It’s been a few weeks since my last Bumpers Up and I make no apologies for that. Producing Eels content in 2024 has not been a pleasant exercise.
Don’t get me wrong. It would be easy enough to fill this column with negatives and complaints, but there’s been no shortage of that in mainstream media. I also reckon TCT has addressed the problems facing the Eels by presenting both facts and balanced opinion, and you’ve heard the emotion of what’s transpired in our podcasts.
But in the midst of these tough times, I wanted to dedicate this column to some deserved shout outs.
They deserve it.
Bumpers Up!
Dan’s Debut
It was unexpected, and due to its late notice came without fanfare, but the debut of Dan Keir is worthy of special mention.
At 26 years of age, Keir is one of the rare breed of players who’ve made their first NRL appearance on the “wrong side” of 25.
Early on, Dan would have seemed destined to play first grade. The son of former Raiders, Roosters and Bears outside back Steve Keir, Dan won Australian Schoolboy selection in 2016 from the Nation’s capital.
After graduating from Flegg, Keir played NSW Cup in 2019 for the Raiders feeder club, Mounties. The Covid pandemic ended the 2020 NSW Cup season after just one round, then a shift to the Redcliffe Dolphins in 2021 was cut short by a ruptured pec sustained in a preseason trial.
After missing two full seasons of footy, Keir linked with the Eels for 2022. It’s taken 53 NSW Cup games for the Eels, plus the previous 18 for Mounties, but the hard-working second rower has finally achieved his dream of playing in the NRL, taking the field as player number 850 for Parra.
Dan Keir
Dan may have wondered whether this day would ever come. Setbacks at that critical time of transitioning from age teams to senior footy might have left many others putting professional rugby league behind them. An extended time outside of the top 30 was hardly an incentive to keep plying the trade.
Leadership was an admirable quality to have, but captaincy in NSW Cup was a responsibility that was probably more indicative of being a fixture in the grade rather than a pointer towards promotion. Then being asked to cover centre and even five-eighth at times wasn’t going to help Dan’s development or his place in the back row pecking order.
But as his father noted, “he just loves rugby league, he wants to be here.”
And Keir’s work ethic at training has always earned him the respect of his coaches. He’s presented as one of the fittest forwards in his preseasons at the Eels, reminding staff and team mates that he’d be ready when called on.
The Eels were always at long odds to beat the Storm on Friday night. Many expected the heaviest of defeats. But the players gave their all in a competitive performance, and Keir did his part in his 34 minutes off the bench. He brought energy and line speed at it was reflected in his 74 run metres (4 tackle breaks) and 16 tackles (just one miss).
In this 78th year of the Parramatta Eels, only 850 players have played first grade for the club. Dan Keir is now one of them.
Effort Showed In The Latest Loss
Defeat at the hands of the Storm was expected and delivered.
However, there was probably zero expectation that the Eels would be competitive in this clash, with many forecasting a margin of fifty points or more.
Ultimately, the 18 point difference flattered Melbourne. Though their class was a factor, the five tries to three outcome included two gift tries from Eels errors.
In our Instant Reaction podcast I described the Eels performance as 9/10 for effort and 5/10 for execution. I wasn’t far off suggesting it was actually 10/10 for effort.
There are Eels players who are down on form and confidence, and combined with the 14 players missing across the top two grades through injury or suspension, hopes for victory in either the NRL or NSW Cup are currently low.
But if the effort remains at the level we witnessed last Friday night, then the players will be demonstrating to supporters that they genuinely care.
Are They Finals Bound?
It seemed like mission impossible after dropping the first seven games of the season, but with five rounds remaining the Eels Jersey Flegg side have placed themselves in a position to challenge for a finals berth.
The Eels are currently in ninth place, just two points behind the sixth placed Dragons. They travel to New Zealand this week, but after that their last four games are home fixtures.
Back in Round 7, the Eels sat winless at the bottom of the ladder alongside the Silktails, with a negative differential of 96. Now, after winning 9 of their last 12 games including a round 20 defeat of the then ladder leading Bulldogs, they have a positive 19 differential.
Great team spirit
All of this has been achieved with their own injury issues, alongside the cost of players elevated to NSW Cup as a result of the injury list in the senior grades.
Ultimately, the start to the season has left little wriggle room, and it will still be a tough ask to play finals footy. But Jordan Rankin, Steve 0’Dea, the staff and the squad have done an outstanding job in what has been an otherwise bleak season.
Unjust Criticism
Another topic that I’ve addressed on The Tip Sheet podcast has been the unfounded criticism of young stars such as Blaize Talagi and Matt Arthur.
Let’s get something very clear.
Talk to any NRL player or coach, and they’ll tell you that it takes at least three pre-seasons for players to be fully prepared for the demands of NRL. Until then, they are a long way from having an NRL physique, let alone having the capacity to deal with the pressure that comes with the grind of weekly top grade football.
Of course there are players who make their debut before having that preparation, but they deserve praise, not rubbishing, for what they have achieved so early in their journey. Even the most talented of those, see Reece Walsh, still have head scratching moments. Let’s not forget that he only turned 22 this month.
Blaize Talagi and Matt Arthur both celebrated their 19th birthdays earlier this year. And both have only completed one full time NRL preseason.
In just 13 games, Talagi has been asked to play five-eighth, fullback, wing and centre. Don’t forget that the young back missed the majority of the SG Ball and Flegg seasons in 2023 due to injury.
Blaize Talagi
What Talagi has achieved thus far is actually remarkable, especially in what has been a diabolical season for the team. His introduction to first grade football would have been less challenging in a team that wasn’t struggling for form.
Matt Arthur’s resume as an Eels NRL player might now be limited to three appearances. In that brief time he’s held his own in what is one of the most demanding positions on the field. Furthermore, up until his NRL debut he was arguably one of the most consistent and influential players in the NSW Cup team and was recognised for his form with selection in the Blues Under 19 Origin side, along with the captaincy of that elite team.
Arthur’s performance in the victory over Queensland vindicated the coach and selectors rating.
In what has been a year to forget, the last people that should have any fingers pointed at them should be the teenagers.
Gutho’s Double Ton
Speaking of unjust criticism, I can’t believe the innuendo and garbage reactions thrown at the King after he once more gave his all in his 200th appearance in Eels colours.
Gutho was at his try saving and inspirational best on Friday night. But then after giving his shorts away to a fan after the game, the flak followed because he then attended the press conference in his “budgie smugglers”.
If photos of him as he left the presser weren’t snapped, supporters would have been none the wiser given that the captain and the coach are filmed seated at a table.
The King is honoured
But without knowing the context of him giving away his gear to a supporter, some individuals were quick to attack him and the club, with some even suggesting that it was Gutherson’s way of delivering an extended finger to the club.
How about those same people giving this bloke and his efforts for the club the respect that he deserves. When Clint Gutherson eventually hangs up his boots, he should be remembered with the same reverence as the great Ken Thornett.
Can I be the first to suggest that down the track there be a new award in Gutho’s name at the Ken Thornett Medal? Perhaps recognising the most inspirational player of the year, as decided by the entire coaching staff.
NRLW Make A Cracking Start
We told you that you’d see a vastly different performance from our Eels NRLW team in 2024, and didn’t the ladies deliver in the opening round against the Broncos!
One game, one win, is nowhere near enough evidence to declare them as being finals contenders, but they couldn’t have done much more than they did against their star-studded opponents at Suncorp Stadium.
Coach Steve Georgallis was a happy man after the game, and in the press conference he stated that he couldn’t wipe the smile off his face. I can report that he was still smiling when I spoke to him on Sunday.
Celebration time
He has his charges fit, and they are playing at a faster tempo and with structures which suit both the strength of the individuals as well as the combinations that exist. Let’s not forget that there were only two debutants in this side. As an aside, didn’t those former Union girls in Kelly and Owen impress!
I wanted to avoid singling out individual performances, given the way the girls executed as a unit. Every player was on song and the attitude in defence from 1 to 17 was obvious.
However, I must reference the aggression from the forwards, such as the Kennedy sisters, Mahalia Murphy and Elsie Albert, as well as the contributions of the spine – Abbi Church, Rachael Pearson and Cassey Tohi-Hiku.
By the way, Church is surely one of the most underrated players in the NRLW, and Tohi-Hiku could be anything. When she understands just how talented she is, the Eels five-eighth will take the game by Storm.
Breaking Injury News
In a heartbreaking update, Rueben Cherrington and Boss Kapua have both been ruled out for the season following the match with the Broncos.
The blow up after the tackle on Rueben Cherrington
Kapua has sustained a PCL injury whilst that awful hip drop tackle has resulted in a syndesmosis for Cherrington. In what is already looking eerily similar to the NRL casualty ward, the NRLW injury list already stands at five.
Let’s hope the wretched luck ends soon.
HNWP Eels Back In The Winners List
The Eels Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership team made it two wins from four outings when they defeated the Maddie Studdon led Rabbitohs at Eric Tweedale Stadium on Sunday.
Windy conditions made for some challenging moments for both teams, but the Eels finished the game strongly in coming back from 14 to 6 down to clinch an 18 to 14 victory. You can read the details in TCT’s live match blog here.
The win was even more impressive considering that the Rabbitohs team contained two former internationals in Maddie Studdon and Kiana Takairangi.
The Eels attack the Rabbitohs line
This inaugural Eels side still has plenty of improvement left in them. Completions have been way below an acceptable standard, with none of their four matches going above 70 percent, and two of those games below 60 percent.
However, when they hit their groove they are difficult to contain. The tries scored by Caitlin Peadon, Ryvrr-Lee Alo and Tafao Asaua on Sunday were all the product of quality football.
On another note, it was terrific to see Steve Georgallis and Eels NRLW players in attendance at Eric Tweedale Stadium. I was fortunate enough to grab a few minutes with Steve and with Mahalia Murphy and they were still in a buoyant mood after their victory over the Broncos.
The HNWP team functions as the reserve grade team for Parra’s NRLW, so after flying back from Brisbane on Saturday night, Steve was involved in his capacity as head coach whilst the players were there to show support for their squad mates.
I encourage Eels supporters to catch a live game at Eric Tweedale Stadium as this 2024 season wraps up. The Eels are slated in for three more HNWP matches there, with two NRLW fixtures also on the calendar. You can add a NSW Cup game and two Jersey Flegg games to that Granville schedule.
Eels Female Academy Program
The female pathway at the Eels is now complete with Academy programs for the girls in the 14, 15 and 16 year age groups.
It means that girls from the Parramatta Juniors can now move from development squad selection at 14 years of age through to the Eels Lisa Fiaola Cup (under 17) team and finally the Tarsha Gale Cup (under 19) side.
From there the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership and NRLW become their senior rugby league goals.
Recently, the Academy program culminated in matches against the Steelers in the Under 16s and the Bulldogs in the under 14s and under 15s. Importantly, these games provided the girls with their first opportunity to take the field in the Blue and Gold jersey.
Congratulations to everyone involved.
Young Achievers
Parramatta recently recognised the young pathways stars who earned selection in elite representative teams in 2024 with a celebratory dinner at CommBank Stadium.
All up, eight Eels players were named across the NSW under 19 Origin sides and the Australian Schoolboys teams.
The players and their families
Those players were:
- Lachlan Coinakis (Australian Schoolboys)
- Ryda Talagi (Australian Schoolboys)
- Tyson Sangalang (Australian Schoolboys)
- Lincoln Fletcher (Australian Schoolboys)
- Matt Arthur (NSW U19 Origin)
- Sam Tuivaiti (NSW U19 Origin)
- Lindsay Tui (NSW U19 Origin)
- Ryvrr-Lee Alo (NSW U19 Origin)
Each of these individuals and their families can feel rightly proud of their achievements, and the Cumberland Throw extends our congratulations to all of them.
Pathways Coaches Named
The Eels Elite Pathways head coaches for 2025 have been finalised, with the appointments being:
- Lisa Fiaola (U17 Female) – Ryan Walker
- Tarsha Gale (U19 Female) – Charlotte Henry
- Harold Matthews (U17 Male) – Josh Hodgson
- SG Ball (U19 Male) – Mitchell Lewis
- Jersey Flegg (U21 Male) – Jordan Rankin
All of the coaches are currently involved in Eels pathways programs, and these appointments provide the players in the system with not just quality mentoring, but also staff who are familiar with them and their families.
Parra Leagues Live
Thank you once more to everyone who filled the bistro at the Home of the Eels, Parra Leagues, before Friday’s game against the Storm. It’s always good to meet and chat with fellow Eels supporters and to be able to provide the opportunity for Blue and Gold fans to meet some incredible Eels stars from the past.
Eels fan and young podcaster Fletch meets Steve Edge
Our guest last Friday was the legendary Eels three time premiership winning captain, Steve Edge. In addition to anecdotes about the amazing generosity of super coach Jack Gibson and recollections about the history making Eels players of that era, Steve also shared what it was like to take the field in the very first Origin match and how Madge tapped into the spirit of past Blues teams for this year’s series.
You can find our chat with Steve at the conclusion of our Instant Reaction podcast here.
A reminder that there are massive birthday celebrations occurring throughout August in Parra Leagues, giving you plenty of reasons to visit, and we’ll be back there for our next live appearance before the local derby against the Panthers on Friday week.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Sixties, thanks for a great run down on the teams, players and all.
I admit to giving a raz to a certain tall player from last weeks game, while I regret it, I do admit that the specific player did not appear to be very much interested on the field and not surprisingly though.
With the season coming to an end, and sadly so owing to the drop off of the team, I do prefer to hold out with hope for the new season to come next year, with the changes to come with new players along with the new leaders bringing new players and back staff, I would suggest that the club will move forward with the new team along with their desire to lift the eels to a longer and greater position when they take the field.
Its going to be a real rebuilding time for the eels next season, hopefully with a real get up from the players who will be with the team next year.
I hope to see some new moves by the teams and have them lift in a big way. A new year should bring out the best in the eels and ensure a new hope to say the least.
Colin, we do have to use the dreaded “rebuild” word.
Gutho gets more positives from the fans than criticisms. As I said, he’s one of my favourite players and if we had 13 Guthersons run out every week, we would probably be counting premierships but – if you know you are going into a pre arranged press conference as Captain of the club… You wear some pants.
It’s not like the cameras have invaded the dressing rooms.
He would be well aware the media films the coach and captain coming and going from the table.
He could have given the shorts away after or grabbed another pair.
There’s a reason why the team all wear the same gear when travelling, it’s because it upholds the standards of the club and when silly things like this happen the media will grab any screenshot in isolation to show slipping standards.
Gutho is no rookie, he knew exactly what he was doing.
Absolutely would never happen at a well run club.
Hopefully things are going to change.
Spark I’m an old bloke and having “standards” was always a prerequisite of showing you cared about your self and who you represented. Gutho’s a champion but that display just emphasized the lack of culture and respect accepted at this club. And no excuses please ,it just doesn’t cut it.
Your next comment will probably be something about regretting the lack of characters in the game
I get the sentiment about the shorts, but given Guthos service to the club – week in, week out, and the multitude of other issues we currently have, it should be pretty low down of “issues” we have with the club and team. I totally agree with 60s sentiment that he should be formally recognised in some way come the end of what will hopefully be a long career with the Eels.
Ditto. Some blokes never learn and bring the culture down, even Todd Carney probably thinks now ‘what was I doing?’, but I bet Gutho doesn’t do that again. We’ve seen enough of him to know that his actions are in the right spirit of a decent human.
BDon, I’m not going to dispute that there are aspects to culture that can be improved, particularly player acknowledgement of supporters at home games. But in the scheme of things, Gutho’s action of not replacing the shorts he gave away to a fan is low on the scale of things to worry about. And yes, I reckon it will probably end up a one-off.
Mick, we live so much in the distant past at our club, and of course there have been incredible players to wear the jersey. But Gutherson has been a modern marvel for Parra and I hope that the club doesn’t wait 20 years to acknowledge this.
Sixties, you make an extremely good point about Talagi and his role in the team and also his season as per 2023. Cannot disagree here at all. I am sure Ryles will be keen to get him signed and sealed asap.
Its also interesting to note the rumours around of players being tapped on the shoulder….this is all fine but we will be paying some freight unless someone takes them off our hands.
Quote from above…
‘But Jordan Rankin, Steve 0’Dea, the staff and the squad have done an outstanding job in what has been an otherwise bleak season’.
Is it no coincidence that O’Dea has been involved with this team..he seems to do a v good job as per last year. I have no idea what goes on at training etc and also who picks the coaches but guys like Steve seem to do a great job and yet cannot get a head coach role unless they have preferred not to?
For me the club needs parra blood in the coaching / juniors systems and coaches that know the club / juniors and neighbouring league schools to make links and have the trust of the kids coming through.
Great post and a deserving one to say the least sixties, thanks for sharing with the areas that were needed to be shared, provides the usual level of teams and their qualities.