It’s been a while, hasn’t it!
The last round bye, and not enough wins ensured that the Eels season finished up before any other club. Outside of the finals campaign from Parra’s Flegg team, and a couple of late season NRLW matches, there hasn’t been any Parra footy to discuss.
But Bumpers Up was always going to reappear before the preseason commenced, and there will be other rugby league to feature in both TCT regular features, including The Tip Sheet podcast. Remember, there is no off season here.
So let’s get back into PARRAdise and the footy!
Comings And Goings
The retirements of Josh Hodgson (expected) and Andy Davey (unexpected) have been confirmed over recent months.
Additionally, there are rumours that at least three players have been told that the club won’t stand in their way should they have the opportunity to take up a contract offer elsewhere.
At this stage it appears that from a numbers perspective the departures of Hodgson and Davey will be countered by the arrivals of Kelma Tuilagi (confirmed) and Morgan Harper (reported).
The Eels official digital announcement
That returns the roster list to 27 players. Harper’s signing would add to the outside back depth which currently sits at six players in the top 30. Whether his acquisition changes the premiership chances equation is an entirely different question.
Rumours about another backline signing are just starting to surface. The name floating around comes from the Shire but to date I’m hearing no names or confirmation from the club.
To be honest, many supporters are on the same page on one factor. The Eels need to add pace to their backline stocks. Though the Broncos lost the grand final, it was the speed of their backs which set them apart from other teams and should have delivered the 2023 title.
As things stand, until we get confirmation of an arrival with genuine pace, Arthur still has limited backline options for 2024.
Brenno Staying
There was tremendous late season excitement around the Eels Jersey Flegg team’s charge to qualify for final’s footy. Not only did the fellas defy the odds to defeat higher placed sides in their run of victories, they then progressed from fifth spot to the preliminary final.
Besides the talent and tenacity of the players, coach Craig Brennan and his staff deserved congratulations for melding the elevated SG Ball players and the existing Flegg squad into a group that truly celebrated each other’s successes.
Craig Brennan
With Jordan Rankin appointed as Jersey Flegg coach for 2024, it seemed that Brenno had been lost to the Eels.
Thankfully I can share the news that Craig will be staying in the Blue and Gold and has accepted the role of assistant NSW Cup coach, working alongside Nathan Cayless.
With a number of emerging young players expected to feature in Parra’s NSW Cup team next year, having a familiar mentor will be highly beneficial. I’m sure I’ll be joined by many others in applauding Brenno’s appointment.
Big BGA Plans
Next year is shaping as a huge one for the Blue and Gold Alliance.
This association of former graded Eels players and officials is a not for profit organisation that aims to assist its members, and the first step in doing so is in keeping people connected.
To that end, the annual player reunion in 2024 will have a “Back To Parra” theme. The goal will be for next year’s event to gather together as many of the players and officials as they can from throughout the club’s history.
Please note, that applies to all of the three senior grades in any season – first grade, reserve grade, third grade/under 23s/NYC. It’s quite the task!
Ray Price, Barry Rushworth and Billy Richards at this year’s reunion
If you have a friend or family member who played grade footy for the Eels, they should contact the BGA and register their details. Please let them know about the BGA. Alternately, I’m happy to assist them in making contact.
There are different events throughout the year organised by the BGA as opportunities to stay connected. For those doing it tough, arrangements for carers to accompany members to events are welcome.
Preseason Training
The Eels will be back at work in a month and I’m actually excited about what the preseason has in store.
Though my concerns about aspects of the roster remain, I’m champing at the bit to watch the new breed of players who will be involved in their first or second NRL preseason.
My mail is that somewhere between 10 to 12 pathways players will graduate to training with the full time squad over summer. Some might have limited days, depending on their contract status and other commitments. Some will be advancing from the one or two days per week that they received prior to Christmas last year.
Besides witnessing the continued development of young talent, it’s been my experience that the inclusion of young players adds a new energy and dynamic to the group. After a disappointing 2023, this is just what the doctor ordered for next year.
Having spoken to a number of players I can probably name most of those who will be hitting the training track at Kellyville. Those readers who followed the exploits of the Jersey Flegg team would be a good chance of determining that too. However, rather than omitting any or getting any incorrect, I’ll leave that till my training reports commence.
Good luck to all players taking that next step in their journey.
Season Thanks
With the NRL season now concluded, I’d like to thank our two newest TCT content creators for adding their talents to the site. Nat Soueid and Kye Ferreira are both young writers on the rise and have provided new and fresh opinions on the NRL and NRLW.
A huge thanks to Parra Leagues for being the Home of the Eels and making TCT a big part of their game day events at he club. Jack’s Bar and Grill has become our second home. Despite some less than favourable on-field results, we were regularly greeted by a full house of Parra fans after the game. We really appreciated that support and enjoyed meeting those of you who took the opportunity to introduce themselves.
Forty, Muggo and I at a post match podcast in Parra Leagues
As for our sponsors, Starr Partners Real Estate Auburn, Narellan and Parramatta, and Big Swing Golf Northmead, TCT would not be able to provide the level of content or even the site access without their support. It is so appreciated.
And finally to our readers and listeners. Despite the Eels failing to play finals footy, TCT will be announcing another year of record annual site visits. This is because our followers not only stick with us, they also tell fellow Eels fans about The Cumberland Throw. We couldn’t ask for a more supportive community to be behind us.
A Personal Note
The past month has presented some personal challenges. Many of you read my tribute to Dad and I am so grateful for the caring replies to that post.
There have been many people who have reached out privately. To those individuals, including those who sent flowers, cards or attended the service, please know that your condolences and care have been a great comfort to myself and the family, especially to my mother.
We count ourselves as blessed for the time we were able to spend with Dad, and for the relatives, friends and community around us.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Thank you for all you do
Cheers Mark
Ditto
In a time of social media negativity about our club, coaches and players from a number of individuals who frequent some Eels blogs, it is a credit to the contributors at TCT that we can read positive stories , and the sensible negative ones too.
Thanks for all you do and let’s focus on speed and a better 2024.
Thanks mate and yes, more speed!
Good start for next season with the post you have put up sixties will be looking forward to seeing new posts along the way that will show a stronger and more determined eels teams going forward.
I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing who is part of the preseason
Thanks to the Cumberland throw team, listened to all your podcasts all year really enjoyed them, read all the forum posts , albeit I don’t comment too often, u guys are very informative, except for new player announcements!!Now for our pre season , very very concerned with our top 30, if we don’t add quality we will struggle with the broncos , roosters , and souths, I’m disappointed with our club with their lack information, re , up dated squads we sat on 27 for most of year , then panicked, no planning ahead , no explanation for this , no one accountable for a poor season, BA is under enormous pressure!!!!! Thanks to 60s forty and co 👍👍👍👍
Ray, we have to stop giving BA fringe or bargain recruits. It’s time to splash some cash
Great to see Brenno staying on and with Reggies; his acquisition is a smart move.
Yes, Sixties another good back is needed; and I feel Simmonsen did well this yr and he can do well again at centre / wing.
If the players can be better disciplined; defence improve and recruitment get smarter, we can only be better, but some of our guys are a yr older….youth has to get a show.
Hope your days can get beter Sixties and thanks to TCT for a superb year.
As someone who spent time o/seas with no live action this site was a great source of infomration and quality content.
Cheers for the kind words Milo and for staying in touch on TCT. Here’s to the elevation of the young players as well as quality recruits
I have heard of one possible acquisition from the Sire, hopefully there are two.
I wouldn’t be opposed to that Avenger
Thanks for efforts fellas. Always appreciated through good bad and ugly
Thanks Ron
Thanks Sixties always appreciate your balanced views. Whilst allowing disagreement in a respectful manner.
This is an incredibly long off season for our team and I hope it is used to its maximum extent. Speed and fitness are going to be a huge advantage. Ponga and Broncos showed how speed and fitness can transform a season.
We cannot afford to be just off the pace in the early rounds. We have an aging pack not critical at this stage but getting there. Our backs are too few and the injuries will come leaving us depleted again.
Rumours of O’Neil going to Tigers have died down but were strong in September? Any insight?
I don’t see it happening Pete. Buckets does have strong links there but the place is a basket case.
Hard to get excited about the recruitment then again when was the last time our recruitment team brought something to get excited for?
Unfortunate that Cayless is staying on his coaching record leaves little to be confident off.
Even though I know next year will be worse than this year I’m still looking forward to it.
We always have to look forward Offside. It’s our lot as Eels fans
Thanks Sixties
Its hard ot fathom why we would be inviting Harper to train with the squad. Our football department would have been watching him play since at least 2018 when he debuted in NSW Cup, and probably before that. We know his ability and there is no way he is any more capable as a centre (back up centre) than any of the half a dozen middling wingers we are trying to convert into centres.
Billy Smith remains off contract. If we are not going hard for him, as a perfect fit for the left centre gapping hole we have, then I don’t know what the football department (O’Neil) are doing.
Good call on Billy Smith I think mate
I’m on board with Billy Smith though I guess we can’t criticise if they’ve explored his recruitment. We simply have to make an outside back signing of some significance. Especially one with pace.
Thanks 60s looking forward to your preseason reports always optimistic
Cheers Tanky. It will be one of the more interesting preseasons to watch from the perspective of pathways inclusions.
Who are the rumoured players to have been offered the chance to look around?
You can probably determine that be looking at some NSW Cup regulars from 2023.
Another great season of excellent content for Eels fans in. a forum that allows for discussion and various opinions. It’s why the site is growing in readership. Well done to the writing team!! Have a good off season, and see you soon for the pre season. Go Parra !!
Cheers Greg and as always thank you for your support
It has to be either Tracey or Iro from Cronulla. I would sign Iro has I feel he has a bigger ceiling. Though I would be signing at least 2 more backs. With Harper signed as a back-up Centre, I would be getting a starting Centre and a Winger that can play 1, Iro can be the latter.
I wonder if Addo-Carr perhaps moving to Souths could free up Isaiah Tass.
Finally, I am not sure Cayless is the man for the job in Cup. Did not feel he did. a good job. Sort of hope they find someone else for the role.
I believe that Caylo is locked in for at least 2024. I’d be happy with either Iro or Tracey. Bradstreet is signed on for a couple more years at the Sharks but he’s also worth a look given his speed. I’d be disappointed if the Eels didn’t explore recruiting Addo-Carr. The pace he possesses is game changing.
I asked a customer today at work who is a long term manly supporter what he thought of Morgan Harper as we look like getting him.he laughed and said he was the worst centre he had seen and that manly had been trying to get rid of for years. I know nothing much about him but I’m dreading the thought of him coming to Parramatta because I don’t think he’s the answer I hope I’m wrong
Yes, I remember when Talaki from Sharks tore him to shreds. His defence was terrible and I don’t think he’s played much first grade since. So he meets our criteria of missing multiple tackles per game on the edges. I just hope he’s better under the highball than Waqa. Lol
These recruitment decisions have psychological ramifications for other players in the squad and supporters.
It just seems there is a huge disconnect between what is needed and what is delivered. And a huge lack of accountability!
I’m thinking the same thing mate
That game helped Talaki into a Blues jersey!
A couple of years back when Manly had stability in the backs, Turbo running wild, Brad Parker and Harper looked pretty sound but they’ve been all over the shop since then with injuries and blooding young blokes.
Maybe Harper just got lost in it all. I sense that Brad Parker knows what he’s doing in defence and when he’s not around the system struggles. Who knows.