How much can we take out of the 36 point demolition of an under strength Panthers in a preseason trial? Obviously, it was sweet, if for nothing other than the reaction of the Penrith supporters in the dilapidated stands around…
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.…
Eels Pre-Season Training – February 4, 2022: A “Hazey” Morning With The Chance of Ice
It’s not unusual for wingers to provide highlight moments during a training session. Given that opposed work is a type of match simulation, there will be opportunities created for the fast men out wide. There will be spectacular finishes, and…
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…
Eels NRLW Training Report – January 29, 2022: Ready To Make Their Mark
“We are living the dream playing for the Parramatta Eels” With those words spoken by Simaima Taufa, the Parramatta Eels NRLW team placed a huge an exclamation mark on the end of a most impressive training session, staged for the…
Eels Pre-Season Training – January 28, 2022: Dylan Brown
Picture this. It’s a deep kick off, the ball is passed to a charging RCG, and the big man puts the pedal to the metal as he collides with four defenders. Boom! They didn’t miss him, nor did he allow…