There’s that famous NFL saying, “winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing”. Getting wins in both of the double header matches had that quote spinning around in my head after the final siren. Anything less would have left an empty…
Bumpers Up – March 6, 2022: SupportIng Is What We All Do Best
I started this column looking to find a diversion from the gloom that seems all pervasive right now. The incessant rainfall and dark skies have been with us for weeks on end to the extent that the gloom is both…
Eels Pre-Season Training – February 28, 2022: Awards And Predictions
The trials are now done and so the preseason comes to an end. Regular visitors to TCT would have noted that the training reports have recently been conspicuous by their absence. There are reasons behind that. Frankly, the conditions have…
Bumpers Up – February 22, 2022: Riding That Eels Rollercoaster
It’s been an eventful few days in Parradise. Though times are rarely uneventful in the Blue and Golden West, emotions have just run the full gamut in the space of little more than 72 hours. Firstly, we had the…
Bumpers Up – February 16, 2022: The Footy’s Back!
It’s been a while hasn’t it! Over six weeks have passed since the last Bumpers Up column, and though there’s been no shortage of news in rugby league land, time has been a precious commodity. Now that I have your…
Eels Pre-Season Training Report – February 11, 2022: Ogden Demands Selection
A question for BA. Can you find a place for Ofahiki Ogden in the top 17? Maybe I should word that another way. How can you not select Ogden in the top grade? After recent sessions it’s surely impossible to…
Eels Pre-Season Training – February 7 & 9, 2022: Preparing For The First Trial?
At what point will Eels training narrow its focus to preparing for the upcoming trials? Monday’s session left me believing that such preparations had begun. After watching Wednesday training, I had more questions than answers. Let me explain why.…
The Spotlight – An Early Call: Round 1 Eels Team List
Wouldn’t it be fun to have a Parramatta version of Punxsutawney Phil, the famous American groundhog that predicts the start of spring. Picture an Eel in an aquarium, (cue alliterative name ideas) tempted by three types of bait. Which will…
Eels Pre-Season Training – January 31, 2022: A Selection Dilemma
A selection headache is looming for Parramatta Eels coach Brad Arthur. Emerging half Jake Arthur, the son of the coach, is currently one of the stars of this preseason. Make no mistake, in terms of his consistency and his recent…