There’s a common maxim in rugby league, or indeed most sports. “We need to take it one week at a time.” You might hear other hackneyed phrases expressing a similar principle, but the message remains the same – we can’t…
The Spotlight – 2018 NRL Salary Cap
The NRL Salary Cap – next to referees and their decisions, it’s possibly the most contentious topic in footy circles. Understandably so, because this magical number impacts every single club. Following the sudden surge in player signings and the resultant…
The Referees’ Tip Sheet – A Parody
All football teams are provided with tip sheets about their opposition each week. They remind the players about what their opponents are likely to throw at them, or maybe highlight weaknesses that can be exploited. Some time back, for a…
The Spotlight – Finding Consistency
“Inconsistent. That’s where we fit – middle of the road with the competition…..We take a couple of steps forward then we take a big step backwards.” With these words, Parramatta coach Brad Arthur succinctly summarised the Eels 2017 season to…
The Spotlight – The Territory Eels
This Saturday night, the Parramatta Eels will be taking the field in what will be their fourth premiership game in Darwin. It also marks the final year of the four year sponsorship provided by the Northern Territory Government. With decisions…
The Sunday Confessional – Keeping The Faith
Forgive me fellow Eels supporters, for I have sinned. I have a confession to make. With about ten minutes to go I thought that the Eels were gone on Friday night. Watching the momentum shift to a fit Warriors side…
The Spotlight – Arthur’s Youth Policy
One of the greatest misconceptions about the Parramatta Eels under Brad Arthur’s stewardship has been the belief that he is reluctant to give young players a shot. This week I’m placing that theory under “The Spotlight” to test its validity.…
Eels Training – 17th May: The Media Welcomes Moses
In scenes reminiscent of some recent dark times, a gathering of the media at Saleyards today signalled the arrival of the latest Eels signing, Mitchell Moses. For the players, the film crews and photographers were simply a momentary distraction at…
NRL Indigenous Round – Recognising Eels Aboriginal Heritage
Parramatta – is there an NRL club name as readily recognised for its link to Aboriginal people? Taken as an anglicised version of Burramatta, its meaning refers to either “Place of the eels” or “place where the eels lie”. The…
Eels Training – 8th May: The Carnivals Are Over
With the Representative Weekend now behind them, all NRL clubs will be returning their focus to this weekend’s premiership clashes. No doubt league lovers have enjoyed the carnival atmosphere from the Pacific Tests and the City/Country clash, but the reality…