How should we react to the Eels victory over the Dragons?

We certainly had a wild ride watching from the CommBank Stadium stands. While the Eels started well and then drifted into silly errors that proved costly, I respected the fact that they did not give up, and that determination eventually lead to victory.

Results are all that matter over the next three matches. Brave losses or strong performances that fall short count for nothing. Wins, no matter how they’re achieved, are the only goal.

What lies ahead for our team is uncertain but the result last week leaves their future very much in their own hands. Which brings me to what I liked most about Parra’s game against the Dragons.

Carty

While this year has been challenging for the fans and team, it was so pleasing to again watch Bryce Cartwright stand out. In 2023 Bryce has found consistency in his game. His talent has always been obvious but his contribution to his team this year has been based on hard work and not simply the odd brilliant play.

While Carty’s try on the weekend demonstrated his skills, it was his ability to read the play, count numbers and make a smart decision that was wonderful. The times this year when he has held the ball have been just as impressive as when he has passed it.

Which brings me to the Eels game this week. Our team over the coming weeks needs to play smart. They need to make the right choices about when and where they turn the ball over. When to pass, when to slide and when to jam in.

Shaun Lane was a guiding light in 2022

In my opinion, it has been the errors of judgement from individuals which have been the Eels greatest problem. And maybe, just as Shaun Lane provided the answers from within the group last year, so too does Bryce Cartwright provide a role model for 2023.

Though Bryce isn’t perfect, our players need only look at the transformation in his game to know the marked improvement that can come when smarter, calmer and more controlled decisions are made. They won’t get success from the sort of cheap turnovers that were seen against the Dragons.

My blue and gold glasses will again be firmly in place this weekend.

Parra face three tough, quality opponents in the final three rounds of the season. However, I have a feeling that if the Eels play to their strengths and execute with control it may just be enough to get them to finals football.

Shelley

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