Just as we all expected! The Parramatta Eels were too tough and too hungry for the lowly Sea Eagles. In a complete reversal of their respective ladder positions it was the Blue & Gold that largely dictated terms to Manly on the first Sunday of July. The stunning upset came on the back of some of the feistiest and energetic play of the Eels from the whole season – with a few comical moments for both sides.
Sixties and Forty20 celebrate a tremendous upset victory as the Eels set things right after a disappointing loss to South Sydney last week!
Those short, little kick offs (with a heavier ball) were a regular from Sterlo etc.
Definitely agree, that Eels performance was a huge surprise. Manly really struggled to contain their attack.
On a bit of a side note, again disappointed with the victory song. We only 5 seconds of it. Absolute disgrace.
Really a good win and some good attacking in their as well as scrambles in defence.
Really made manly look far less dangerous without Olakuatu not playing on an edge for manly, I can only imagine how happy eels halves were that he was not facing them today.
The eels are actually starting to look arguably better when Mitchel Moses isn’t actually playing. This isn’t the first time we have had a great performance with him out. That was probably our best performance this season?
Last seasons we looked like a 2x better team whenever Moses came back. Is that still a thing? No. I’d argue his form, his mindset, his leadership and culture displayed towards his teammates (especially young players), is quite embarrassing and would be very disempowering for some of them.
I think it’s interesting that probably our best performances this season have been when he isn’t playing. His form, confidence, and attitude is poor this year. He is clearly not as his best.
I personally think Volkman has proven that for a young half with minimal NRL experience that he is actually better than many give him credit for.
What’s up with Mitch Moses? Why does he talk about getting ready for nsw and seemingly not have as much hunger to focus on turning the eels season around?
My mail which I will take with a grain of salt, as we all do with second hand info. Is that Mitch Moses actually had high expectations for this year and was gunning for the finals this year after our strong finish to 2025. And I think we can see he seems let down or disappointed to some extent. It would be disheartening.. you can’t blame him.
Mitch Moses is ultra competitive. He would absolutely be frustrated finishing out prime career years in a team who looks nothing like when making the top 8, with no other elite players to alongside.
I was proud of the boys today especially our younger players, the 1% effort areas like Iongi’s tackle 1 inch before the try line was outstanding! Walker was also exceptional and provided great leadership. Great to get a win over manly!!!
Tks men. I thought I was in an alternative universe today. Was doing some paving and thought the game was 4pm televised (punch drunk from too much sport right now), got a text from my brother in law saying Eels went well first half, raced inside, flicked on the TV and sat there for 40 minutes thinking “Is this for real?”..the whole vibe was off the scale( the normal scale), the flick pass, the Garrick re-start,the Ionghi trysaver, the Kelma stumble, the Pezet game sealer, the line speed, the sting, the Turbo lurking threat(he usually nails us), the Volkman footwork…the list is long. The game was allowed to be decided on merit (an emerging alternative universe).
A couple of randoms – Kautoga on the deck, ball carrying arm on the deck, tackled completed, Garrick takes a swing at the ball and dislodges it as a second action…if that’s OK, all coaches should have a tackler take a swing as the tackle completes.
Garrick again, he has form in staying down, like me has been watching the World Cup soccer.
Garrick again, the restart regather indicates he really is a quality schemer. 100% Sixties, far more should be attempted with the different re-starts.
And one more random- was Turbo in front of the kicker for the Walsh scrimmage try.? Interesting the other night, Gus called Souths in front of the kicker all game, like forward passes from dummy half, a blind eye is being turned.