The bye week – for the players it’s a chance to freshen up and get over the niggling injuries. For the coaches, it’s keeping the players focussed on a job that’s nowhere near completed. For Parramatta Eels fans, it almost…
The Spotlight – Reserve Grade (ISP) Deserves Better
In recent weeks, the Parramatta Eels have been playing in front of what I’d describe as being disappointing crowds. In our current home, ANZ Stadium, the sight of over 60000 empty seats is hardly inspiring for the athletes taking part…
The Spotlight – Preparing For Finals Football
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…
By Hook(er) Or By Crook – The Options At 9
The hooking stocks for the Eels are perilously low following the loss of Kaysa Pritchard for the 2017 season to a gut-wrenching lateral collateral ligament and posterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in Round 15. Kaysa’s absence is compounded heavily by the ongoing…
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 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.…
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…