Parramatta Eels 33
NQ Cowboys 30
Well that win was so good I had to spend the whole weekend celebrating it, but after a few weeks of absence due to illness or Parramatta performance we need to throw some flowers around for one of the stranger wins you’ll witness. From an error count that reads like a final score to the first three point field goal play I’ve ever seen, this was a hall of fame level “odd game” that I’m sure glad we came out on top of.
The lapses of the previous two weeks suggested that the Eels needed an error-free performance for 80 minutes to compete with any opponent, and that is exactly what was delivered on Friday night. It was also exactly what was needed, as the Parramatta defence remains historically porous and the Cowboys were scoring every time they found themselves in the attacking zone. Perfection isn’t a sustainable strategy, but for one sweaty night in Townsville, it worked.
The heroes in this one were unlikely types. Jordan Samrani had another “real deal” performance in the centres and simply has to remain in that spot going forward. Ronald Volkman has secured his place with some enterprising attacking play, while Toni Mataele found his first grade feet in his fourth NRL match. When Brian Kelly doesn’t make any mistakes he’s one heck of a footballer too. With a trickle of injured players returning and a host due back after our round 12 bye, the cause of Jason Ryles’ selection headaches will change from lack of options to choice paralysis.
We do need to talk about that defence. I outlined its historic levels of frailty in the preview and Friday night did little to inspire confidence in a turnaround. The Cowboys marched downfield and scored off nearly every set restart awarded to them, while the ease of which they burst through the Parramatta defensive line was “forgot I wasn’t wearing pants on my Zoom call and stood up to stretch” level embarrassing.
Ryles has attributed most of the problem to individual lapses and experience, but a problem doesn’t get this bad without some level of systemic failure. Defenders rush up and leave a yawning gap for attackers to stroll through, or are caught with their boots in concrete marking up on air as the short runner bursts the line. It isn’t wingers scoring tries by taking advantage of overlaps, this is inside defenders making wrong choices when presented with any kind of shape. The Cowboys took advantage of this not just close to the line but in mid field, and future opposition will surely be looking to test the Parramatta edges at every opportunity.
If Jason Ryles can improve that defence to just league average level, a finals run isn’t out of the question for Parramatta. This year there are four legitimate teams, two train wrecks and question marks over all the rest. Whoever can pull it together through and beyond the Origin period will make up the remainder of the eight, and given the Eels have won four games with a defence that ranks among the worst in rugby league history there is hope that fixing that side of the ball will unlock a late season charge.
For now, enjoy the win. It hasn’t been the happiest season of rugby league, but a golden point win after an epic comeback is something to be celebrated regardless of how little it may mean in the grander scheme. Let’s keep the celebration going with the grades!
Joash Papalii
1 – Fullback
I love the effort and enthusiasm we get from Joash Papalii, but he’s a rough cut compared to Isaiah Iongi at fullback. Some of the scramble defence is great, some of it is scrappy, sometimes he’s right there in support (like on his try from Samrani) sometimes you expect him to be there and he isn’t (when Moses threw it to nobody on his late break). The attacking movements aren’t as smooth with his involvement, he runs himself out of space or out of sync with his support, sometimes he looks to be too deep, other times he gets rushed. It’s what you expect from the backup fullback, but Iongi’s return is the most important to the Eels’ post-Origin charge.
Brian Kelly
2 – Right Wing
Fate smiled on Brian Kelly this week, with the inevitable strip attempts being called his way, even if he couldn’t win a penalty for them. He was error free, worked hard and played a key role in the equalising try at the death, turning a loose-ball nothing play into a 20 metre charge that unlocked the short side raid next tackle. He’ll forever be infuriating, but the good is at least equalising the bad this season.
Jordan Samrani
3 – Right Centre
What a performance from the Ibis, who set up two tries and scored one himself, showing off all his skills in the process. That is on top of nearly 250 metres gained from his hard grafting ruck work. Given the form of his centre partner, there shouldn’t be a choice for who remains in the side when Will Penisini returns from injury, Samrani just has to be there.
Sean Russell
4 – Left Centre
Rusty was the only three-quarter to not crack the hundred metres, and combined with some average defensive reads and struggles to bring his opposite down it wasn’t a happy performance all round. Russell has struggled since coming back from his head knock and given both his impending departure and the form of Samrani and Kelly, loyalty and runs on the board may be the only things keeping him in the top side.
Josh Addo-Carr
5 – Left Wing
The Fox showed us one way to defend the short ball, snatching it out of the air and going to the house for a crucial try. He still doesn’t look entirely himself, but he still has more than enough pace to beat most to the line and it was great to see Volkman look for him with the short kick. I didn’t love his decision to come in and help Russell on the break that led to the Purdue try either, but it didn’t look like Rusty was going to bring him down alone.
Ronald Volkman
6 – Five Eighth
A head knock and a suspension have interrupted Jonah Pezet’s return, and Ronnie V took full advantage, locking down that five eighth role for at least one more match with a great attacking display. He is playing confident and has the skill to threaten the line, and while he isn’t the strongest defender he isn’t doing any worse than Pezet was in that role. It’s time to lock him down for 2027.
Mitchell Moses
7 – Halfback
What a finish to the contest for Mitch Moses, who finally took a game by the scruff of the neck like we’ve been asking. He was ably assisted, but the short side raid for the final try was vintage Mitch, and even if it was sloppy his last tackle dart the set before got a result that led to the Samrani try. It wasn’t his best defensive game and the goalkicking remains a sore point (though Mitch cops far more than he deserves for missing shots from the sideline) but this was an encouraging display from the captain.
Luca Moretti
8 – Front Row
Two short stints for Luca who was a single-minded battering ram in this one, running for 100 metres and playing error-free footy. He’s another that is warming into the season and will be fighting tooth and nail for a bench spot once Sam Tuivaiti returns.
Tallyn Da Silva
9 – Hooker
It was an electric opening to this contest for TDS, scoring a classy solo try from dummy half then breaking clean through before becoming an unfortunate victim of the unstable surface, which claimed a few more Eels before the day was done. After that hot start it looked like he was conserving energy as much as possible to make it through the full 80, but he found some gas in the tank to trigger that short side raid for Samrani. His service and pass selection was good, and even with a high missed tackle count I didn’t feel like he was a defensive liability. We might just be okay without Ryley for a few weeks.
Junior Paulo
10 – Front Row
Big Junez had his “hand of God” moment blocking that field goal, getting just enough of a kick that came closer to the post than that Kayo “we’ll be back shortly” animation. It was a crucial play in a massive game for Junior, who came off the bench with a chip on his shoulder and led Eels forwards in runs and metres while not missing a single tackle. This was vintage Paulo, and if him coming off the bench is what is needed to bring more of this then you ride that pine, big man.
Kelma Tuilagi
11 – Second Row
Tuilagi came very close to scoring but for a great Reed Mahoney legs tackle, and racked up several “almost breaks” on the edge with his charges. He made good metres and despite missing a couple of tackles I didn’t think he was a defensive problem. It will be interesting to see what role he carves out once Kautoga returns, though an optional “18th or 19th man” bench position feels like the most likely result.
Jack Williams
12 – Second Row
Jack returned to his middle role and didn’t let the team down, in a performance I haven’t really got much to say about either way. Pretty good, not really a standout. Solid job.
Jack de Belin
13 – Lock
It was a B kind of day for the back row, with De Belin increasing his game time and thus his output, without looking particularly dangerous or threatening but holding his own defensively. Sometimes you need a bit of vanilla in the mixture.
Dylan Walker
14 – Interchange
Shorter than usual stint for Dylan Walker, who didn’t look injured but clearly looked gassed after chasing down Tom Chester for what ended up being Jaxon Purdue’s try. He was busy, he was effective, he just wasn’t out there as long as he usually is.
Saxon Pryke
15 – Interchange
Saxon Pryke did what he needed to do after a few tough errors last week, making his tackles, avoiding mistakes and running hard in his 28 minutes. He was another that had a much shorter stint than previous weeks, and the form of Mataele off the bench in a similar role will have him nervous, but plugging in off the bench this is what the Eels needed.
Toni Mataele
16 – Interchange
Big impact stint from Toni Mataele, who announced himself in first grade after a few quieter performances. 119 metres off 10 runs, 20 tackles without a miss, but he also passed the eye test on the strength of his carries and had much more attacking involvement than previous weeks. Impact at first changes is what we need, and Big T delivered that this week.
Charlie Guymer
17 – Interchange
An 82 minute effort from Charlie has to be appreciated, especially moving to the back row after playing most of his NRL footy in the middle, but his defensive decision making and technique paid the price. He led the team with 9 missed tackles and came up with air on a couple of short plays, but he’s got the trust of his coach and has shown plenty of versatility. He might just need a rest over the bye week to get back to his best.
Now we enter Magic Round, which hasn’t proven a happy place for the Eels over the years, especially when matched up against the Storm. A combined score of 112-26 in two prior “Magic” contests with Melbourne doesn’t inspire confidence, but the Storm aren’t having a happy year and revenge is a dish best served when your opponent is down. Gee it’d be nice to kick them in the teeth.
While the Parramatta injury report is about as reliable as my footy tips this year (Twidle, Pezet and Samrani were all due back in round 13 but have played in the last two weeks) if we can believe it then the Eels will be as healthy as they are going to get coming out of the round 12 bye. Then Jason Ryles can start rewarding (and punishing) form with a few options to choose from, especially around the bench makeup.
I’m not going to think too hard about Magic Round just yet. This win was too much fun, too unexpected, too exciting to let go of after just a couple of days. There’ll be plenty of time for doom and gloom later, enjoy the good times for all they are worth.
Until then, stay slippery, Eels fans.
Gol
Stats and images provided by NRL / Eels media
Twas a good win 85% effort, 15% quality moments. You take the win and be happy, but ultimately if it takes 82 minutes to beat a team where you won the error differential battle by 14…. there is probably a fair bit still to work on.
A hearty high five for the effort plays like:
JAC chasing down Dearden.
Samrani, Joash and even Williams for being their in support for the last try.
Jnr for the Field goal block.
Those little plays all give them a nudge up in the grades.
I’m not as excited by Kelly as Gol seems to be. I mean he isn’t Morgan Harper, but he is no Tom Opacic either! Looked to have lost the ball 20m out at one point when momentum was against us that could have been bad.
Samrani on the other hand.. Look he will never be Steve Ella or Steve Renouf! But things happen and he seems to put himself in position to deliver.
The pack got walked all over. I can live with “B” grades for most though given the effort and scramble. Mind you I am starting to wonder if Ryles is keeping a roster spot open so he can make a comeback?! Would he really be that much worse than Moretti?
It was interesting Ryles was on the radio talking about the game this year.
He mentioned what I commented on here on a previous post a week or two ago:
The small mobile / all rounder forward not being as useful with how the game being referred.
And ryles even mentioned the bigger men now are probably more needed in the team.
Ryles came out and said it – confirming what I said an what many other have noticed about our team.
This issue the eels have is partly the game changing, Melbourne and us, bulldogs too, lots of mobile higher output players not big powerful dominant players.
And all us have been getting smashed because you can’t really wrestle anymore and use technique to slow down the play the ball as much as last few seasons, there’s been a change in how you must slow them down in the ruck.
Other thing is more players MUST run and cannot rely on wide spread set plays to certain players being your go to strategy anymore.
The teams doing well have very strong forward packs but also A LOT of players on the team who RUN the ball..
Knights are doing great. And when the half back brown is running a lot. Panthers and warriors big forwards and the halves and centres are ball runners and it’s it’s clearly working.
Apparently bill slater is on to this as well and is considering starting up to 8 new QLD’s because the games changed this year and he believes you need more running first players and probably us looking for other traits in players which he will not mention.
Side note: the players who have been doing best for Eels… Samrani (strong ball runner), Volkman who’s running the ball, even Kelly who’s running the ball.
Hopefully now the coach is catching on to what’s working and what isn’t we start to see some improvement this season moving forward.
But I don’t think we have enough power in the forwards personally.
but we just beat a team who have the biggest pack and bench in the game
Yeah only just.. and they are sitting up towards the top of the ladder mate
And We are 4th last ? lol sitting at 14th
They are inside the top 8 with the same amount of wins as manly who are sitting in 5th spot
i dont disagree but just pointing out something anomalous to your theory.
There’s no theory
Jason ryles is the one who mentioned it on the radio today
He says exactly what a lot of us have been saying that under current way refs ae running the game this year it’s made versatile all rounder plays less favourable
Jason ryles himself admits that if they continue to run the game like this it changes how you need to balance your roster
The teams killing it are big just look at how the warriors and panthers looked against us
Absolutely man handled us with huge forwards running rampant through our middle and they are first and second on the ladder
Bulldogs and us using lots of utility’s and smaller forwards sitting 13th and 14th
Not to mention the storm who is 3rd last and has also not adapted well both style wise with ref stopping the wrestle + no longer has a powerful big forward pack like the top 4 sides so far
Sam Tuivaiti coming back should add some more power to our pack and Tony mataele also looked strong coming off the bench m
if you want to put a positive spin on our ladder position then instead of saying we are 4th last or 14th u cld say we are 4 points out of the top 8 with a bye in hand over a lot of teams
Errors Matthew, they self-harmed.
we probably contributed in causing some of those errors BDon. it was a milestone game for them and played in townsville humidity, we have usually done poorly in darwin. i really think joash brings so much to the team. its hard to see us turning the table on the storm now that they have found away to win again
Agree
With five and a half months to go until the dreaded November 1 and several of our best recent performers already unsigned for 2027 the time to start shaping the squad for 28-29 is now. My opinion – we need urgently to tie up Junior for next year, Volkmann, Pryke and Mataele for at least the next two; I’d have Mataele starting with Big Sam and bringing Junior off the bench, maybe at 13. With the development players already guaranteed a spot in the thirty for next year, with Pezet, Matterson and maybe Tago leaving that still would only leave a couple of top 30 spots for 27 if we decided to keep Richie Penisini.
First level for recruitment priority – a defensive coaching unit. If we can keep oppositions to less than twenty we’re in it; stay where we are at more than thirty and we’re just making up the numbers
The coach likes Charlie Guymer because his effort is100 per cent. He makes mistakes but his effort for the full game was terrific. To give him the lowest grading of the team shows a lack of knowledge.
Charlie missed nine tackles Seth. I think his efforts so far this year have caught up with him and he’s tired.
Convince the coach of his failings not me. With the team at far from full strength Ryles backs his effort, so do I.
To not appreciate what the Grades are shows a lack of maturity
Well JonBoy don’t you have keen perception. Do you think at the age of 86 my opinions will mature anytime soon.?
Seth, Jonboy could have extrordinary powers of perception but how could he know that your 86
I’m warming to Brian Kelly, I don’t understand why people aren’t on board with him- in the Penrith game Kelly was a beast and dominated rep player Liam Martin, Kelly is one of the few in our team that has wheels and can fold. Yes he has some errors in his game but I see potential as well, and a ceiling that isn’t at its peak yet
Anyone remember Kautoga when he first arrived?
Unfortunately for Kelly Bob, he comes with some baggage acquired at the Titans. We all know what a difference it can make having quality in or outside you. We just have to look at what The Foxx has done for Rusty.
I hope you’re right though coz we all know about our squad depth issues in the outside backs
Brian’s problem largely has been that circumstances have forced him to play on the wing. His best game was against Penrith when he played left centre; I thought that he and Josh thoroughly outplayed the Penrith right edge. I’d move him to left centre and leave him there and shift Sean to right wing; I think that right wing is Sean’s best position. That combination would do.me until Will is back; I’d then have a look at Will as a winger.
Noel, So Kelly and Samrani as our centers? I like it
Nothing personal against Penisini and Russell but I think they both need some cup time
My suggestions Big Bob, for what they are worth – Samrani and Kelly in the centres, Big Sam and Mataele to start as props (when Sam is back), Junior off the bench maybe as lock. Add Su’A to Williams in the second row when he turns up. If we can sort out the defence I reckon we’d be very presentable. We’ve made some regrettable mistakes of recruitment and retention but in my opinion we’re not far off if we can get retention right now and sort out the defence.
i like kelly
but we just beat a team who have the biggest pack and bench in the game
Yeah and we are still 4th last.. they are still in top 8 and would be sitting in top 4 had Moses not iced the game for us to win
Tks Gol. I was trying to pick up on why the Cows were forever rolling forward and looked like they had 50-60 points in store for us. They only needed one strong yardage effort in a set, either through the middle, edge or out wide. It could be a break or just strong surge via hard running, passing or PCMs or speed in space, but they only needed one then we struggled to organise or slow them down ( fearing 6 Agains) or get set to fold (thanks Big Bob) the ball runner. To come up with solutions on the run in 29 degree heat was beyond us ( and me). The answers may well rest in off-field matters including injured troops. Fortunately the Cows solved it for us with a beautiful error count.
When I read of Chris Phelan’s passing I thought of ‘folding’…Phelan could fold blokes (along with Ray Higgs and Stumpy Stevens) and I recalled a TCT blogger who thinks we lack that skill currently..and Big Bob outed himself on this post, which I thank him for jogging my fading memory. And I thank Chris Phelan for the memories of a truly Jack Gibson player, 100% mentally and physically committed, totally reliable every week. RIP.
Yes and he was thick in the shoulders and chest. ive been rewatching old eels games from the seventies. Muggleton , levy, olling stood tall but the player i reckon doesnt get enuff recognition was Graeme Atkins, could finish a try and powerful metere eater
We’d play a weak side, win by thirty and Phelan would be barely sighted; you’d wonder “What’s this bloke got?” Then we’d take on The Dogs of War and he’d be the best player on the field. We tend to forget him (and some others – John Baker for example, Stumpy Stevens.) When COVID was on and Peter Sterling was unveiling his best ever 13 I don’t remember Phelan getting a mention.