The run home. It’s the part of the season that all supporters want to engage in. After all, there’s nothing worse than either talking about next year or working out mathematical possibilities at a time when you’d prefer to be discussing how your team can win the comp.
We usually associate the run to finals with the weather beginning to warm up. Now, we can align it to the beginning of the NRLW season. And it’s a bold new horizon for the Eels women’s team this year.
As far as the NRL is concerned, the disruptions of Origin footy are behind us, and the task for the Eels is clear. Win the games they should and get the job done in enough of the tougher matches to push their way into the Top Four.
Anything can happen in finals footy, but the reality is that there is a genuine advantage in being in the top half of the Eight. We saw that last year when the draw opened up nicely for Parra even after they lost to the Panthers in the first week of the finals.
It hasn’t been an easy year to date for Parra. There have been obstacles, some of our making but plenty that aren’t.
Thankfully, the road from here will be determined by the coaches and the players.
Bumpers Up!
July Blues
Was it worth it?
New South Wales were convincing winners in Origin 3, playing a brand of football missing from the first two matches. Gone was the stilted attack of a group of strangers, replaced by a side playing like a team of players who were not just familiar with each other but also trusted the bloke next to them.
Given the number of changes to the team, it makes you wonder how it could be achieved in this match when they looked so disjointed earlier in the series.
There was a price to pay for this victory, with both the Eels and Rabbitohs having to stand down players and recording losses on the weekend. Of course the Eels have been the only team required to play without their Origin stars in all three impacted rounds.
Some Jane Mortimer magic with the graphics
Don’t get me started on Gutherson. Getting three minutes game time did not justify missing the previous round, and we all knew that would be the case. I can understand the frustration felt by clubs having to stand down Origin 18th men.
Gutherson should feel proud of his selection. His consistent high standards deserved the recognition. But it doesn’t take away the sting felt by Eels supporters and I’m sure that the King would have enjoyed playing a greater role in the victory.
Warriors Loss
I think deep down we all suspected that the loss to the Warriors was inevitable. The Eels were always going to be up against it without any of their playmakers.
Winning the ruck, along with high completions and a strong kick chase could have made things more challenging for the Warriors, but that just didn’t happen. And when the Eels asked so few questions in attack, the Warriors had plenty of energy in reserve.
What most Eels fans would be concerned about would be the vulnerability in behind the ruck. The Warriors punched holes off quick play the balls with their big mobile forwards hitting a retreating defence.
The tough loss is etched on the faces
Those defensive deficiencies were reminiscent of problems that the Eels had earlier in the season, much of which was attributed to Josh Hodgson. There was no Hodgson in this match and there was far too much ground conceded via players missing their assignment.
Perhaps the Eels missed Gutho’s guidance from behind.
My major take is that the Eels performance emphasised why the club outlaid the big contracts on key players like Gutho, Moses and Reg. The money locked into them plus Brown might mean that securing a marquee purchase may never happen. And truthfully, I’d be reluctant to sacrifice any of our big names in the hope of luring an external signing.
More On The Draw
The inequity of the NRL draw has been raised frequently during this season, and after last week’s loss to the Warriors the Eels have every right to feel aggrieved.
As a reminder, the Eels have been the only club to have to play in all three Origin impacted rounds. That means, they were the only team expected to stand down Origin players for three matches.
To make matters worse, their final game during the series was against the club completely unaffected by Origin – the Warriors. If you didn’t know better, you’d swear it was orchestrated that way. It’s quite damning to see five clubs receive two byes across those three rounds and our Eels unable to get one.
Neutrals could point to the Eels receiving the best bye of all – that in the final round of the premiership. As far as I’m concerned, it could be the prime bye or it could be the worst, after all, it’s of little use if you don’t qualify for finals footy.
Even pushing that aside, I wouldn’t mind the draw gifted to the Raiders this season. Check it out.
Canberra only have to face the Panthers, Rabbitohs, Melbourne, Parra, Cowboys, Roosters, Manly, and Titans once. They play two games against the Bulldogs, Tigers, Knights, Dragons, Dolphins, Warriors, Sharks, and Broncos. Talk about being kissed you know where!
In contrast, the Eels are drawn to play the Dragons, Tigers, Knights, Dolphins, Warriors, Rabbitohs, Raiders and Sharks once, with two matches against the Storm, Panthers, Roosters, Broncos, Cowboys, Sea Eagles, Titans and Bulldogs. Of course! It’s almost the reverse of the Raiders blessed schedule.
Throw in the earlier sequence of playing teams fresh off the bye, along with the unfriendly home game time slots of Thursday night and Friday 6pm, and it’s been a bastard of a draw for the Eels. It’s cost them gate takings and now premiership points.
It’s understood we can never achieve a truly level playing field when teams can’t play each other twice. There will also be other teams that have their own axe to grind with the NRL.
However, the Eels have a case when it comes to genuine inequity and when the season wraps up I hope they present it in great detail.
NRLW Trial
I thoroughly enjoyed Friday night’s NRLW trial between the Eels and the Dragons. It was the ideal way to warm up for the upcoming season opener.
Eric Tweedale Stadium is now the training base for the Eels, and with a number of dressing sheds available at the venue, one has been set aside for the exclusive use of the Parramatta team.
An estimated crowd of around 1400 to 1500 supporters provided a fantastic atmosphere for the clash, and the players showed their appreciation by mixing with the punters after full time.
I was able to speak to a number of players and took the opportunity to welcome Elsie Albert, Racheal Pearson and Talesha O’Neill to the club. A common trait of all was the smiles on their faces. The joy of playing footy was on show and it’s incredibly engaging.
Our NRLW Captains
As for the footy, a win didn’t matter but the 18-14 scoreline made the evening even sweeter. There was a mix of physicality and skill, and on this showing the Eels might have a more effective kicking game and more pace in 2023.
The Eels have also announced that Kennedy Cherrington and Rachael Pearson will be the team captains for this season. It’s an inspired selection given Kennedy’s passionate “follow me” into battle performances and Rachael’s important role as the key playmaker/organiser.
Bring on Round 1!
Red Flags Flying Above Belmore
The controversy around the reported Laundy offer to lure Titan’s star Tino Fa’asuamaleaui to the Bulldogs has generated plenty of headlines over the last few days. In our most recent podcast TCT rightly asked whether pub shares pass the pub test. Here’s a short answer – they don’t!
On Monday night, Buzz Rothfield drew the ire of Dog’s boss Gus Gould for his scoop, with Gould proclaiming that it’s a beat up and an attack on him and the club.
For his part, Rothfield stands by the validity of his story, with sources extending from rival clubs to the Bulldogs sponsor himself.
The offer of a guaranteed investment in the hotel group as part of the salary package to Tino should be shaking the NRL to the core. It reveals that significant people associated with the game are still prepared to blatantly go outside of the rules to achieve success.
Tino has generated a tornado of questions that need to be answered
Indeed, during Tuesday night’s NRL 360 program, David Riccio declared that salary cap rorts happen, and stated, “you can’t win premierships without cheating.”
Most punters suspect this, but this story and the subsequent comments by journalists close to the game leaves me furious.
With the current major sponsor of the Bulldogs revealing this plan to Rothfield, shouldn’t NRL auditors place every current Bulldogs contract under the microscope?
Though they are struggling to achieve on field results, Canterbury have been the big spenders of the past two seasons with many questioning how they could add so many high profile recruits. Perhaps we’ve just found out the methodology involved.
Right now, the red flags waving above Belmore would do justice to a Chinese military parade. If the NRL want us to have faith in their processes, they need to let the public know that investigations are under way.
Anything less leaves the entire system looking like a joke – a bad one at that!
Congratulations Jezaiah, Lachie and Tyson
The Australian Rugby League Schools Championship have just wrapped up with NSW Combined Catholic Colleges emerging victorious.
Eels Harold Matthews players Jezaiah Funa-Iuta, Lachie Coinakis and Tyson Sangalang were part of the winning team, continuing the fine seasons for each of them. All three won individual awards at the Eels Junior Reps Presentation Night back in June.
Jezaiah Funa-Iuta
A huge congrats goes to Jezaiah who backed up winning the Matts Players’ Player Award and the Best and Fairest by earning selection in the Australian Schoolboys team.
Jezaiah is a very promising back rower and someone that supporters will likely hear more about.
Survey Result
This week, I posted a Twitter survey about the two monikers commonly used by the Eels in their media – “PARRAdise” and “The Rising West”. I was curious about which one most resonated with Eels supporters and the response was overwhelming.
There were 553 respondents over two days, with 95% voting for PARRAdise. I gave no opinion in posting the poll, but put me down as siding with the majority on this one.
I proudly associate with the club as a local. I was born in Parramatta hospital and grew up a walking distance from Cumberland Oval. My family history is entrenched around the Parramatta district and there was only ever going to be one club in my blood.
However, we all acknowledge that Eels fans aren’t limited to western Sydney. They can be found in huge numbers in regional areas, interstate, and overseas. I know people who drive great distances to attend Eels matches, and even some who fly to as many games as they can every year. They support a team known as the Parramatta Eels.
Having “Parra” in your monicker just makes sense.
Pre-Game Appearance
A huge thank you to the full house of Eels supporters who rocked up to Jacks Bar and Grill in Parra Leagues after the loss to the Warriors. We weren’t sure how many punters to expect at our live appearance given the lopsided result, but having a legend such as Brett Kenny as a guest will always ensure an attentive audience.
This week we’ve switched our live appearance to pre-game. Kicking off at 3:00pm, we’ll preview the Eels match against the Titans, giving you time to grab a feed and a drink before you head across to CommBank Stadium for two grades of footy.
We look forward to seeing you at the “Home of the Eels” on Sunday.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Also re the draw Sixties you forgot to mention a 5 day turnaround for the Darwin game – where we are the team taking the game away from Parras stadium packed to the rafters with Parra supporters to play against the Cowboys who have almost all the crowd rooting for them. And some of the refs and bunker decisions reflect the pseudo home ground advantage. Is there something currupt happening or is it the NRL holding Parra in contempt and also being guilty of totally inept? EG players Award still not resolved.
PS I reckon Mitch and Reggie were great last night. Mitchell’s defence was unreal and he hasn’t received the kudos he deserves from the press. He played the foil on the right side for Walker to take advantage down the left brilliantly.
One journo rating gave Moses a 6, a team low. No idea. The same guy gave Addo-Carr 9.5 but To’o 6.5…which just confirmed to me he has absolutely no idea. To’o s effort stats were double Addo-Carr who barely got over the advantage line while To’o s carries were gold.
Well noted BDon
Sec, yes the Darwin game was against the Broncos this year on a quick turn around and the Cows last year. The ideal opponent for both the NT government and the NRL is a Queensland team.
Moses was very composed and Reg was the dominant middle. Though the post match praise went straight to Jake Turbo, who made 64m in ten runs.
I really must be missing something with Jake Turbo. I made the effort to watch him on Wednesday night to understand what all of the fuss is about.
I didn’t see it. He was passive in his Carrie’s. I defy anyone who could make a case for him over Jr Paulo.
If you offered both players to Arthur Laundy, which one do you reckon would be offered Pub shares
JE, I risk treason here but yes Junior’s carries are better, their north/south defence is similar, but I have to honestly say, in the latest dialect, Jake ‘keeps his feet moving’, Junior not always so, and I can’t get that Warriors game out of my mind even though I’ve moved on( about which I’m probably lying).
Have to remember that Cleary had the SOO team picked to suit his style, and what happened they still lost.
Moses was restricted from his normal game to fit with the Fittler style, he defended very well and did all the small things needed to fashion the win.
No doubt Chinboy will get selected again, not sure they can pick Cody alongside him and function well, at least Moses steered the winning team last night.
Derek, if you use premiership footy as the basis for selection, Cleary probably deserves it. But at some point, his challenges at Origin level must cause a rethink. Was he the problem or his halves partner?
Or both
For me the big thing that was missing from Mitch’s game was that I have no recollection of him making a short side play.
It was clear that the game plan was to go left all night and it worked. Fittler signalled before the game that he wanted to see the MM running game.
At the Eels he has full management of the team. That was not the case Wednesday.
Absolutely true John. I guess it’s hard to argue with Fittler given the result but maybe the inclusion of Walker would be better defended by Queensland next time.
Why isn’t there much about the u 19 SOO eels players tonight have i missed something, we need to know about the eels players and if they are going well in their respective grades ??…?.
Joe, is your issue with TCT or the club? We have spoken about the selection of the players (the boys and Lindsay) in some detail in our podcasts. We also discuss the weekly performances of the fellas and that of others in Flegg when we preview and review the matches each week. And we will be speaking about their matches last night in today’s preview podcast.
On the draw I have said before that we lack equity with the NRL and the media and we pay the price.
On a positive note we have the opportunity now to do what we did in the late seventies and eighties. We have the opportunity to take the club to new levels with our pathways Whether it is the appointment of Nathan Brown or the experience gained by the passage of time I think that we are finally getting the Pathways process right.
I think our days of buying big name players is likely in the rear view mirror. Hopefully we will never lose as many quality players in the future as we did this season in the future.
What we see from the current season is that we have the ability to recover from a loss of players.
We may never win three on the trot again but surely now we have the opportunity to play finals footy each season and be real contenders.
Unfortunately, we will always lose some pathways players. If you develop a quality production line, as we are aiming to do, there will be players beyond the club’s needs. Plus other clubs will look to make offers that will be hard for the Eels to match for players of that age. But if the club can make as many of them “Parra aspirational” as possible, then the task of retaining those that the club targets to keep is made easier.
If we keep losing our good young players, I’m not sure the excuse about competition in young player market holds. Gabrael, stefano, zaidus, Myles Martin have already left in recent times. If sanders leaves then it’s another cycle of other teams identifying our good players whilst we are too slow to lock them up. Other teams like storms roosters, south’s, cowboys, broncos have many great juniors in positions that are ostensibly already are locked down by key first team players.e.g Jonah Pezet is still playing his trade and learning and buying in to storm system notwithstanding pathway blocked in near future . I don’t see them losing their best of the young bunch. But we do without fail it seems. Super frustrating to see. Particularly with dogs snapping up so many.
Ron, moving on at a young age doesn’t always work. There are promises and a few dollars, but I know 2 young players who were very promising at Ball level, one signed with Storm and the other at the the Raiders. Both were back in Sydney within 15 months , a bit disillusioned as they were not in the systems that had worked with them and both struggled. Actually they are both not playing at the moment, the dollars and promises once out of the system and away from home is much more difficult than the headlines.
Sure it’s up to the club to give them a plan for their future and how they can progress, he’s only 19 and needs to experience running teams at a more senior level .
I could not agree more. No doubt those clubs are trying to seduce sanders with money etc but parra has to make itself more appealing than it currently does (see players that have left). Surely the chance to work with Trent barret, Mitch Moses, Dylan brown, good forward pack in nsw cup and nrl, local junior etc all weigh in our favour but, in spite of that, we keep losing promising juniors. Just frustrating to see the hard work of all those involved in Parra Junior development go to waste/bear fruit for others.
On the other hand; if you look from Ethan’s position, he is behind MM who has options to play till the end of 2028.
Also;
I believe Zaidas left as he was offered a contract and was behind young Matt Arthur (who looks like being something special)
But that just makes my point, there are clubs like Melbourne who had Brandon smith and Harry grant willing to bide time behind cam smith + Nicho, drink water, papenhauzen and willing to bide time behind Billy slater+ now pezet willing to hide time behind Jarome Hughes because of what the club sells them as the vision. They have other young players (an exciting poly fullback and backrower) waiting behind papenhauzen and Meaney. Same with roosters who had sandon smith behind keary and Walker + Suia wong (a talented backrower) waiting and biding time behind their stacked forward pack. Manly had same with latu fainu (until recently). Cowboys have same with Tom Duffy and other halves/fullbacks. I just don’t get why we get caught in these positions where our best juniors are of off contract and no real foresight to lock them up earlier. Our best juniors (stefano, gabrael, zaidus, Myles Martin) seem to jump at earliest opportunity whilst other teams are able to placate any such concerns about opportunity with theirs and sell a real vision. Last night when watching u 19 origin, almost all had deals into 2025 but Ethan sanders.
And re: zaidus. It’s a two dummy half sport at the moment. Why couldn’t the club convince him that he would take up the role with matty arthur or indeed win the role himself in the future? What’s the rush young fella? You’re behind reed mahony who the dogs have invested massively in anyway over there. You have a better team and chance at parra. But we still lose them.
None of this is to say there may not be other reasons people leave unbeknownst to me but I don’t think parra have done enough in years gone by to make sure those other reasons don’t become primary reasons.
Zaidas got an excellent offer but I believe he’ll be at the Dogs. Earlier speculation had him at the Dragons, then Manly.
Would Jake Arthur be a good example of one of those who got away?
As much as I like Jake he had every reason to leave. Muppets bagging him left right and centre for no good reason notwithstanding the was a junior who was playing well in reserve grade and trying his best when came up to nrl. If Jake Arthur left for opportunity reasons alone I would be a bit bummed but not in his specific context (although we should have asked for a player in return from manly).
It is a measure of the success of our pathways that so many clubs are trying to poach our best like Sanders.
What we will be aiming to do is to keep the best while maintaining the quality of our cap.
Storm have done it better than most in recent times but even they have let. Plenty of players go.
As Sixties says you can’t keep them all. The skill is in keeping the ones that are Parra aspirational. The big challenge is not letting the Cap get bent out of shape.
I don’t think the fact we get cherry picked by others is a measure of success. It’s copium that parra have used for a while te: juniors and we need to be better.