Round one is in the rear view mirror, and from an Eels perspective there are numerous talking points.
Was the opening match of Parra’s campaign exactly what you expected? Did individuals perform as you wanted? Was the match plan spot on?
As far as emerging players are concerned, we learned a little bit more about Blaize Talagi and Matt Arthur.
And you, the loyal supporters, deserve plaudits for turning up in force to get behind our Eels as they opened their 2024 campaign.
Bumpers Up!
Ridiculous Takes
I can’t get my head around some of the absurd criticism of the Eels first round victory over the Bulldogs.
I can understand the opinions of the casual fans who would have liked to see more tries scored. Point scoring is always entertaining and that’s what attracts some supporters.
However, the comments from so called experts or from experienced players such as Paul Gallen are head scratching.
The narrative that Parra’s overwhelming possession and high completion rate should have resulted in more points was partnered with the opinion that the committed defence from Bulldogs and the physical toll that went with it blunted their attack.
Hello! Doesn’t that sound like a match plan?
A great start to 2024 is celebrated in the sheds
Brad Arthur’s men were close to perfect in their execution. The Eels forwards were relentless in belting their opponents, both with the ball and without. It was a mature and disciplined approach which exhausted their opponents out of the contest. They had little left in the tank.
And let’s not lose sight of this being round one. There will be opportunities to become more expansive in attack, but this match was all about setting a tone for the season and re-establishing the Eels identity.
Personally, I want teams to be physically brutalised by the Eels. I want matches against Parra to be accompanied by a sense of trepidation. Our team has the skill set to take advantage of the damage they’ll create.
Keep chasing the collision fellas. I’m all for it.
Bryce’s Brace
TCT readers are aware of how enthused I was when the Eels first signed Bryce Cartwright.
That positivity was based on two factors.
The first was Carty’s undeniable talent. What he possessed was something that doesn’t disappear, and my recollection of his skill set on display in the past against the Eels had me believing that his ability was being wasted on the Gold Coast.
Brad Arthur’s influence was the other factor. Time and again BA has elevated the performance levels of individuals at the Eels, and I was convinced that he could repeat that success with Cartwright.
It’s been a gradual build.
Carty cuts through the Dogs defence
In 2022, we saw the first signs of change for Bryce. His life settled off the field and amongst the hits and misses of his ball playing ways, there was evidence of greater physicality to his game.
Fast forward to 2023, and in an Eels side which missed finals footy, Cartwright stood alongside J’maine Hopgood as the team’s most consistent forwards. The flashes of brilliance were still present, but were far more circumspect. And he was now a tough, reliable starter in the pack.
In Saturday’s opening round, Carty hit “best on field” territory via his try double, crunching defence, tough run metres and naturally his trademark offloads – all six of them.
Of course, one game doesn’t make a season, and the Eels need all players to be ready and able to deliver on a weekly basis.
But a confident and committed Bryce Cartwright can be a difference maker for the Eels in 2024. And I want to be at that party.
Food For Thought?
I’m not one for pushing the omission of Maika Sivo from the Eels NRL team. The powerful Fijian can score tries that few in the NRL can emulate, and that’s a massive plus for our team. Furthermore, he holds centre stage in the Bumpers Up featured image.
However, I want our coach to have selection options, and when Maika’s form fell away last season, Brad Arthur had no alternatives to turn to.
All preseason, the battle has been on between Morgan “Boston” (Morgan a Feeling) Harper and Bailey Simonsson for the vacant centre spot. Sivo’s suspension solved the selection dilemma as it paved the way for the good mates to play alongside each other on the left flank.
Simmo and Harper celebrate with Lane and Dylbags
Will Sivo automatically return to first grade upon completion of his three week suspension? That could very well depend on the results of the next two weeks and the performance of Harper and Simonsson as a pairing.
Sivo is an attacking weapon, but I’m not sure that he would have scored the try that Simonsson did against the Bulldogs. In fact, it’s hard to recall the big bloke ever making a split second turn from defence into attack in his time at the Eels.
That said, Sivo can brutalise his way to the try line in a manner that Simonsson can’t match. And he is consistently safe under the high ball.
Team list Tuesday in Round 4 could be an interesting read.
Rising Stars
Apart from the two point loss, there were a number of positives to arise from Saturday’s NSW Cup opening round.
All eyes were on the performances of Ethan Sanders, Blaize Talagi, Matt Arthur and Charlie Guymer as they took the next step in their senior football journey.
Without question, Arthur was best on field. He mesmerised the Dogs defence, especially in the first half. And it wasn’t just the quality of his service out of dummy half.
Arthur was tough in defence and unleashed the kind of attacking wiles that I’ve been privileged to witness throughout his pathways years and most recently during the preseason. I deliberately kept my wraps on him low key in my reports for obvious reasons, but it’s absurd to play down a performance broadcast on Fox League.
Matt Arthur
Another player subjected to my low key reporting was Blaize Talagi. I gave some indication to what was transpiring at preseason when I named him as NSW Cup fullback in my December team list prediction post. He had a fine summer to say the least.
Blaize is not devoid of errors. He’s learning the fullback trade, and it has to be noted that he did not play in that position during his time in Eels pathways teams.
He’ll improve his positioning and decision making.
Blaize Talagi
Saturday’s game was his first competition match in open age football. And how fearlessly did he take on the line! And the class he demonstrated in those two try assist offloads was worth arriving early at CommBank Stadium to see them in person.
There will be no need to rush either Arthur or Talagi. Boods has only just turned 19. Blaize is still 18. They are both in their respective apprenticeships and will benefit from the experience of NSW Cup.
The same can be said of Charlie Guymer and Ethan Sanders. Each will tell you that the step up from age football to NSW Cup is as much about the physical demands as it is about the difference in the speed of the play. The NRL is another level again. I expect both to shine as the season progresses.
We also shouldn’t ignore the emergence of Brock Parker. The prop was one of the cornerstones of the 2023 Flegg side and was given a taste of an NRL preseason over summer. He started off the bench on Saturday and will provide good value during this season.
Another headline from the match was the five try haul to returning Eel Samuel Loizou. The Rouse Hill Rhinos junior spent the preseason at Wests Tigers but opted for a return to Parra on a part time deal in preference to remaining at Concord.
Yet it wasn’t his collection of tries which I want to acknowledge here.
Sam has had a wretched run with injuries over the years and I feared for his health after he was the recipient of a nasty high shot early in the game. But the tall centre got off the deck and went on to record the greatest try scoring spree of his Eels career. Well done mate.
Finally, though the Eels lost the contest, it still highlighted the depth in the forwards.
Despite releasing Ky Rodwell to the Super League, and with Wiremu Greig and Toni Mataele watching from the sidelines, Ofahiki Ogden, Matt Doorey, Luca Moretti and Makahesi Makatoa reminded everyone that they’ll be ready when called upon. In fact, Doorey was right up there with Matt Arthur as best on field.
If they can rectify their errors, the NSW Cup team will push for finals football.
In The Right Lane
Shaun Lane is a remarkable individual.
Anyone who’s listened to him speak knows that he mixes his great intelligence and insights with a quirky sense of humour and a deep sense of how to connect with people.
When it comes to mental health, Shaun has often laid himself bare in discussing his own journey. Late last year, I attended a Movember event at Parra Leagues in which Shaun spoke openly about the times when he’s needed to seek assistance.
A must watch
Now, in his recently released documentary “Out Of My Lane”, the Eels second rower shares more about his life and that of his father, as well as gathering the experiences of other elite sports people and mentors.
In the world of rugby league, it’s a unique production.
It’s not a typical behind the scenes look at what happens with a team. Instead, it focusses on how positive mental health is important for individuals and then ultimately can benefit the team.
A particularly poignant moment was when Shaun openly wept when trying to speak about his close friend, Kurt Drysdale who was paralysed in a game in the same week that Lane made his first grade debut.
Whist watching this documentary, I couldn’t help but think that Lane has found his calling. His life will lead him down the path of assisting others.
If you haven’t watched “Out of My Lane” as yet, you know what to do.
Supporters Arrive In Force
A new regular season record crowd of 29,171 provided a sensational atmosphere at CommBank Stadium on Saturday, and I don’t think that the Eels faithful get enough credit for their unwavering loyalty.
Whenever such loyalty and passion is referenced by the media, it’s always Knights supporters who receive the acknowledgement. And there’s no denying that they are die hard fans.
However, Eels membership numbers climb year upon year, placing them up near the very top of the NRL. And home attendances at CommBank Stadium continue to be amongst the highest in the league.
As they have done in the past, I expect this season’s average to exceed 20k. As far as I’m concerned, the Blue and Gold Army have no equal when it comes to loyalty and passion.
In recent seasons, there have been well founded criticisms of how the club has connected to fans on match days, from the presentation itself, through to the lack of engagement by players. But on Saturday, a note of congratulations needed to go to the Eels for the match day presentation.
The crowd engagement was a major step up on previous years, from the “Parra’s in the Tunnel” signs to the huge flags that accompanied the team entrance, the stage was set for a big event.
I remain an opponent of the recorded chant, and at one point it was played as Gutho attempted to catch a bomb, but that was a minor criticism on the day.
Will Penisini still signing autographs and taking photos long after full time. Photo credit Eddy Rizk
Match day at Parra Leagues also deserved a plug. The club was packed before and after the game, and the activations both inside and outside for supporters were certainly embraced.
The Cumberland Throw appearances have been given a new home in Sterlos and it was a noisy and lively bunch in there after the game. I want to thank both Steve Ella for being our guest, as well as those supporters who introduced themselves to us after we wrapped up.
Later on, I dropped in to our old stomping ground upstairs, Jacks Bar and Grill. It was pumping with the DJ in action and the dance floor full. There’s something for everyone after games.
We’ll see you at Parra Leagues in round 3 after our next home match against the Sea Eagles.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Good read sixties, watching ,young Arthur, and co ,all looked good ,for the feature off club
But must say for all his trys, loizou defence looks terrible, but his wing partner is to blame ,just as much, in my view watching the game ,over all ,,more positive factors to game overall ,I thought
Have to agree. The ease with which the dogs stripped us for numbers on the left edge to get around Lumelume time after time was embarrassing and unfortunately all too familiar a sight watching Parra back lines defend.
Arthur was incredible. If he’s not starting 9 in the NRL team by the back end of this year I’ll be surprised.
Murph, we definitely saw the future in young Boods. But I’m very cautious about when it happens for him. It might get to the stage where form demands it or injury necessitates it, but until then, I don’t think BA will rush him.
An issue for that centre wing combination is the minimal time together. Sam only just returned to the club and is not on a full time deal.
Good summary of the game. However before I start I was in a world of pain on Saturday. I left home early trying to catch a bit of the second half of the Cup game.
There was track work happening from Newcastle to Hornsby and parts of the Shore line. Busses were running. After catching a cab from Parramatta station to the ground. I arrived at halftime in the NRL after four and a half hours of travel.
I have watched the game a couple of times now and I think you have analysed it pretty well. I do like it when we play with patience and wear teams down.
Both Dogs tries came from our errors. As you have suggested the Kikau try was a quality bit of football. Very good signs from our boys.
I thought leaving the ground that Cartwright and Paulo were standouts. That was Rd 1 and they will get better from here.
Mate, what a frustrating trip. It’s an interesting decision that BA has to make about Junior. He definitely creates havoc for the opposition coming off the bench, yet there is the honour (for want of if better word) of being a starter which he deserves. Brad suggested his decision to bring Junior off the bench isn’t locked in, so I guess we’ll see how it is used going forward.
One of the clubs I thought BA would likely start Junior was the Dogs. They have one of the weaker packs. Agree the tactic is most effective on middles that are stronger.
On MA as I said missed his game. However he is very small and needs to build his body a bit more. I am thinking 12 months or more.
I believe Boods is already heavier than Brailey at the Sharks – around the 82/83kg mark. But as you indicate, there’s no need to rush him.
I like this move as it means we can keep high impact pressure on opposing teams for the full match. Not sure if Oppa is the right person, think Ogden or Greig might provide more impact but also defence needs to be top shelf as well in the opening minutes. Also hope BA is more sensible with his changes this year and doesn’t keep the starters on too long to keep them fresher for their second stint.
I reckon Brad uses players as he needs to, and if he needs some players to be on for longer minutes it’s with a purpose. That said, with his bench last week, apart from Hands, they all got good minutes.
Thanks for a good report Sixties. I think you have covered off well. I can’t talk about the Reggie’s because the lawn in Brisbane is currently growing quicker than a politicians list of broken promises – so that had to be done before the firsts. It reads as if there remains some talent coming through.
I understand where you are coming from about game plans etc. And I enjoy the power game and physicality you talk about. However, I was one who penned a previous post saying I was disappointed we didn’t score more with the possession and field position we had. I stand by that, especially considering the number of new faces in the doggies defensive lines and how fatigued we made them. However, I also said I was happy with the way we didn’t panic even though we weren’t scoring more. I think that calm, level headed approach will help in future games. And it has been missing at times in previous seasons, even in 2022. We scored in the 50th minute and then not until near the end of a Dogs attacking error (admittedly from our defensive pressure). I just feel there shoul/could have been more. I know as the season progresses that we will improve there
Agree about Cartwright – I wasn’t really happy when we signed him. But I’m happy to be proven wrong. BA’s comments about him post game summit up: basically learning to do the hard stuff first before the fancy stuff. So a change in mindset.
That’s a fair call about the scoring Namrebo because your opinion is with the future perspective – keeping that level headed approach and not panicking and sticking to the plan. For mine, it’s all about setting that foundation in 2024.
Trepidation, let’s hope our next two opponents will be scared to turn up. I doubt it . Bryce was sharp . ” The Eels are Flying” love to hear Jon English belt that out again
You have to make them sting for that trepidation – hurt them early in the game and keep it coming. Bryce was incorrectly penalised for delivering the hurt but it left a mark. Also, teams that play the Eels twice need to feel the pain the first time and they won’t be looking forward to the return match.
Mr Sixties, this is a well written post. Maybe you should write for the Telegraph and then we could have some reasonable comments.
You might recall when Andrew John’s was assisting BA when he pleaded with him not to sign Cartwright.
I have to say right from the start I was all for him. Why? His personal life was in free all at the Titans and mind was elsewhere. He came back and trained with Spud Carroll who spoke highly of his new found efforts. He got his life back in order. He was always a brilliant footballer who relied too much on his skills and not enough on grit. BA had to teach him some lessons and it took a year or so to sink in. Cartwright showed good glimpses of BA’s efforts last year. I think should he continue like he started on Saturday we will have our long awaited X factor. Your post game writer displayed almost a hatred towards Cartwright which I must say I couldn’t understand.
By the way you are correct about Matt Arthur. It’s a tough hard game and while these young blokes think they are ready for first grade we know it’s better to hold them back not for experience but for game maturity.
I can only watch the game on Kayo but I watched it twice. More tries they demand – did they forget Moses was running on one leg. He is the linchpin to our attack but was severely restricted. I am always happy with a win and have said no team is easy just some teams are easier.
What I say is the less tries the opposition scores the better. We get our defense then right tries will come.
Keep up the great work
Cheers Zero. With regard to Carty, I want to refer to the Shaun Lane documentary. There was a bloke he spoke to who was working with the Scottish rugby Union (I think that was his background). If you’ve seen the documentary you will recall how this bloke said he enquired about why certain players in their academy didn’t go on with a rugby career. He was told it was a mental thing that prevented them, and when he asked what they do about that, the answer was “nothing”. So people had basically given up on Carty despite the fact that it was probably a head space issue. The investment and belief in him is now paying dividends.
A good report on a good game.
It’s encouraging to see an emphasis on toughness and completing the sets.
It will be interesting to see if they can maintain that cool if a team gets and early lead on them.
Cartwright had a blinder and deserved his rewards.
The Dogs are in the odds to finish in the bottom six so it would have been a great result against, say the Roosters but the professionalism was very encouraging.
It will be nice to see some attacking combinations forming. Even before the injury, Moses looked like he was going to add a few strings to his kicking bow.
I’m still concerned about the outside backs. The tries down the side were far too easy, that was how we lost last year.
I guess the next 2 weeks will tell us a lot.
Go Parra!!
I never like to see the Eels give up tries when I believe that we shouldn’t. If we don’t turn over possession it doesn’t happen. That said, it’s unrealistic to think that teams won’t make errors and won’t have to defend them. All teams use that slide defence. It’s how well it’s executed that makes the difference. Souths are great at exploiting that compressed defence. Case in point, the try scoring of A.J. How many times does he just catch the ball and stroll over! In fact, Sivo gets a few of those himself.
I don’t think it’s a ridiculous take to suggest that Eels should have put on more points. We were not close to perfection, our attack was rusty and at times disjointed, we were gifted a huge amount of ball and when our defence was tested we failed to shut the gate in the middle again.
We had a terrific effort up the middle which is reflected in our 2 good tries. Maybe it was more impacted by Moses’ groin, but there looked to be a lot of break downs in the dogs 20m. Nothing that can’t be fixed though.
As for Sivo, I hope he realises there is competition for his position now. He can’t keep the rep of being fastest man alive when he’s 10m out from an open try line. Big take from the weekend for me were the set starters from Simmo, Harper and Russell. There was no jogging in and turning back, they were going at it Fergo style.
It’s not ridiculous to want more points, but I think it’s wrong to be critical of it, especially in round one. The points will flow from that resolve throughout the year and it is the foundation that we need after last season. The Eels strength is in the forwards. That advantage has to be pushed. The defensive fatigue it will create will sap opponents and impact their attack.
Sivo is an enigma.When you look at Ravalawa you think ‘ ithats how you do it’…I hope every week for the reborn Maika to magically appear. C’mon man, you can do this you’ve got all the bits and pieces.
If he can find the energy on kick returns and yardage, the conversation probably wouldn’t be happening. In fact, if he was playing the game 20 years ago when wingers weren’t asked to be extra forwards, we wouldn’t be concerned. But getting those ugly tough runs is now part of a wingers KPIs.
Sixties so you’re saying it is all Wendell Sailor’s fault that Sivo is missing his assignments?
Honestly it’s about effort. I like the way Sivo plays but right now he is letting himself down.
I’m not making a single excuse for lack of effort John. If BA gets options for selection that tick more boxes than Sivo, then his choice should be obvious.
I’m surprised you didn’t comment on the DJ starting his set before the team song was finished. Disgraceful stuff. I hope he was suitably punished.
As Mitch proclaimed – think of the children!