The second in the Eels series of preseason trials sees them taking on the Bulldogs at Eric Tweedale Stadium.
Each season, the trials are played across December and January, with the competitions commencing in early February. For the last few years, the sequence has been December trials against the Raiders in Camden (equidistant), followed by a Bulldogs home trial and a Panthers away trial in January.
The Lisa Fiaola Cup and Tarsha Gale Cup trials against the Bulldogs were staged on Friday night. I’ll try to get the results of those trials today. (Edit – the Gale team went down narrowly to the Dogs, the Fiaola side were well beaten by a Dogs team that is ultra elite)
I’m not expecting to be able to source team lists, but will do my best to identify players. I watched a big training session for the Matts and Ball teams last Saturday at Kellyville and both teams look very fit. The junior rep coaches have been involved in NRL training sessions and so training is heavily influenced by what is happening at an NRL level.
As far as this live blog is concerned, I’ll provide score updates with descriptions of the Eels tries in addition to the brand of football being played.
I’m working without team sheets so it’s a bit challenging. I’ll probably have to refer to player numbers or positions, esp in Matts
Harold Matthews Cup – Kick off 5:30pm
First Quarter
Big crowd here and Eels in Gold jerseys
Dogs kick off. Eels player numbers go up to 35!
Eels complete the set and a good kick chase forces a drop out. Unfortunately they knock on after just a couple of tackles. Dogs scrum
Dogs penalty now. Now another. Huge tackle from Parra on the quarter to jolt the ball free and launch into attack with a pass back to the fullback.
The Eels force a scrum but the Dogs defend the kick. Another scrum to Parra and they go left for the try! No, it’s called a forward pass. Another Dogs penalty now but they ruin their possession with a play the ball error.
The Eels forwards are proving a handful, esp the big prop wearing number 18.
The teams trade sets but a huge Eels hit on the Dogs 40 gives Parra possession.
The Eels 18 sets up play with another huge run and offload on the quarter line. The play shifts right with a cut out to the number 21 on the wing and he crosses untouched.
No goals taken today.
Eels lead 4 nil with three minutes left in the first period.
The Eels go right in their own half and the number 21 (Samuela Sorovi) is put into space. He stands up the fullback and races 40 metres to the posts.
Eels 8 Dogs nil with 40 seconds to go.
And they’re off again with a sequence of offloads that break the Dogs apart. Scramble defence stops Parra on the quarter but there’s an error in the play the ball as they rush the play before the siren.
Second Quarter
The Eels get possession after forcing an error. The props lay the platform in front of the posts. The ball comes left and the half drops it off for the centre who surges through the gap to score next to the posts.
Eels 12 Dogs nil
The Eels are tearing the Dogs apart through the middle and bomb a couple of opportunities with dropped balls. The Dogs are penalised for offside after appearing to score.
The sides again trading sets. Eels halves are kicking well.
Oh that’s spectacular. The Eels replacement fullback picks up a loose ball from a kick on his own line. He steps the chasers and bursts downfield finding the number four in support. He in turn finds the fullback Cyrus Bloomfield who has moved to centre and he races away for a length of the field try!
Eels 16 Dogs nil with about six minutes left in this period.
Hang on, it gets even more spectacular. The Eels create space for the 4 (Chris Moala) who is now on the left wing. We call for him to back himself but he kicks infield and it’s grounded on the full by the chaser (20?) for a sublime try.
Eels 20 lead Dogs nil.
Third Quarter
So I’ve done some digging about the number 18. It’s Steven Nunn. I met his Dad last week. They are from New Zealand and Steven has some union pedigree.
Parra start this period in spectacular fashion as they work play into the quarter and shift left. Number 23 scores!
Eels 24 Dogs nil
The Dogs find touch from the kick off but the Eels defend superbly including a great jam from number 5.
Four sets in a row for the Dogs ten out from Parra’s line with set restarts and a penalty and the Dogs finally cross next to the posts.
Eels 24 lead Bulldogs 4.
A few errors are creeping into the game. It is a trial after all.
Big runs by 26 (wing) Santiago Uata and 24 (prop) Mark Peterson in this set.
End of third quarter.
Final Quarter
The changes have come thick and fast in the last two quarters. The Eels are dominating territory early in this quarter but it’s getting scrappy. We’ve had about four errors from both teams in the first ten minutes.
A penalty to the Dogs here (the count for restarts and penalties must be high).
The Dogs work downfield and a well weighted kick requires the current Eels fullback (number5) to hasten across and kick out.
The line drop out is going to land on the quarter and our 26 is chasing hard. He’s charged off his run and earns the penalty.
Parra are storming through centre field and there’s a very late strip that’s allowed to pass muster! Dogs soon throw a bad pass and it’s an Eels scrum. The cohesion is a bit a stray and the Dogs easily field the kick on the last.
Another error from Parra and the Dogs get a scrum 35 out. Parra defends well and the Dogs overcook the kick on the last.
Full time Eels 24 defeat Bulldogs 4
SG Ball Cup – Kick off 7:30pm
I know there are plenty of outs and many new faces in this Eels team and again no team sheet. I’ll do what I can.
First Quarter
Eels kick off and Dogs get a first tackle penalty. Big last tackle play from the Dogs in this set as they throw caution to the wind in the Eels quarter. Crazy offloads and catches but Parra holds their nerve and shuts it down.
Parra split the Dogs in a left side raid but the last pass goes down with the line open.
Aggressive Eels defence today and an error from the Dogs presents another chance. Unfortunately it ends with an error five metres out.
Dogs get a chance with an Eels player down injured near the ruck. They scoot through but only a great scramble prevents a try as the Eels defender holds up the Dogs player under the sticks. However the Dogs head right on the next play and it’s an open passage for the winger to score.
Dogs 4 Eels nil
The Eels now strike back. A Dogs error after the Kick off gives possession to Parra in the quarter. They work play right and Lachy Coinakis threads a pass to one of the forwards to score (I couldn’t get the number).
Eels 4 Dogs 4 after 15 minutes
Another Dogs error after an Eels kick gives Parra the feed 30 out.
Eels penalty in front of the posts but they spill the pill two tackles later. Another Dogs error and eels get the scrum. An illegal hit on Corey Leigh earns a penalty.
Parra get to the quarter and Lincoln Fletcher manufactures an opportunity in the right corner but the ball goes down. Parra retains possession and now they swing left. Leigh is brought down centimetres out. He plays the ball as the siren sounds and an offside Dogs player falls on the ball. The ref has had enough however and blows time.
Eels 4 Dogs 4
Second quarter
It’s very dim here and the lights aren’t on. I was trying to recognise players but that’s near impossible under these conditions without a team sheet. My apologies if I have a crack and get it wrong.
Big charge from number 35 who looks like a young Wiremu Greig. A penalty follows on the next play but the Eels ruin their chances with an error in the Dogs quarter.
A Dogs error gifts Parra more possession in the Dogs half. Parra centre the play in front of the posts and the big number 35 carries multiple defenders as he crosses for the try between the posts.
Eels 8 lead Dogs 4
Eels make an error and it’s a Parra line drop out. The drop out is fielded by the Dogs and Eels number 31 (Talataina?) belts the tripe out the Dogs player to force an error.
Parra in possession in the quarter. Number 17 breaks a tackle and there’s nobody holding on so he gets up and scores.
Eels 12 Dogs 4 with 9 minutes left in the quarter
Spectacular solo stuff from the Eels 26? He’s on the right wing. An Eels kick is charged down by the Dogs and flies high. The Eels 26 catches it about 30 out, kicks ahead and regathers next to the posts for the try.
End of second quarter – Eels 16 lead Dogs 4
Third quarter
Looks like quite a few changes.
Dogs kick off and it’s an awkward bounce. They attempt to win the ball and knock on. Parra advance play to the Dogs 40 and make an error of their own.
Huge shift right by the Dogs and their wingers has some toe, streaking away. Parra’s cover just gets him and a mistake follows to relieve pressure.
The sides exchange sets now. The Dogs centre breaks downfield on the last and what a front on tackle from the Eels fullback ten out!
Parra get a penalty and work into the Dogs quarter. The kick is too heavy so it’s 7 tackles coming up. And wouldn’t you know it, they score from that seventh tackle.
Eels 16 Dogs 8
The Dogs open the Eels right side defence around half way and it’s two on one for the fullback. Dogs winger scores.
Eels 16 lead Dogs 12 with two minutes left in the quarter.
The Dogs have done it again. Their left centre has split the Eels right on an inside line and they level the scores.
Eels 16 Dogs 16
Final Quarter
More changes for Parra and Number 35 back on for Parra and immediately having an impact in their first set. However a poor dummy half pass on the fourth is followed by a heavily weighted kick for a seven tackle set.
The Dogs make an error and Parra return to a faster tempo in this set. It pays dividends as they storm downfield into the quarter then shift right for the winger to score.
Eels 20 lead Dogs 16 with 12 minutes remaining
Number 35 earns a penalty after another huge carry. It’s followed by a poor set from Parra when a couple of bad passes lead to an error.
Dogs again break down their left and their winger is lightning fast. He’s tackled right on the line and the ball bounces free. No try!
Seven tackle set to Parra now and they make the Dogs pay. They advance the ball to the red zone and that man, number 35, scores off a crash play.
Eels 24 Dogs 16 with 8 minutes to go.
Dogs error 30 metres out
Oh no. With barely a couple of minutes to go the big prop number 35 has sustained a leg injury.
And now the Dogs have scored the final try of the game to their left winger.
Full time
Eels 24 defeat Bulldogs 20
Sixties
Hi mate so will u do scores through email or Facebook page
Only here
Lincoln Fletcher and Sam Polley playing tonight
That was a question not statement
Polley didn’t play
Not selected or injured or any reason as to why?
He was one of a number of certain starters that were rested for this trial. Most starters will probably play next week. This is the typical pattern, much like the NRL where the final trial will see the likely round one players get a run. The early trials are used to get a look at as many players from the summer squads as possible.
35 is Harlem taewa from billambel jets I believe , massive prospect however not as fit as some of the boys who have been in the system for a while
Thanks for the updated fellas
Any good info pls post…
Thanks Sixties just reading while we are up coast….ill send you a Kens Mornay!!
Thanks for that. He made his presence felt
Leg injury for a Parra or Canterbury player?
Reckon it’s the big boppa 35
It was 35 for Parra.
Who was player no 35? For us..?
Jaelen tawa was 35,if he is tall and got a mullet
That describes him perfectly
Also did Risati play tonight as well?
No – refer to my reply about Sam Polley
Thanks Sixties for the updates. Sounds like there’s some promising players for this year’s junior reps. One you mentioned Samuela Sorovi, I saw him in highlights for the NSW Waratahs u/16’s, looks very quick. A shame to hear of injury for the #35 in SG Ball, sounds like he was having a cracking game and hopefully it’s not too serious.
Cheers Ham. Apparently #35 was Jaelen Taewa.
Both Samuela Sorovi and Chris Moala were a destructive centre pairing for the Wenty Magpies under 16s last year. Having said that, there is no shortage of backline talent to choose from for this year’s Harold Matthews team. It should be well worth watching how it all pans out.
Thanks for that mail. The Matts probably missed about 3 or 4 tries so the score could have been anything. I guess that’s what trials are about. Plus I don’t know how many players that the Dogs rested.
I’m very excited to see the Matts run around this year. With the talent backing up: Bloomfield, Risati, Polley, Nauer, Noa, Fanene. Plus some signings in Schaumkel and Nunn they should have a good year.
Fingers crossed, but that’s a roll call of future champions right there. I wanted to add that Fanene has been playing dummy-half for the last couple of years and has been coming along rather nicely. He’s quite sizable, strong and skilful, and he reminds me a lot of Zaidas Muagututia.
The big one to watch is Hayden bell a yr young captain nsw to u15’s national championship beating qld in gf. Was player of the championship. Plays lock dummy half or in the half’s. Hearing good things
Thanks for the heads up Simmo. He played in the trial but I was watching with out a team sheet with lots of interchange action so I wasn’t able to follow many individual players.
Wenty U/16 team mates 2024 –
Billy Fanene, Chaise Attard, Christopher Moala, Daniel McBride, Hayden Bell, Jermayne Fa’afiu, Samuela Sorovi, Strantz Schaumkel, Yacoub Ali Jida, Zain Alameddine (capt),
Cheers Leigh
Are the NRL training at Kellyville tomorrow or heading up the coast???
Should be at Kellyville
Thanks
You’d have to wonder how much of the Ryles influence is being passed down to the younger boys. I would say that they are training exactly the same way as what’s happening with the NRL squad. Ryles would want the same defensive structures implemented throughout the full pathway systems and also attack.
I’m hoping these results will go to show how these systems are working.
I’ve detailed that in the training reports. The pathways coaches have been involved in NRL training.
Ok yes that gives the fans a lot of confidence as the dogs have been very strong in pathways recently
Good wins in both games and especially letting in points.
Was exactly my question chief. 60’s mentioned it was very up tempo playing style. We also let in minimal points. Bulldogs also have very strong lower grades usually.
Uptempo fast playing and letting in minimal points. This sounds like the Ryles influence effect taking effect for our club. 🙏
Eels Harold Matt’s sounded very strong in particular sixties 👏
Muz, can you reply to the email I sent to you?
Apparently we have picked up a winger from bilambel jets where jaelen taewa comes from, hearing an outside back from the dogs will be an eel
Reiven Smallman is the winger from the Bilambil Jets first grade team. Was the highest try scorer in the NRRRL in 2024, unsure of his age. Is the dogs outside back that’s going to be an Eel, Eli Clark?
I believe Smallman is mid 20s so must be a straight out NSW Cup contract. The Clarke mail has been around since before Christmas and sources from outside the Eels reckon it’s done.
This Reiven Smallman looks very impressive, I understand the level of opposition he’s up against but he knows how to score a try. Is he a definite?
I haven’t had it confirmed by the club so I can’t say.
Instagram saying Eli Clark is going to the sharks.
We are undefeated in all major grades in 2025. Is this correct?
Not one loss recorded as yet!