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Nothing quite hits like a Mitchell Moses return game as Parramatta’s talismanic halfback helped inspire a courageous, and chaotic, 22-20 victory over the Brisbane Broncos in Round 21. Joash Papalii played a starring role for most of the night with the #1 on his back but was handed a cruel last minute tribulation and then reprieve in as many breaths as Reece Walsh was found to be offside in the game deciding moment.
Sixties and Forty20 have a quick debrief on the roller coaster ride of a game right from Sterlos sports bar after a phenomenal turnout to the first ever TCT watch party. It was standing room only and a humbling show of support from this amazing community. Thanks to one and all for coming out, introducing yourselves and hopefully enjoying a cracking game!
Great win lads, give the whole team a 3
Well deserved win. We actually held the ball. Aimed to get to our kicks, limited errors, kick chased like hell in a big yellow line. Lot of elements in that game which made our win possible. Big hats off to Jason Ryles for coming to this club and not only taking our jnrs and turning them into first graders successfully, but recruiting guys like Papalii, who played a better game at fullback than Iongi did for probably his first 4-6 games in first grade at fullback. People must respect we previously barely debuted guys. We didn’t sign young talent either. Jason’s made very bold moves. I would rather we rebuild like this with young blokes who have miles of growth ahead of them, then try to plug holes with rejects from other clubs to chase immediate wins, then leaves us with minimal upside for the future. I think if Moses plays the remainder of the season we might even have another win or two in us. It’s nice to know we more than likely have avoided a dreaded “spoon bowl” too
At least 2 of the remaining 6 games are winnable. A streak into finals would be nice, but getting 2-3 wins and an improvement on last year would be a good year for our new coach and all the rookies on board. We’ve had a rebuild year.
Despite what people think. If we finished 9th-12th it would be a successful year for Jason Ryles. Our best players been out most the year, we’ve had the least experienced team all season, there’s a lot of positives to be had. Particularly because of the young age and limited experience of our players. It means there’s gigantic amounts of upside potential in about 5 of them. A few of our young players will be in talks for origin selection within 1-3 seasons. Give them some time.
Ive got Sam tuivati, Ryley smith, Iongi down as potential future origin players. All very young and lots of upside potential here.
It’s worth noting that both Iongi & Smith are just a couple of years older than your typical rookies. That extra couple of years and getting physically more mature makes a lot of difference.
Brett I agree on that. But both of these players are also exceptionally fit and panthers jnrs.
Very high success rate coming from there and they recruit based on fitness apparently.
A lot of rookies rely on speed or acceleration which declines once they pack on 5-10 kgs then fall to average players once they lose their main strength.
Smith and Iongi are high output elite fitness level players who I think suit the mould to be long term NRL players.
Not sure on Smith he is a very good dummy half though with almost 1 season under his belt..
Him and TDS rotation will be good in the next 2 seasons.
I do agree Tuivati and Iongi will be SOO players.
Joker Eel – smith has hardly had much experience even at nsw cup level
He more or less leap frogged into first grade which is nearly impossible in most cases for most players
His the fittest bloke possibly ever in modern times at parramatta
He beat Guthos records in his first pre season with the nrl team
To think you are not sure on him is a bit short sighted
He’s a prodigy talent, was playing Australian school boys in footy AND playing for Australia in cricket – he’s an absolute elite young athlete
His better than Mahoney was early on and already is not a speed bump in defence
Gutho was miles ahead of anyone at parramatta in fitness and smiths ahead of him
Smiths got a future so long as he stays healthy, this is a bloke who only ever had a small sample of nsw cup games as a non regular them jumped into nrl in 2025
Sorry when I say not sure I mean for SOO.
He has already exceeded expectations this year.
Get his match fitness up and he will be very valuable.
Last night he was taking runs from dummy half.
Joker true he was making those runs, it’s a different strategy now because of TDS.
They are allowing smith to run more and exert more energy in bursts as he doesn’t need to play 80 mins
I think it’s a good idea because there’s a chance a young / rookie player like smith will burn out forced to play 80 mins every week this early in his career.
TDS attack and quick service from dummy half now offers us two different looks when attacking, I think we have a good young pair of hookers.
Joker eel totally agree tho about Iongi and Tuivaiti
They’ll be SOO players or at least in the discussion within 1-3 seasons
It wasn’t predicted but not impossible. This win proved one thing – hang onto the ball and cut the errors they give themselves a big chance. Canberra got on top only in the last ten minutes and they had no help from the referee. As Bob Fulton used to say “one swallow doesn’t make a summer “. What it tells us if they get their act together they can do better. A great game and we finally got a decent go from the refere although that was a shoulder charge on AdoCarr.
I think if we keep the band together we make 24 points.
The 16.5 start was far too generous to miss for any team with Mitch Moses in it. For me he has entered the stratosphere with Ken Thornett and Ray Price. The increased maturity of Doorey, Penisini, Russell and Guymer is a delight.
Yeah a lot to like about last night, maybe almost everything other than the 20 seconds of utter despair when Walsh looked to have crossed.
I missed the first half (had mums birthday dinner) but from what I saw of the second, everyone looked the goods. A few people of note:
1. Doorey was excellent in both attack and defence
2. TDS looks very sharp both with service and deception around the ruck
3. Joash looked great at 1.
4. The Fox, Lomax, Penisini and Russell all did the tough stuff well
A lot to like about where we are heading. A bit more experience and some balls bouncing the right way or better refereeing and this season could have been a very different story.
On another note, geez Reece Walsh can make some errors. He could both get you to a GF and cost you one and the same season.
TDS will be very important for our future. His defence is poor at the moment (missed a lot of tackles) but him and ryley have a nice balance and TDS gives us a point of attack from hooker we haven’t had in so long. If we have our forwards on a roll TDS will be a nightmare for oppositions.
I was pleasantly surprised to see ryles give Sam 33mins. 23 or so mins straight after half time was big for Sam as I always fear he will gas out in a game like this which was high amounts of ball in play/fatigue.
Stoked for Joash to be spared the pain of dropped ball at end. We were clearly the better team and Ben hunt admitted it post game. Would have been such a robbery to lose it in that way.
This coaching by ryles is so refreshing. We actually have systems and plans of attack rather than our old approach which was with the collision, offload and go from there. Another offseason and a few quality recruits will be massive for a real top 8 assault next year.
TDS definitely needs work on his first contact, I’d say a preseason in the gym and in the sandpit will do the job.
That was the best game we’ve seen from Will Penisini since the GF.
Papali’i looks better at fullback than 5/8.
Our edge forward sticks suddenly look ridiculously deep with Kitonga, Williams, Guymer & Tuilagi all bringing something something different.
Matt Doorey is finally getting some traction at this level with his leg speed in the middle.
Add in Sam Tuivaiti, Matterson will be back next season, Moretti constantly improving, and kids like Saxon Pryke & Brock Parker to get their chance next year as well, our middles are looking better.
Even Hopgood looked better last night.
But, it all hinges on Mitch’s availability. He just solves so many problems for us.
Hopgood is far better at 8 than 13. He doesn’t feel under an obligation. to move the ball; his game is simplified and he can concentrate at what he’s good at. With Jack to join next year, two quality second rowers not available last night and some quality juniors maturing forward stocks are looking sound for 26.
The conundrum of Joash and Iongi at 1 is interesting. I wonder whether they will test both flipping between 1 and 6. Iongi has been great at 1, but he could end up being our 6?
Mitch adds a lot by the way of intangibles. Had he been healthy all season, maybe we are pushing for the 8.
A bit of luck over 2026 and 2027, with some shrewd recruits, maybe we are back in the mix.
I think 5/8 is Iongi’s long term position, but right now he’s our best fullback. I actually didn’t mind Hawkins at 5/8, he kept it simple.
I find Hawkins really limited. He has no running ham and everything is so telegraphed with his passing. So much so that Reynolds easily picked it off and our backrowers were getting jammed at other times. He is a reserve grader and Joash’s pass to Moses who then swung it to penisini for lomax try shows Joash mad Moses is a much better option than Hawkins Moses. At least josh has presented some threat of running.
Hawkins is limited, but he recognises that and sticks to his limitations. I’m not saying he should be a starter in either position going forward, but he’s the best backup we’ve had in the halves in some time.
I agree Brett, Hawkins only has to play to his strength and let Moses do what he does. He doesn’t need to be flashy when we have Papalli and Lomax and co.
Interesting Mick, I never considered Iongi as a 6. It’s a great conundrum for Ryles to have.
Joash is an interesting conundrum, he’s a player that should be in team somewhere but in what position?
I thought he’d ultimately be a utility off the bench but with Walker and now the signing of De Silver extinguishers that option.
My gut tells me Iongi is our fullback which leaves only one position available for Joash and that’s at 6.
But I think the club will sign a 6 which would leave Joash in the lap of the injury Gods to get a start in the first 17.
We were all Joash when he fumbled. And then we were all Joash when redemption came from the most unlikely of place, the bunker!
I think it was five straight wins for the Broncos so they were on a roll so a team in form. So nice to beat a team above us and in final contention. Just shows that there is talent and a good team being built by Ryles.
Looking at the draw ahead, Parra can end up on 24-26 points. It has been a year of reset so that is not a bad year especially with the young players that have debuted and injury. The last six rounds could be a lot of fun for a team with nothing to lose.
At last some joy after 3 sh@@@y years.
Midway through the second half the defence was punishing.
Guymer was brilliant. 46 tackles seems low by today’s standards but each one counted.
We have the two best young fullbacks in the game, it’s up to Ryles to add 5 to the number on one of their backs.
Moses was the difference.
The organisation and playmaking showed of the talent these kids have.
If the momentum keeps building, next year, we are a top 4 side.
OMG! I just found out we won. I threw the remote at the TV and switched it off when Walsh scored.
I went to bed depressed and feeling really sorry for Joash and team.
I woke up depressed until a minute ago, I’m so happy now, that’s never, ever happened to me.
My family is yet to wake up, they also went to bed thinking our boys had lost.
What a win!
Lollllll haha
Lol you’d better check your TV is working now haha 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
lol, the TV survived but I’m missing the battery cover from the remote. I’m sure it will turn up 😀
Great story, Joseph. Good outcome, though. Hope you find those batteries.
Thanks McFersie, the batteries remained in the remote and the cover was found.
My head is still spinning happy thoughts, I’ve never not know a result going to bed.
Honestly, I could have woken up next to Bella Hadid and I’d still trade her for a Parra win.
Years to come, looking back you may reverse those priorities.
As to the best use of Papaliii and Iongi, Iongi has the potential to be our best 6 since Kenny. We also have ones called Twidle and Bamblett waiting in the wings.
Big call Noel, Joash has a ton of natural ability. It’s such a shame he couldn’t end the season playing at 6.
I guess fullback is the next best thing.
Veni, vidi, vici.
Now for the barbarians from the Deep South.
Where do you think Shaun’s try will figure on the highlights reel. Surely it will be at the front?
Will was also great tonight!!
This was built on defence. Bashed the Broncos from the very first minute and they had no answers. One intercept try, one try off a step over play the ball from Haas the speed of which led directly to the try. Attack at the edges of the field was clinical and precise. Sweet sweet victory.
Mitch Moses just solves so many problems for us.
So good ! The Broncs clearly thought that punching through the middle would see us fall away as the game progressed, there were some signs of that but fortunately leadership, composure,and fair shre of luck and calls enabled us to dip into the resilience tank and fight hard. We also dipped into a much improved defensive system and attitude, I reckon we can sound the last post on that old ‘throw-it-wide-with-a-decoy-or-two’ curse we failed to deal with for many seasons. RIP.
And this is where Mitch helps us so much. He turns average sets into good sets and we really isolated Reece Walsh pretty much all night. In fact, our entire back five outplayed their direct opponents in tonight. Kotoni Staggs was the guy that I was most worried about last night, but he had one clean line break but was kept pretty quiet otherwise. Penisini locked down Shibasaki.
Dylbags who? Sean Russell chip and chase has shown more as a half than Dylbags in 18 rounds.
Make no mistake Brisbane at Brisbane on their favourite Friday night is a huge victory. Their star studded team almost at full strength we had a new spine with a few back-up players.
Higher completions and lower errors this team is a revelation.
Brisbane threw everything at us and we beat then.
Pete Sean Russel is playing well
He isn’t flash in attack (except for that 5 star chip & chase) but he’s been solid in defence and keeping his opposite centres quiet …
We played probably better with Hawkins there than any game with Dylan this season
I personally think Hawkins help unlock Moses last night
Not suggesting he is a better player but his got a future amongst the top 30 at our club where’s Dylan’s gone next year
We honestly don’t want Hawkins being a world beater anyway – or he would jump ship for more dollars
Our higher completion rates and less penalties Showed how much our defence has improved
Bris didn’t actually play that bad either – we didn’t allow them to get their game on due to our kicking game and strong kick chase
We obviously defended well too
Agree Muz,
Russell his best game. Both Will and he dominated their opponents for the first time. That chip and chase was low percentage high risk hugh reward and he’s now on the highlight reel.
Hawkins set up JAC try to win the game imho. Looked like he called for it and won us the game. I really don’t think Dylbags makes that play at that pivotal moment and we’ve all been wanting Dylbags to make these plays and he just doesn’t.
We pushed Panthers and forced them to play Yeo, Too and Cleary straight after Origin. We pushed Raiders and now beat Broncos at home.. We are a better team than the ladder says.
Ryles is creating a team for the ages a team that we can all be proud of. Exciting times ahead.
I loved the banter between Russell and the Foxx after he scored. Seeing the boys so happy after a try really shows the tightness within the playing group.
Russell is a player you just want to see succeed, he’s a Parra boy through and through. He’s slowly progressing with every game and may just turn out to be that hard nose defensive centre every club needs. He’s growing in confidence and is looking like he belongs in the big league.
Admittedly I had my doubts about Shaun but I’m glad the club has persisted with him and gave him an opportunity as a centre.
It’s a tough game, some players burst onto the scene and fizzle away while others develop over time and become 15 year veterans. I’m hoping Shaun progresses to be the latter.
Agree Joseph we all love seeing Parra players succeed and some take longer than others. Ideally if Russell becomes that player I’ll be happy. But by the same token we cannot live in a fools paradise and cling onto under performing players aa we have in the past. Loved seeing the brotherhood amongst the players. JAC brings that I spades.
I don’t think we’ll have that problem with Ryles pete.
So far he’s proven to give a player a chance annd equally he’s happy to run a red line through players he doesn’t believe are the best option in any given position.
It’s been a poor season no doubt, ironically, it’s the best our team has looked in over two seasons.
With any luck, we should be playing finals next season.
Good points Pete
Sean and Wil P both held more than their own against two origin level centres who are very powerful
Some on here and other places online have footy Dean a limited amount of respect for this game
But like you said – DEAN called for the ball and play (and he won us the match more or less)…
As you said Dylan’s never stood up and demanded a ball and play when the games on the line and executed a set play to set somebody up to win a game like that from memory
I personally think Dylan hit his peak at a NRL half about 3-4 seasons ago
Dylan was probably a better player in his early days with us than what he offers us now
He does not got the speed advantage like he once did over most players and he hasn’t evolved his game as a half back
It’s not enough to just be a 5/8 anymore where your game only works if a organising half directs you around
Not when you are on a million dollars… Dylan might actually have already fully reached his peak
Not sure if any of you heard adrian proszenko this morning alluded to parramatta signing a quality second rower and having an absolute warchest of cap space for next year , also said eels were offered Sandon smith but Ryles believes we have higher ceiling players internally to play 5/8, the future looks great with ryles in charge
Very good win last night and it going to go along way for our rebuild.
Broncos are not a very well run side even with their full squad back.
Maybe I was a little tipsy last night but we didn’t try too many offloads as we have in the past few weeks.
Next week’s game is also very winnable with the Storm missing some key players..
I think Madge nailed it. “We needed to build pressure over a period of time and didn’t, they did” “they kicked well to the corners and did the simple things well”. I had a sports coach when I was a wee nipper whose philosophy was get the simple things right and the rest will follow.
I loved the commitment, the fact we never gave in even when behind. Early days but the Smith/TDS combo looks like it could be very good. Each a different style of player. As others have noted both have a few kinks to iron out but there is something in that combination.
Hawkins played better at six than I expected. No world beater, but solid, involved in JAC try and a useful foil to Mitch.
I haven’t been a fan of Doorey but the last couple of weeks he has run with real purpose and leg drive. I’m so happy to see that.
Joash played well. I was shattered for him in that play. Like Joseph I felt like throwing something at the tv but only had a glass of wine at hand and am too stingy to lose that. I stormed off into the kitchen saying it wasn’t fair on Papalii that that happened to him. I liked Ryles’s presser comment about Joash thinking he was just going to pick up the ball and run the field to score AND that would be a learning for the young bloke.
Lots of others deserve praise. But the thing that stood out to me the most was that Moses didn’t seem to feel the need to try and do everything in attack. His kicking was great but there seemed a willingness to let some others do things and by and large that worked. That can only be good for us because it means opposition defenders have to concentrate effort more thinly.
Finally, good to see Sixties and Forty looking so happy at Sterlos and to hear the Parra faithful in full voice post game.
Let’s hope we can continue this upward trajectory.
Yes it was great to see the boys happy at Sterlos.
Great win and just shows the blueprint of how you have to play to build a winning culture. We completed our sets well we’re very physical in our contact.
Games like this show just how crucial Moses is for the development of this group. He is now experienced in reading moments in the game of when to go or when to pull back. There is raw talent in this group but without a general leading us we seem to go off course in parts of games. Moses just has to play more regularly until we can develop its so crucial
For me this win was coming over the last few weeks. We could’ve won against Saints / Penrith and Canberra if we played for 80 mins; and sorted some errors.
I was quietly confident last night and tipped us – just had a feeling we’d put in 80 mins.
Mind you like everyone was cursing and then jumping when Walsh was offside.
If we can snag a couple more wins this season then so be it. For me Ryles and co have shown the way forward – a couple of key recruits will help.
Shout out for Charlie Guymer. Not a flashy player but young, dynamic tackler, rucks the ball hard and learning about ball playing. We could have a real gem in the development stage. Also want to mention the much maligned Russell. I have long admired his commitment. Now he is a gun in defence and is learning some attacking skills. Huge improvement. Penisini was very good, as was Papalii. Great pass from him to Moses for Lomax’s second try.
I think we are a chance next week against a weakened Storm. Given the debacle of R1 where I was an unfortunate spectator, next week will showcase just how much the Eels have improved.
Papalii was excellent at full back but I liked his passing game at 5/8. Iongi will be back. 5/8 is Papalii’s opportunity.
Well said McFersie.
Guymer and Hopgood the last 2 weeks have really improved.
Russell and Penisini probably the first time they have both dominated their opposite numbers in the same game. Easily Russell’s best game.
J Pap was good at fullback. JAC is going great.
Lomax continues to bust his gut. That must rub off to Sean and Will.
A lot of promising signs.
Is there a suggestion out there that the Eels are chasing David Fifita? Somebody told me this yesterday. I am assuming that he’s trying to bait me. There is nothing about on social media that I can see.
He is on a $1 million deal. Completely overpriced. He has underperformed big time in recent seasons.
Doesn’t strike me as a Ryles type player
On a million deal that was signed when he was playing origin, currently would be worth a significant amount less.
If ryles did choose to bring him on board I’d trust ryles would believe he could get the most out of him and if he can, Fifita has the ability to be the most damaging player in the league.