The first round of NRL trials are now in the rear view mirror and the rugby league world marches onwards towards the new season.

Reactions to the results and performances have been bigger than past years. It’s probably the consequence of the increased coverage of the “preseason competition” and the various expectations for what lies ahead.

As far as reactions to Parra’s trial are concerned, I haven’t been too impressed with what I’ve read on mainstream and social media. Maybe that’s pushed my current mood given the gripes I’ve included in this post. On a day normally associated with bouquets, I’m not handing too many out.

Read on if you’re prepared for Valentines Day column that contains a few vents. From fellow fans and critics, to footy venues, a junior trainer and the current CBA negotiations, there are a few things irritating me right now.

These are my opinions and mine only. I expect both opposition and agreement with my takes.

It’s why this column exists. Bumpers Up!

Overreaction?

There’s been some interesting takes on the Eels trial loss on Saturday night. Despite the well-documented history of trial form being a poor indicator of premiership form, there was no shortage of pundits and punters prepared to rubbish the team and players.

Whether you like it or not, it’s typical for Parra to not show their hand in these matches. Even when they win, you will rarely see much beyond basic hit ups and shifts that might not be earned.

An indicator of the footy Parra played in the trial can be found in the offloads. In 2022, the Eels were the leading team for offloads by some margin, accruing a whopping 397 for the season, or 13.7 per game.

In Saturday’s trial, that number came in at a grand total of 7 offloads, two of which were provided by the wingers!

Second phase footy is a huge part of the Eels DNA, and this preseason competition is offering a bonus point for offloads. If you do the maths, that’s a pointer to Parra’s approach to the trial.

Don’t get me wrong. There were things that I didn’t like. As a supporter I’m selfish and want our team to win every game they contest. I want to see them fire some shots.

I also thought that individually, there were some disappointing performances.

But for those now death-riding the team or certain players based on a few minutes in a trial conducted in near 40 degree temperatures, get a grip.

The Positives

So, if I’m complaining about the overreaction to a trial loss, can I offer anything to be positive about?

How about we consider any player whose stocks rose after the trial?

This preseason has been a battle between Jirah Momoisea and Matt Doorey for the vacant right edge position. Doorey appeared to be a lock-in for a starting role for most of summer, but a late challenge from Momoisea saw him get that right edge run on spot in the first trial.

Based on individual form in the trial, Doorey probably edged back in front. He ran better lines and looked more comfortable in the role. BA might give an indication of his thinking when the next trial team is named.

When he came into the game, Toni Mataele did enough to justify my call that he could be the next to debut in first grade. His 142 running metres, including 75 metres post contact, made him one of the standouts. He refused to be tackled in every carry.

Mataele is on a Development Contract, so without an upgrade he’d have to wait till after Round 10 for an NRL call up. Maybe he’ll get that upgrade? I’ve suggested that people keep an eye on his combination with Jake Arthur in NSW Cup this year, and we were given a glimpse of that right edge threat during the trial.

Zac Cini is in a similar situation, as he is also on a Development Contract. Throughout the trial, Cini featured as the most likely to trouble the defence, often beating the first tackle and eventually crossing for two tries.

Also outside the top 30 is Jayden Yates. My award winner for the preseason’s best conditioned player, he demonstrated his supreme fitness by playing 60 minutes in arguably the most demanding position in scorching heat. And that was on top of getting game time in the curtain raiser!

I’ve called for Jayden’s regular selection in NSW Cup as a stepping stone for his career, and he validated that call by being one of the best performers from the trial.

Not much needs to be said about Sean Russell. He produced a class performance which could easily confirm his inclusion for Round One.

Makahesi Makatoa might also have his name pencilled in for an Interchange spot in the season opener. He was very solid in the trial and has been a regular off the bench over the last 18 months, so the coach knows what to expect from him.

Finally, despite sitting outside the top squad, both wingers did enough to get a tick for that game. Matt Komolafe is most definitely a work in progress, and those familiar with his lower grade performances know that he can find the try line.

Isaac Lumelume was a late addition to the preseason, and has had limited time to become familiar with his team mates and the plays. He has NRL experience and his pace could well be an asset that is utilised at some stage this season.

Trial Venue

I’ve gone on record on TCT about my opinion of Penrith Park as a venue. Furthermore, I’ve expressed my opinion in person to Eels staff. Many Eels supporters, including myself have been subjected to horrendous behaviour from Panthers fans.

We’re not talking banter or a bit of ribbing, it’s the type of conduct which at best makes the footy experience unpleasant, and at worst leaves people feeling unsafe.

I’ve travelled to Penrith since the 1970s, but the last seven or eight years have become horrid. After last year’s finals clash at the ground, I vowed to never return despite it being one of the more convenient locations to visit.

Which brings me to Saturday’s trial. The Eels have made a preseason visit out west a regular fixture, but it’s time for that to end.

If we are to play at a metropolitan venue during the preseason, surely that can be at CommBank Stadium. Perhaps it’s a case of economics in not opening up a big stadium for a trial, or maybe the availability of the venue. After all, the Eels did take on the Dragons at CommBank in 2022.

However, that home trial was the only time in the four years of stadium availability that Parra has played there. I don’t think that’s good enough, especially when we still play at other venues in the metro area.

I have no problem with Parra travelling to the bush for all trials. Taking games to regional areas should be a preseason priority. I also acknowledge that the development of Kellyville Park will establish the Eels HQ as a trial venue option. Still, that might not be possible until 2025 or 2026.

Whatever the case, I’m over Penrith as a venue. Besides the poor behaviour of their supporters, the conditions there are some of hottest at this time of year. There are 16 other clubs that we can play and a first class stadium sitting empty.

I reckon there’ll be no shortage of fellow supporters holding a similar opinion.

Road Trips

Speaking of venues, the Eels Junior Representative program has no shortage of travel this year.  Perhaps it’s another way of preparing young players for the demands of the NRL.

In their abbreviated seasons, the four away matches sees them travel to Kanwal (Central Coast), Wollongong, Canberra and Manly. It doesn’t make it easy for their families to be there in support. I guess it’s an insight into the experience of players and families from regional clubs.

This year, the Junior Eels Reps have already played the Roosters at Kanwal and they’ll be lining up against the Steelers at Wollongong on Saturday. And prior to the season, they played a trial match at Goulburn. There’s not a single away game against a neighbouring club.

Our SG Ball team has won both of their opening matches, whilst the Matts and Gale teams recorded comeback victories at Kellyville after dropping their opening round.

After last weekend’s blast furnace conditions, it might be a blessing to be down south and closer to the coast this Saturday.

 

A Reluctant Criticism

I have nothing but respect for the staff of Junior Rep teams, just as I do for those that take roles at local clubs. These people volunteer to help guide young players to achieve their dreams, whether it’s to play alongside their mates or to forge a career. Despite being so invaluable they are rarely known beyond their competition or club.

So I’m loathe to make a public criticism.

However, one of the Tigers trainers really overstepped the mark last Saturday. He almost took up residency on the field, something that could have been expected given the scorching conditions. Keeping players hydrated and monitoring their well-being would have been paramount.

But, when his team was in possession he was out there calling the attacking plays. Though I wouldn’t expect that level of guidance in elite pathways, it’s something we occasionally see in the NRL. And perhaps if it ended with that, I wouldn’t be writing anything about it.

Unfortunately, this trainer got a bit carried away, protesting slow play the balls whilst on the field, waving his arms behind the ruck in attempting to draw penalties. He was also calling out for offside and other decisions. It’s something that the match officials shouldn’t have been dealing with. It’s also something that his own team shouldn’t have been subjected to.

The bloke concerned is unquestionably a valued member of his club and would be doing a terrific job for his players. Let’s put it down as a consequence of the conditions, but let’s also document it as a reminder that there is a line, and that even those who volunteer so much of their time should not cross it.

CBA Negotiations

We’ve reached the very tip of the pointy end of CBA negotiations. It’s sharp and it’s threatening to find victims. So who’s in the firing line?

Firstly, there are the players. Without rugby league players there is no product. That cannot be argued. What is also without doubt is that there are many who are chewed up and spat out by rugby league. It’s why organisations such as Family of League (formerly Men Of League), the Blue and Gold Alliance and other “old boys” associations exist. Many former players have not done well out of the game, especially around their health.

And don’t get me started on the importance of the women’s game. Girls playing at junior level are a growth area for the code and the enthusiasm of those associated with their pathways, be it players, staff or families, is infectious. You’d seriously want to bottle their passion for footy and the emotion of pulling on a jersey.

Don’t get me wrong. I understand the logic of people arguing that the NRLW isn’t generating the revenue to justify higher salaries. Professional rugby league for women is in its infancy.

However, it is the governing body that is desirous of the rapid expansion of the competition, bringing in extra franchises and demanding greater sacrifices from the players in longer seasons to create the product. All this whilst their expansion methodology doesn’t allow for multi-year contracts and therefore almost zero guarantees for the players. If the NRL wants rapid expansion before it is fully sustainable they have to pay the cost. It seems like they want to have their cake and be able to eat it too.

So let’s get to the governing body. A qualified, skilled and strong governing body is also essential to the professional game. They administer, protect and promote the product. They have all of the responsibilities associated with that, which can often mean saying no. That has to also be understood.

Likewise, sponsors and media contracts are core to the professional game. This is where the serious money enters. Gone are the days of semi-professional players being paid by Leagues Clubs and gate receipts. If there is no game, they shouldn’t be expected to cough up the coin.

Finally, there are the fans. If people aren’t watching the game there will be minimal interest from the media and sponsors. Merchandise sales and gate receipts would plummet. Talk to the A League about how they are impacted by the loss of faith from the fans, the media, and sponsors.

So who are the most important stakeholders?

If I suggested that it was the fans, something like industrial action by the players would be a horrible way to test it out. Because make no mistake, such action would alienate the very people whose passion for the game sustains the game.

Therein lies the problem. Any industrial action will cause some loss of faith. We are already seeing the loss of faith between the players and the administrators. The code cannot afford for other stakeholders, especially the fans, to lose faith, because they’ll be looking to blame someone. And the majority of supporters aren’t interested in the nuances of negotiations. They’ll just care whether they’ve got a game to watch.

I just hope that those sitting down at the table don’t forget that.

 

Vote Now In The Parramatta Leagues Club Elections

Parra Leagues Club came into existence to support rugby league in the Parramatta district, including the Eels participation in the premier rugby league competition in Australia, which was the Sydney Premiership and is now the NRL. Just as importantly, the club financially supports the local junior competition, making football more affordable for every player at every junior club in the district.

Back in 2016, the club struck dark days. We don’t need to rehash history, but Parra Leagues was put in the hands of an administrator, not due to any solvency questions but rather conduct relating to governance.

The step forward had to be found in a new constitution. One that totally changed the process of electing Club Directors. What should have been the change that all wanted, was opposed by individuals who rallied just enough people to turn up in person to vote against it. Members who attended know exactly who those individuals are.

Under the old constitution, there was no electronic voting. If you weren’t there in person, your opinion didn’t matter. And when you needed a 75% yes vote to get change, it didn’t take many naysayers at a meeting to block the new constitution.

After years of battling these opponents, constitutional change and electronic voting were finally achieved. It led to the appointment of a highly qualified board, one that guided the club through the COVID pandemic and now continues to advance the facilities for members whilst supporting many community groups. In this period, the Eels have been resident in the NRL finals series.

We don’t hide our support of the incumbent Directors. We have come to know the current Board via our support of the Eels, the pathways, and our role of hosting after match functions in Jacks Bar and Grill.

In this now third year of triennial elections, the most important thing for our club is to have as many members voting as possible. In that way, the election result is representative of the wishes of the majority of members and not just a collection of votes organised by a candidate or someone else behind the scenes.

So please vote. There are some highly qualified people standing for this current election, including the incumbent directors, which is a goal the club would have sought via that constitutional change.

The continued good governance of the club rests with you. Electronic voting only takes a couple of minutes, but it closes at 5pm on February 23. Don’t let that date slip by. Vote today.

Eels forever!

Sixties