The Eels head into an NRL bye this weekend, and it might seem like the ideal point in looking at what’s going wrong in 2024.
To be honest, I’ve already done more than my share of that. It’s filled my time on TCT, and it’s filled even more of my time behind the scenes.
Therefore, this week’s column will mostly look ahead, acknowledging some achievements and giving a few takes on those positives.
Mind you, I won’t be entirely ignoring some current problems, because there are ever-present hurdles and there’s much to fix with fan engagement.
Bumpers Up!
Eels Stars Of The Future On Show
Make sure you watch the 19s Origin matches this Thursday night at Leichhardt Oval. The Eels will have representation in both the women’s and men’s games with all players critical to the Eels future.
Sam Tuivaiti is no stranger to this contest, as he’s lining up for his second year in the Blues jersey. He caught the selectors’ eye in the Eels 2023 SG Ball side, and claimed a spot in the NSW pack last year at just 18 years of age.
The promising prop has warmed into the 2024 Jersey Flegg season, with his Eels team now winning six of their last seven contests. He’ll be starting off the interchange bench for the Blues, filling an impact forward role.
The NSW Under 19s Men’s Team
Matt Arthur was unlucky to miss selection in 2023, being instrumental in the Eels surge to claim the SG Ball title. The talented dummy half backed that up with a starring role in the Flegg finals charge later in the season.
In 2024, “Boods” has been the standout player in the Eels NSW Cup side, literally demanding selection in the Blues team. A dominant performance in this Origin clash will add further pressure on Trent Barrett to find a place for him on the Eels NRL interchange bench.
Lindsay Tui has already tasted both 19s Origin football and the NRLW. She’s a gifted centre and to make an NRLW debut after her first season of Tarsha Gale says plenty about both her talent and future.
The NSW Under 19s Women’s Team
Ryvrr-Lee Alo had a break out season at lock in her first year in the Eels Tarsha Gale team and it’s been recognised via this Blues selection. She has a good motor and like Lindsay Tui, has a bright future ahead of her at the Eels.
Don’t forget you can catch both of the games live on FoxLeague, with the Mens match also covered in prime time on Channel 9.
Stop The Presses!
It’s just been confirmed that Matt Arthur will co-captain the Blues in tonight’s Under 19 Origin match.
In what is a terrific honour for him personally, and for the Eels club, Arthur will assume the on field leadership alongside Jesse McLean.
The Captains and Andrew Ryan with their jerseys
We already know that Boods is a player out of the box. This decision confirms that outside judges are already convinced of his leadership qualities.
Hopefully the Eels can sort out a contract upgrade as soon as possible.
Eels Still Breaking Mirrors
If ever there was a club that couldn’t afford to have a large group of players unavailable, it has to be our Parramatta Eels.
Last year we moaned about the impact that injury and suspension had on the premiership campaign, and given that the Eels only finished two points out of finals football, there had been reason for optimism that better luck would see the Eels return to the Top 8 in 2024.
Unfortunately, this season has turned out to be the perfect storm, with injuries taking out both Moses and Gutherson for long stretches. Now the list of unavailable players from a top squad that only contains 27 names is getting close to the stuff of nightmares.
Simonsson
Consider where the situation currently stands. Bailey Simonsson is out for the season. Kelma Tuilagi might return with a couple of rounds to go. Haze Dunster has been injured for most of this year, with Ofahiki Ogden and Toni Mataele keeping him company. J’maine Hopgood has no confirmed return date and Maika Sivo’s hamstring strain continues to be slow to heal.
That list drops the number of available “top 30” players to 20!
When you add in depth players such as Arthur Miller-Stephen and Richie Penisini missing the entire season, and Ethyn Martin being ruled out for eight weeks, the roster has taken an almighty hit.
This is beside the fact that Moses will likely miss an upcoming round due to Origin, players such as Gutherson and RCG are playing busted, and Matto is only just making his return from the sidelines.
This is in no way an excuse for losses. It’s simply a matter of fact for what has been another tough year. Like 2023, selection options are minimal. That means that players have a near lock on starting positions, even if their form is down on what it should be.
Mind you, the current situation necessitates a huge tick for what the lower grades have been able to accomplish over the last two months. If you can get to any of their matches, please get behind them.
Lower Grades Shining
Those keen to get some Eels footy during the NRL bye round should get out to Eric Tweedale Stadium at Granville on Saturday arvo for a Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup double header between the Eels and the Raiders.
After atrocious starts to their seasons, both Eels sides have hit strong form to surge up their respective ladders. This round will be critical to the hopes of both teams, as the Raiders boast impressive lower grades and some of the brightest emerging talent in rugby league.
Zac Cini has been in fine form for the NSW Cup team
The old Granville Park has undergone an upgrade and boasts a covered grandstand and grassy hills, all with a good view of the action. You’ll enjoy a good atmosphere and get a close hand look at pathways players coming through at the Eels and the Raiders.
Just on that, there are players in the Eels lower grades pushing for call ups. That’s what happens when winning brings confidence to individuals and the team alike.
A win in either grade for Parra could set up what seemed to be unlikely finals campaigns. It’s hard to recognise that they are the same teams who went winless for the opening five and seven rounds respectively.
If you can’t be there in person, TCT will provide a live blog of the matches from 1pm on Saturday.
The Search For A New Coach Hits The Pointy End
NRL media are reporting that the search for the next Eels coach has come down to a choice between Josh Hannay and Jason Ryles. That said, I’m not sure whether all interviews had been completed at the time of those reports.
Assuming that it comes down to these two, it will be an interesting decision either way.
Since 2012, Riles has held a variety of coaching positions across both rugby league and rugby union, for representative teams, the Roosters and the Melbourne Storm. In recent years he’s been pursued by NRL clubs for the head coach role but knocked back such approaches.
Josh Hannay
Hannay is the current assistant coach of the Queensland Origin team and has previously been the head coach of the Maroons under 18 team. At club level he’s been an assistant coach at the Cowboys and the Sharks, filling in as an interim NRL coach at both for a total of 28 games.
Each appears to be highly rated for their potential to take on the top job. Who would you select?
Work To Be Done
Appointing a new coach is just the first step that the Eels will need to take to get back on track.
Locking up a young player like Blaize Talagi, and upgrading Matt Arthur, are priorities. Simonsson and Hopgood need to be extended. You can add securing new recruits beyond Zac Lomax. It goes without saying that the process of recruitment and retention must be more decisive.
Put simply, there is no magical panacea in appointing a head coach alone.
Talagi celebrates his first NRL try
Reconnecting with members and supporters should also not be taken lightly, and I’m sure that the Eels will be on-board with this. Fans are naturally disheartened by the results this season, but feeling disenfranchised goes much deeper than that.
It comes down to feeling valued, and there’s a strong sentiment of supporters wanting better. A small core in the playing group understand that, and those players made sure that they gave some time to the Eels fans who stayed till the end of the game after the loss to the Roosters.
The loyalty of those who line the fences after games, especially after losses, should be acknowledged by the players. Many of those diehards have children with them, and these kids represent the future of the club’s supporter base.
I’ve been informed that the Knights have a designated period after full time where the players are expected to remain out on the field, signing autographs or having photos with supporters. When the time is up, a siren is sounded to let fans know that the greeting time has concluded.
That seems like an easy process to follow and probably one which the Eels should explore.
Michael Buettner Interview
If you haven’t checked it out as yet, our Instant Reaction podcast from last weekend included a recording of our pre-game chat with Michael Buettner.
Michael was our guest in the bistro at Parra Leagues and he provided terrific insights for our audience on topics such as defending at centre, NRL expansion and Origin 2.
Like all Eels ambassadors, he then took the time for photos and a chat with fans.
Michael Buettner meets Eels fan and PDRL player Todd Dorward at our most recent live podcast
Parra Leagues is the Home of The Eels, and the club provides supporters with the opportunity to listen to former stars discuss their careers, what’s happening in the NRL as well as previewing or reviewing the home game. It’s a privilege for us to interview them and to watch how generous they are with their time as they meet Eels fans.
The chat with Michael can be found here.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Today Panthers announced multi year extensions for Jesse and Casey McLean (two gun outside backs) BEFORE they play u 19 origin. We, on the other hand, let sander play last year without signing extension, have not extended talagi and are now letting Arthur play without signing an extension. Chalk and cheese. Competence vs negligence.
The difference is Ron that the Panthers have a stable coach and we don’t have one.
We can’t really sign a player that might not be in the next coaches plans.
Right now, we are just in a holding pattern.
Sixties, I like the idea of the siren to tell the players to go inside.
A simple way of making sure that they connect with the fans.
Arthur should have, in my opinion, already have been on the bench in NRL, I really don’t know what Barrett is waiting for.
If he’s not picked for the Newcastle game we may as well give up on a debut for any of the Cup juniors and that would be an opportunity missed.
We had BA as coach when sanders played under 19 origin last year. We had BA as coach for a period of time this year until he got sacked last month. These signings/extensions didn’t occur before brads sacking notwithstanding blaize, sanders, boods and guymer were clearly considered the core of future else. The management presumed they would resign instead of getting it done. So the point you make re: we have no coach atm isn’t quite apt when there has been so much time to get it done and now we just advertise our best juniors to the league so they can cherry pick them (it’s they same error they made with stefano and they clearly don’t learn from their mistakes, they prefer excuses)
That’s fine. I was just saying that everything will be on hold pending the appointment.
We are slow at recruitment/signings that’s for sure.
Yea I get why those players are not resigning right this instant but it just feels like another example where parra are behind the eight ball – I find it staggering how many times r and r committee can make similar mistakes and not learn from it (lack of top 30, lack of depth, lack of outside backs, young guns off contract etc)
Clearly BA wanted Sanders extended
Spark, the designated time period after full time for players to sign autographs etc seems like a easy enough plan.
When you have talented players like Blaize and Boods, you just get it done, after all, an incoming coach is always going to inherit most of the roster anyway. I think the biggest issue is probably whether the player wants to sign without knowing who the coach is.
Ron, it’s hard to believe that Boods won’t be top 30 until 2026 under his current contract. The half in the NSW team will be top 30 at the Dogs next year and he was playing SG Ball this year. I’m confident that Parra will upgrade Boods but I hope it’s done sooner than later.
These Eels contracts clearly allow for other teams to come in and make much better offers. It happens time and time again.
Pete the evidence we can see is that unfortunately due to past failures most likely in terms of financial issues (cap saga etc)
Our clubs picked up the reputation now as being cheap scapes who bargain everyone or offer less than other clubs
The clubs execs etc think that controlling the balance sheet is the #1 priority it seems like
Which is doing their jobs one could argue
Because the club was notoriously bad at this in the past
The only issue is the football team is not the reflection of their success it seems like
They say the clubs in a much better financial position etc
The actual NRL team isn’t being invested into to actually be highly successful
I’m not saying we all know the answers and the club are dummies
But obviously we have an extremely conservative approach now from the leaders of our club
This is why they drag out even our captains contracts every time and let it go thru the media
It’s unfortunate for us eels fans due to our teams failures now
But the people making these decisions are trying to do it in the clubs best interest
I’m sure they aren’t purposely trying to make us be a failing team
We just have to trust (or hope), the executive team and all other leadership members are going to shift or re- balance their strategy
Because if massive action and adjustment in their recruiting strategy isn’t implemented
I hate to say the “W S” word
But if they are stubborn and do not address this roster + depth issue
They could be in line for a wooden spoon next year or even this year
I don’t want to even entertain the thought
But if you get moses out for the season with a knee injury
Gutho out until next or late this season
Paulo or Joe O’ out as well with injuries
Suddenly our team is likely to be getting bottom 3 or a wooden spoon
I hope the eels are not sleeping at the wheel
Because there’s even a chance this year it could happen if Moses & gutho get injured
As crazy as it sounds, this would likely cause turn over within the eels admin (HOF, etc)
Maybe something this dire needs to take place for things to drastically change
I’m not hoping for a bottom 3 finish or a 🥄
But us eels fans may need to see something this bad play our before they change their ways and sack some of those who are responsible
No team should go from a grand final to equal last in 2 years
We deserve better and although I strongly disagreed with Ba’s persistence on lussick & lane
BA’s been largely made the scape goat for their absolutely disgraceful recruitment & retention
Let’s hope for the positive tho & this doesn’t need to happen for the changes we wish for to come 🤞
It’s so so poor in terms of squad planning. And much ink has been spilled pointing out our ineffective approach but I’m yet to see any signs of acknowledgment or improve from the club – it’s just spin and excuses year on year
All the U19 reps need to be signed and upgraded. They are state representatives for a reason.
Offer them a future with the club. I realise that not all of the young players continue to firsts but if you don’t lock them up, someone else will.
And if you don’t lock them up, it’ll be a case of another one got away.
Our club hopes to be a pathways club.
Make it a pathway to our top grade, rather than another club.
It hurt to see Michael Gabrael out there. I understand that there are reasons that players can slip through the net – parent expectations, big offers that can’t be matched, player agent decisions etc, but I’ll take it a step further. Let’s get aggressive like the Raiders and grab some of these young stars from other clubs ourselves too!
Spot on Sixties. We had a chance to keep kids from 15’s etc as I have mentioned – Myles Martin is one I keep banging on abt. As a club we are either naive or fail to support the coaches or just dumb.
The so called business model that seems to be used by the club is ponderous.We are late to the party on providing development contracts internally and often when player managers are involved, there seems to be a failure to outline the opportunities at the Eels and the manager sells a better story to the parents and player. That occurs when the contract money is the same.Players choosing to travel over an hour more each way to and from other clubs shows how far away from persuading the player to remain we are.
Not sure what the review into junior development provided as a conclusion to this issue of our juniors being happy to sign elsewhere, as it’s remained confidential, but the clubs needs to improve retention. We look at clubs without our so called resources do well in junior comps and promoting youth into their NRL team, at some expense to us.
Better decisions needed.
Very happy to see young Mat being a co captain.
Another player who under BA (I’m sure he has helped guide him) to become a fantastic player.
I know haters will not give him his props – but congrats also to Brad for raising such a great young fellah and superb player.
I really look forward to seeing Matt taking the field at Commbank when he debuts for the blue and gold NRL team.
…hopefully that day is sometime very soon!
I hope it is soon too Muz.
60’s if you make a big post saying why hasn’t Trent barret tried Matt Arthur yet?
He is the nsw captain and the best hooker in reserve grade.
Maybe you’ll ruffle enough feathers and the pressure will get back to baz?
😂 we could only hope 😀
Gut feel – absent better and more info I’d appoint Hannay if it’s down to those 2.
Something doesn’t sit right with Ryles not already landing a head coach role with all the buzz that has been around him. Plus I feel like he’s likely to try and replicate Bellamy, without being Bellamy (and thus not having his own authentic style). Pure speculation, but that’s my sense of things. Hannay seems like he’d be a bit more of a step change.
Lots of talk around now about Dylan being unlikely to take his player option. Maybe that’s just typical noise with a struggling club, but either way, it’s another headache we don’t need.
He’s denied it publicly
Yeah, look Dylan has been linked countless times to the Warriors. Unquestionably Dyl wouldn’t have been a happy camper about BA’s sacking. Everyone has seen over the years that they had a close relationship. It doesn’t mean he’ll jump ship to NZ, but I’d suggest that we need to make some good calls moving forward.
Hey 60’s did you mention I think on a podcast dyl is on a player option contract?
I wonder if a new coach could help them reassess this player option crap.
I think you guys mentioned it on a podcast that once the broncos got rid of it, it helped their performance
Enjoyed the U19 Origin game.My major impression was how fast and hard it was played.
And that Qld No 5, unfair for a winger to be so large.
It was a very good game BDon. Quality footy. Outside of how good all of our players went in both the male and female games, I thought that Chevy Stewart had the best game I’ve ever seen him play. The NSW half in the womens game is a future star, and to be fair, the Mens half is a talent too. The Blues spine was instrumental in the win.
I thought they all went pretty well too. It wasn’t long ago those U19 games were decided 46-38, the amount of improvement in defensive structures (let’s forget the Qld girls effort they were just outplayed) over the last few years in the juniors is amazing. Certainly agree with BDon that it was fast paced, so that makes the defensive efforts of the boys teams even more impressive.
That said, maybe I was watching a different game to those that posted comments elsewhere along the lines of “MA is very average”, “MA is not an NRL player”, “MA is shit, get rid of all Arthurs from the Eels” amongst others. There’s some Eels “supporters” (and I use that term very loosely) that are complete imbeciles!!!
Thats why it’s called one eyed imbeciles mate ,they dont matter anyway just a bunch of no nothing nobodys , all the people with footy knowledge are in the kids corner , OLD PROVERB “people that don’t matter DONT “ . Theyre not worth your time and they have zero influence ,,embarrassment to themselves and families.
I was at the game , spoke to many in the know including coaches and managers and all predicted big future for MA so yep the buffoons don’t matter .
Agree with your thoughts on the game. In previous games that I have seen Chevy Stewart play I thought that the hype was over egged.
However last night he was outstanding. Speaking to a friend at coffee this morning and he thought the same. In fact he remarked that his elusive play reminded him of Steve Ella.
I thought the middle Pasifika Tonga? He had a great game. Have not seen any stats on the game.
So happy for MA being co-captain and having a good game as well.
The fact that the club’s leadership can enter an NRL season with only 90% of the players we are entitled to sign and lead us into a season where injury has killed our chance of success is appalling! Add to the fact that it looks like this inadequacy has allowed the club to sack BA despite player shortage and injury being our root cause of failure. This lies squarely at the feet of BA’s former superiors! If anyone that is anyone in our club reads this….DO NOT LET OUR YOUNG STARS (Boods Arthur etc) sign anywhere else!
Boods is a must keep and must upgrade Walpy. He’s now recognised by selectors outside of the Eels as both a talent on the rise and a leader.
Shame he’s seen as the exact opposite of all that from a certain section of Eels “supporters”!!!!
The only things in that game he didn’t ice was 2 early tackle kicks. 99% sure he was trying to think through how to break down Qld’s line speed which is a big factor in all Origin games. The whistle seems to get a rest in Origin and playmakers get little time to act. Great plan but execution not nailed. Close to the ruck kicking becomes more difficult. 100% sure he will learn from the experience, and his thinking will be rewarded.
Who ever is in charge of recruitment at Canberra Raiders has been well taught by the master himself, Peter Mulholland (RIP Skull).
The Raiders have quietly been signing quality young players – players from the 2023 NSW Under 19 squad..and add them to the smart players like Joseph Tapine, Hudson Young,Xavier Savage, Matt Timoko, Corey Horsborough, Keon Weekes, Ethan Strange, and Chevvy Stewart they are going to be top side, with plenty of salary cap left, over the next decade.
Smart and astute recruitment. Hope they don’t go after the boys we had on show in the recent Under 19 SOO match. You can bet some of the Queenslanders will be in their sights as well. The match was a ‘smorgasbord’ of talent.
There certainly was a ton of talent on show. The Raiders have got the jump on many clubs with their strategy. It will reap dividends,
It’s a simple strategy that involves investing in potential. Much like Gould at Canterbury. Some make the grade some don’t. What’s our strategy? bring them through the grades then watch as they go out the front door. We have some good boys but player managers are mercenaries and direct their clients to the best money and opportunities.
Agree a simple strategy. Something we have not had is recruitment strategy. We seem to be reactive club that waits for a fire to start before trying to put it out. I said previously our HOF first sinks the ship then brags about the life boats he put there.
I’m further dismayed the current HOF is on the interview panel for the new coach.
Agreed – very reactive. Not proactive.
The fact the Hof is still involved in the club is a disgrace a- but it’s to be expected with this mob. They trade in excuses and arse covering
Hi Ron, for some reason I cannot reply on your comment.
Anyway, with HOF on the interview panel they clearly see him as part of the future.
How can a future coach come out and say “your recruitment stinks and that’s why Eels are now failing ” They’ll just end up telling the panel what they want to hear.
Looks like we’ll get a new coach but as feared recruitment will remain a dumpster fire.
I went to watch king Lear by Shakespeare the other day – our mob seem a bit like king Lear. They probably will give the job to whoever blows most smoke up their backside. As you note, I doubt the next coach is going to have power to effect meaningful change to r and r system nor the junior systems. It’s all window dressing until systematic changes are made
Successful clubs have poached talent for years, the Raiders are just clueing on.
It’s no fluke the Rooster and the Storm have a never ending supply of talent coming through their ranks despite their almost not existent nursery.
These clubs don’t waste their time developing 14 year olds unless they’re a protidgy of a kid, they plant young talent that have already been filtered through the grades into their Flegg and Cup sides and Lo and behold, Cronk leaves and Munster appears, Slater retires and Papenhuyzen appears, it’s like magic but not.
What do we do? We plant weeds in our Cup side and expect fruit.
Every player in Cup should at least have the potential to play first grade, we actively sign players that never will. What was the point of having Rankin hog a halves spot all those years? To give a guy a job? To win Cup games? I could do more in day with retention and recruitment than the club has done in years, and I know nothing. I’d back every contributor on TCT to do a better job.
Hey Parra Pete, Chevy Stuart and Ethan strange who was in that side last year are both gun players and both signed to raiders as you know.
That Strange looks like if he keeps going he could be playing open age SOO in a year or two, or three, honestly it’s possible.
Chevy looks good too but will need to grow before being a deadly NRL player.
Ethan strange is a rookie and looks extremely impressive for a young bloke.
Props to Ricky and the raiders getting them.
But bugger them for taking our Ethan Sanders. Lol
If brown leaves next year I would have loved to have seen Sanders develop in our NRL side.
Just not sure if he would have agreed to play #6 since it’s not his usual side of the field.
I wonder if the cap space that opens it brown left if there would be any gun 6’s available.
Some fans say brown is inconsistent and not living up to his potential sometimes, fair enough..
But good luck finding a replacement who can defend like him, speed, and just overall, even from an attacking perspective players like brown are extremely expensive and rare as hens teeth.
Good points Muz.
Everything seems to point back to recruitment and how reactive and slow it is. It’s like a self sabotage unit is operating within the club. Player options, slow decisions, rigid negotiating, low balling, lack of communication…the list goes on. Is it negligence, incompetence, Arrogance, corruption. Is it a bit of everything because bad decisions keep happening time and time again, year on year…
Muz, Brown is a bonifid blue chip player, you are 100% correct, he would walk into any NRL team, he would play Origin if he qualified.
Fans forget the dark days when we dreamt of having a player of Browns caliber. The last decent 6 we had was Beuttner, that’s how long it takes to find/develop a decent half.
Securing Blaize and Matt should have been done well and truly before BA was shown the door. It’s like investing in an idea and bringing it to market without a patent. The ultimate slap in the face is developing a junior over several years only for another club to pounce, fine tune and reap the rewards.
So who’s our next coach? Both rookies are a risk and I don’t know the first thing about Ryles as a coach but I did admire his decision to reject the Dragons offer. Reports at time suggested some of his requests were denied by the club so he told them to stick it. Takes balls for a rookie coach with no head coaching experience to reject a four year NRL deal.
Ryles hasn’t said a word throughout the process, I like that too.
Hannay to me seems to try too hard to impress in the few media interviews I’ve heard.
Regardless of who the club selects, I’d prefer an assertive personality with a hard edge, Ryles seems to be more that than Hannay.
We saw what happens when coaches get to close to their players, respect turns to disregard, the love is there but the will is not.
Like Clint, I was surprised Cheika didn’t make the short list, I also thought McDermott would be considered before the rookies.
Now Dean Young’s name is being mentioned, Bennett has endorsed him, much like Bellamy endorsed Kearney. Ryles was preferred over Young by the Dragons, why would we consider Young over Ryles.
I’m glad I’m not making the decision and worried our board is. Nothing would surprise me, we could end up with Sparky the Eel, you know, save a few dollars, coach/mascot deal.
Agree mate, I like that Ryles didn’t tell the media why he didnt take dragons role (or the requests he needed met) to accept it
My prediction from the start is I feel like Ryles is a high standards man from high standards clubs
It doesn’t mean I’ll be right, but I feel his requests and demands will be too strong and big for our Parra leaders deciding on this
First of all, HOF is on the decision making Panel ?
Then you’ve got our CEO & Mcelduf
Everything Ryles stands for and has been around is the complete opposite of those parasites at our club
Sorry to call them that, but if they are only in it for money and covering their own asses
Then I’ll identify them as being parasitic in nature
Ryles will tell them the roster, the R & R, even the training and conditioning needs a compete overhaul
This is all big money and requires the club sacking trainers and all different people who probably have close connections with them
The rumour is (take it with a bit of salt)
Ryles told dragons basically their roster & jnrs system was shambles and completely unfit
Needed a complete overhaul and him to have the power to rebuild a lot of it
Obviously clubs don’t want to make big changes or hand over a lot of power
The answer was no
Now this might not be correct 100%
But Ryles is obviously smart and doesn’t want to fail as a NRL coach
Now with the eels,
Can you imagine them doing a complete 180 and suddenly changing all of their ways for a new coach?
Who’s a rookie? Not Wayne Bennet
My prediction & feeling is Ryles would be our best coach available
And the leverage he has with players from other clubs to sign them who he’s worked with before
But my feeling is he will not get the job because he is not a walk over
He is not going to sign up for a suicide coaching job
I hope we are wrong – but the eels like with nearly all their signings lately
Will possibly be a let down and be the cheapest option available for them
Hannay will probably take less then Ryles, and have less demands on what’s needed
It’s my view that the club fired BA to save face on their own failings of not going after Bennet earlier
Because everyone including the media was saying how stupid it was for not going after him
They had to save face showing they did make a last minute attempt at him
Now they’ll likely get the cheapest coach possible
Fans & media will be off their backs for holding on to BA, and at least “they tried to get Bennet”
Then settle like that usually do for whatever is cheapest and easiest for them to get
I bloody absolutely hope I’m wrong here
But it seems like the leaders in our club are working to save their own assess
Even sacking BA probably reduced pressure from themselves in their own jobs
The new coach will be a Band-Aid for their absolutely shocking management of the football club
They don’t actually want to take accountability and take blame for roster short comings
They said on TV they believe they have the roster NOW to win the comp when asked?
I don’t believe that sounds like they are owning up to their own short comings on executive decisions they’ve made
I am willing to bet we miss Ryles, because he obviously wants real success and won’t settle for parras garbage mediocrity
Hannay will be desperate to get his first gig as a head coach and his 400k per year or whatever he will get
Hannay seems a lot easier going as a bloke
Ryles will only be doing it to succeed and win
He is coming from champion clubs and systems
And was a Champion player – a winners mentality we need
This does not sound like a winning personality suit between who is in charge of our club’s important leadership positions currently
Imagine a bunch of incompetent losers who have taken a grand final team to equal last in 2 years
Putting their egos aside for someone who’s going to tell them they are doing everything wrong and listen to him?
Look. We can dream and hope for best for our club
If I saw our leaders after BA left, thanking him and taking some responsibility for our lack of roster depth
Then I would believe in them
But all we got was blame and plain lied saying they believed the roster we have now is enough to win a comp
Obviously we are all eels fans forever (well most of us)
And we might need to just let these incompetent people in power seal their own fates so to speak
A new coach in my opinion would work if it’s the right choice, and he has better control of the roster choices & recruitment
But if the clubs is stubborn on its current processes & roster
We may actually be even worst Next year !
Why?
Because if they keep most of our roster it will be another year older
1 more year older and our forwards will be even older & slower
No new coach can turn old players into young players
So it’s yet to be seen how serious they are about our success
Or if sacking BA was a Band-Aid for them to keep hold of their own jobs within the club
At the end of the day – let’s vote with our fingers
The more the narrative goes around about our poor depth and horrible roster management (e.g not even a full roster)
This does apply pressure to them and eventually the media will start to harp on this
Especially if we end the year equal at the bottom
It’s funny you say that Muz, I thought the same. I’m hopeful our board realise the spotlight will be firmly on them should the next coach fail. They would be wise to employ a coach that will make them look good and not a yes man to stroke their egos.
The best leaders surround themselves with even better leaders, they were prepared to sign Bennett knowing Bennett gets what Bennett wants, this gives me some hope their decision will be for the betterment of the club or at the very least, their best hope of keeping their positions.
For sure mate it also gave me some good too that they mentioned Bennet
The only thing I’m worried about is they had all the time in the world to get him before south’s went after him
They even spoke to him about a football directors job
When’s He ever been not a coach?
If they were serious about breaking our drought
if u asked 100 former players or experts
90% + of them would of said Wayne would help our clubs chances
Now the media and overall online narrative that parra started to get very loud how parra should of gone aftet Wayne Bennet, or how dumb if they don’t
They evidently had to save face here to the media, fans and probably sponsorship partners to show they tried to get the master coach
But once again – they aren’t actually serious and the had plenty of time to do this before south’s imploded
The media and fan narrative was starting to get loud how dumb we are for not going after him
So this half assed last minute attempt covers their asses from a PR perspective
People don’t mention this on here but if parra didn’t make that play and mention it
The thought forever moving forward with fans and even media pundits would of been how stupid parra was for never signing Bennet
Now people say he is or isn’t a good idea
– but let’s look at south’s and the dolphins
The NRL dolphins side has completed less than 2 NRL full seasons
And has better depth, and a more successful and better team than the parramatta eels
We have better half backs and you could argue forwards
However, they (even last year) showed more heart than us and I hate to say that
It’s a better team now than ours
Bennet also had south’s so dialed in when he was there
We could hardly win a game against them ever
So the evidence is there that the Eels should of gone after him much sooner
I’m not a BA hater – but this is Wayne Bennet we are talking about
The man’s the best coach probably in history
And the success and insane player improvements under him never seizes to amaze anyone
So imagine our team under him?
The eels would not of signed him earlier if they were legit serious
Because I bet you they would not want to pay what south Sydney did
Even if it could be our closest chance to breaking the near 40 year drought
Our execs etc sat back watching the dolphins fly and knowing Bennet was free soon
And did nothing
They let all of us fans down big time and we may never get the chance to sign a top level coach like that
I don’t believe they actually were serious about Bennet
Because the offer would of been in earlier
And let’s face it
As if they would of completely changed their ways for him and stopped being so tight and slow to act
I just can’t see it
The Wayne Bennet move was a “look, see we did try to get him… now don’t keep saying the eels should of went after Wayne, because we tried”
Because it’s one of the biggest failed opportunities our club has probably ever had
What fans of the eels and even maybe the execs didn’t consider enough;
Wayne Bennet is a super star
All the best players and talented players looking to improve their game want to work under him to progress their careers
Wayne turns players nobody else can as much out of, sometimes into the best players in the comp
Isaco and the hammer both could not even hold a starting spot in their teams
And loads of the dolphins players like Jeremy Marhell king
Were seen as fringe NRL players only last year
Now they are running rings around our team (and most of the NRL)
I’m gonna hope I’m wrong here
But my bet is the BA sacking is a self preservation Band-Aid for their own failures to protect their own jobs
They won’t make enough mass changes or a clean out or sign enough depth for the rookie coach to make a big significant impact
Maybe they’ll start the season well – then flop once moses gutho or any backs get injured because no doubt they won’t want to spend on a proper roster
The cycle may continue- and if it happens again
Then next year I would suspect some of our execs or individuals who hold leadership positions will be fired
But i personally see a new coach as helpful as fresh eyes & ideas can help if the person is good
But – my opinion is our forwards are going to ne older
Gutho is getting really worn down now you can see it too
Lane, RCG, paulo, makatoa, sivo
They will all be a year older and slower
So how can a rookie coach get a team of old players who are visibly unable to play a full 80 mins supposedly mean to turn into a top 8 team next year?
It makes zero sense
The only wish / hope we can hold on to
Is that the eels make up for this with some more good backs
And a few good juniors get upgraded
Otherwise mate I don’t wanna be negative but it’s hard to imagine a much different outcome next year
Maybe if the next coach can improve the edge defence we will win some more?
But you can see those full length field trys every game now
Teams have figured out out big forwards are slow now and getting older and seem tired for todays fast game
Every team is making full length of field trys
This isn’t going to change if those forwards all remain
Because the game will be even faster next year + they’ll be even slower
Plus it seems like the teams now have figured us out
We are Just piss weak defensively on the edges
And if they attack our middle on kick return there’s 1-2 Tries that will come from that area against us
Every single game
Actually there’s about 4 tries guaranteed against us on our edges per game
Then about 1-2 per game that come from the middle from a kick return
There absolutely insane low standards of defence for a nrl team
Only a few years ago I believe we were in top 4 for defence
Big difference
We have a lot of work to do
And Jo, like you said. I hope they are smart enough to get our best coach possible. Not just an ass kisser. I get the feeling our team needs a kick up the ass for fitness and new Standards to be enforced.