Easter Monday is always a huge day on the Eels calendar with what is now the traditional clash with the Wests Tigers.
This year it’s a home fixture at CommBank Stadium, and a crowd of close to 30K is expected to take advantage of this fine weather on a public holiday to enjoy a great day of footy.
For The Cumberland Throw that means catching two grades of Eels matches, kicking off with the NSW (Knock On Effect) Cup then the main event NRL game. The Eels are firm favourites with the bookies but the absence of Mitch Moses and the form of Api Koroisau will make it a fascinating contest.
We then round off the day with the live version of our Instant Reaction podcast in Parra Leagues. Starting from around 6:30pm, you’ll find us in The Bistro and our special guest is one of the greatest Eels of all time.
Last week’s appearance with Muggo
Eric “Guru” Grothe, is one of just eight Eels to have been a part of all four grand final winning teams. He’s also recognised as one of the finest wingers in rugby league history, having represented both NSW and Australia and scoring some of the most memorable tries in the 1980s.
We’ll be chatting with Eric about his career, as well as getting his takes on the NRL today, and his opinions about the Eels vs Tigers result.
Eric Grothe in action
Come along, grab a feed, a beverage, have a listen to the footy talk, then grab a photo or autograph with Eric.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Eels forever!
Sixties
First saw the Guru in a 23’s game at Cumberland where the backline also included Sterling, Pattison,Ella and Neil Hunt. Sitting behind the northern end posts, Grothe received the ball about 5 mtrs from the sideline at the other end, skirted and palmed his opposite and rampaged down the sideline.He looked like a charging bull with speed and power and you just knew there was something different going on. Randomly we found ourselves sitting next to Neil Hunt’s family including father Jim who was then the Roosters Secretary/Manager. Nice people, and Neil, at fullback, obliged by right in front of us stepping clean through the line from a kick return. Hunt had a great step but I think got a bit thwarted by knee injuries fairly early in his career.
I have so many memories of Guru, but the one I shared in the podcast with him was his tackle on Ron Coote in reserve grade.
I thought Brad changing the winning run on team from last was a bad move and the defence of W T was strong,that’s why not taking two points with penalties was wrong, if had of taken a win was more realistic and while W T were a man down and still going through with forward play was wrong instead of moving wide while they were short ,and I think it’s instructions from B A
I would have taken the two points when we were two points down. I know that it’s often passed over these days but it’s a gift two to draw level.
The issue wasn’t taking the 2 , it was how the team attacked after the binning. There was no targeting the middle early and then taking it wide, was that due to our left edge being basically invisible all day. Tactically we did not do anything to take advantage and that is on the players, and the coaches. Still don’t understand how the message to change up was not sent out to the players, we have a trainer on the field so often.
The change to the starting line up was puzzling when it has worked so well, and needs an explanation.
Signing a slow yet experienced centre in Harper was never the answer to our backs, it’s a concern that we have no depth given KOE Cup and Flegg providing no depth or pressure.