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Mixed fortunes marked the Eels in the first week of the Junior Representatives as the Harold Matthews and SG Ball chalked up Round 1 wins over the Warriors while the Lisa Fiola and Tarsha Gale fell to the Bulldogs. Sixties, Forty20 and Clint break down all four games as well as everything happening for the Eels and the NRL.
The latest from the NRL preseason as well as an update from the chairman head the Parra news. Sixties takes a look at the fierce battle between Bailey Simonsson and Morgan Harper at left centre while the club has locked in support for the final stages of the Kellyville development.
Ezra Mam’s mammoth new deal with the Brisbane Broncos steals the show in the NRL. The young playmaker has re-signed with the Broncos for 5-years as he becomes a pillar for the franchise. What is his real value and did the Broncos get a good deal?
One star is staying in the NRL but could another be on the move to rugby union? Speculation about Joey Manu’s future in the code has intensified this week and the boys place their bets and how the cards will fall.
The show rounds out with a preview of Round 2 in the Junior Representatives as the Eels travel to the Shire to take on the Cronulla Sharks.
I’ll be stunned if Manu leaves the Roosters – either for Union or another club.
Mr Sixties, I have kept a low profile during the preseason – my heart rate gets too high thinking about the Eels and the games ahead.
A question that immediately comes to mind should Joey Manu depart for rugby – will this put the Roosters back under the sombrero?
I read with some interest your training reports and understand you cannot overload us with vital information.
I am more confident this year than last year. There were so many unsettling events that prevented a good start. In particular was the contract negotiations with Moses. Remember the movie Jerry Maguire and the one professional who was negotiating a new contract. His form was down because his focus was elsewhere. The same thing with Moses especially his goal kicking early in the season. It did cost games – we only had to pick another win or two and we are top eight or even six. After signing his game reached the heights we expect of a $1 million player. Then we had injuries and suspension. I really believe Parra actually, considering their circumstances, had a great year in matching adversity.
I don’t care what others say – Parra did it tough and almost got there.
This year we are free of incidents and barring injuries I predict Parra to be top four.
The only worry I have is the use of the bench. By the way I think young Arthur will be permanent first grade next year. I hope we have him locked up.
Keep up the good work and tell your team to stay positive. We have between us Mr Sixties 120 years or more following the Eels and we have the worst and the best.
This year is going to be a good one!
Remember no games are easy but some are easier than others. Parra has to treat every game as hard. They really need to develop a better killer instinct – that separates tge wheat from the chaff.
Take care Mr Sixties.
Zero, given my advancing years it is definitely on the “or more” side of 120 years now.
You’re correct in your observations about how I’ve written up this preseason. There have been plenty of opinions that I’ve left in the tank, not to mention my usual policy of keeping things under wraps.
It’s been a very different preseason and thoroughly enjoyable to watch. As you’ll note in my reply to John below, I agree with your takes about the adversities about last season. There were things under Parra’s control that should have been better, but in other aspects it was a tough hand dealt to the Eels. Looking forward to this season now.
I have seen it all now. Blame Mitch for us failing to make the eight in 2023.
That will do me!
I don’t think he’s quite saying that John, though I get your take. Mitch had an outstanding year in 2023. And Zero has a valid point. We needed to be better, and some things we shot ourselves in the foot with. But, considering the list of adversities faced, if the team can reduce injuries and suspensions, we will improve.
That is right he does not blame it entirely on Mitch I agree.Although he did say MM’s contract negotiations and poor goal kicking cost us. He also gave a big part of the blame to BA.
Here is a thought what if we did not have so many suspensions and injuries. Maybe that would have helped.Or maybe if two of our best players, the halves had played more than 7 games together as a halves pairing in 2023 we would have made the eight.
John Eel, your take is incorrect. Just the same the early part of the season Moses’ focus had to be on his future particularly with the big offer from the Tigers. Once settled Moses pursued a great season having moved on from his distractions. Who do we blame for last year the coach or the players. Stupid suspensions and unfortunate injuries. I went back and re-watched those early games and had Moses kicked to his career average we might well have one at least two of those games if not more. I rarely criticise players – it’s a hard game but my comment is on the mark. Maybe you should re-read it.