenting on it just highlighted the losers who really should have no voice.
Sixties, I just read an excellent op-ed from Michelle Bishop. Well worth the read. I believe she nails it pretty well.
I also listened to Voss and Brandy on SEN talking about it.
Of course we all find the over the top stupid vile social media postings abhorrent but as a player he deserves criticism like any other player in the spotlight. Some of the posters both here and in other formats would have you believe that Jake deserves some dispensation and to have the opinion that he just isn’t good enough, invites a tidal wave of PC warriors armed with cuddles and safe spaces!
I think it’s a great idea if Jake decides to try his luck elsewhere but if he stays and makes the team, there will , unfortunately, always be that taint of favourism especially when he may always be a fringe first grader.
As I said – it’s a furnace the NRL and for Jake he will either sink or swim.
Spark, there are just as many people being critical who think that those pushing back against the trolls are also pushing back against valid criticism. There is a very clear distinction.
A couple of years back when Ivan Cleary first returned to the Riff they had an ordinary season (2019). There were Panthers supporters who were telling him to go back to his bus and to take his son with him. I’m keeping key words in and omitting the abusive content in that paraphrase of numerous similar comments. Jake and other players are just the latest in a long list of NRL players subjected to this garbage and won’t be near the last.
Well said Sixties. Mate, I was disgusted with some of our so called supporters last week. When I tweeted that they should look very closely at themselves, boy, did I get it. The abuse they decided it was ok to direct my way was horrendous. Now, I am a 50+ year old ex prison officer so name calling from morons behind a form of wall doesn’t faze me, but the stuff BA and Jake were copping was wrong on so many levels. Another great article mate. Well done.
Thanks Fellidd. I had some replies, fortunately not many, that basically said there was nothing wrong with the comments. My reply was that they obviously didn’t see the types of abuse that I was referencing, which was a good thing. The smaller the audience, the better.