The Shaping of a New Team

As we approach the end of the season, it's worthwhile examining where Parramatta sits in terms of our development as a competitive team. Even our harshest critics have to concede that our team has become very competitive during this injury crisis.I believe that we are laying the platform for a successful 2016.Why is this so?At a time when we are fielding a collection of second choice players, we are pushing teams to the limit. Missed opportunities have cost us dearly, but there is a self belief that is coming in this latter part of the year.Without Sandow, our defence has improved remarkably.The forwards continue to hold their own or win the middle. This was evident in today's game. In the first match against Manly this year the Parramatta forwards smashed their Manly counterparts. Today, they did the same against Manly's insipid pack, almost nullifying any advantage that the Sea Eagles held in the backs.A full strength Parra next year, with the addition of our targeted signings, will be formidable opposition for any opponent.We must remember that we are fielding a relatively new team in terms of their experience playing together and time under Brad Arthur. He has already changed their pride in the jersey.This is not just a matter of saying next year, we are seeing the platform being laid right now.Let's get behind the team right now and turn up in numbers for the last 2 games. Wouldn't it be great to finish with some wins and place ourselves above Manly on the table by season's end?That is highly achievable.

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HKF August 23, 2015 at 7:21pm

I'll definitely be trying to get to the last two games, it would be really good to finish the season off on a high.

All the negative nancy's are choosing to ignore our horror injury toll because it doesn't suit their argument but I have little doubt we would have made the finals this season if we had stayed healthy.
- tele1 > HKF August 23, 2015 at 7:38pm
  
  All the negative nancy's are choosing to ignore our horror injury toll because it doesn't suit their argument
  
  W L L W L L W L L L L W L W W W L L W L W
  
  there it is in all it's glory - with and without injuries - a Win Loss record that's all over the place
  
  inconsistencies, drama, poor discipline in crucial situations, losing games from unlosable positions
  
  Not JUST injuries derailed Parra's 2015 campaign - there was plenty of cringe worthy moments when we had a full and healthy squad
  
  Parra are not ready for finals footy yet anyway
  
  Love
  
  Nancy xx
- xX Parramatta Eels Xx > HKF August 23, 2015 at 9:18pm
  
  Hopefully the team has learnt from those close games we gave away against the Warriors, Rabbits and Cowboys.
  
  Also the experience of players like Foran Scott and Gordon should help us win those tight ones.
- wiggy 71 > HKF August 24, 2015 at 8:29am
  
  I know we had chances and execution let us down but there where a few games we did grind out manly yesterday dragons round 16 with the foran debacle going on and Penrith at Penrith after them getting level at 14all. There is fight there but the top sides seem to do it week in week out.
- wiggy 71 > HKF August 24, 2015 at 8:33am
  
  I'm in agreence with you xx pe xx foran Scott and Gordon have played in teams that can grind it out and that could help our cause in those tight ones.
Rise of an empire August 23, 2015 at 7:26pm

I 100% agree
Mapik August 23, 2015 at 7:28pm

Couldn't agree more. I think we will go a long way next year. There is a spirit building in this team and with a fair injury toll we'll be up there.
Kramerica August 23, 2015 at 7:29pm

I really liked our edge forwards today (all season really) and can see huge improvement in our pack over all. I can't really see how Beau Scott can legitimately take a spot off Tep or Manu. I suppose it's a good problem to have.

I understand Tep is headed for the middle but, jeez, I really think he has a hell of alot to offer on the edge...
- Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown > Kramerica August 23, 2015 at 7:31pm
  
  Welcome back Kram, great to have you back mate.
- Ham Sammich > Kramerica August 23, 2015 at 7:53pm
  
  His stats for this game are quite amazing. According to nrl.com he made 157metres off 19 hit-ups which was the highest of both teams, 42 tackles 2nd only to Blake Leary only missing 2. According to nrlstats.com he made 131metres off 18 hit-ups with 36 tackles missing 0. Over the past month he's played better than he has all year, he went into beast mode today. It'll be hard to take a spot off him but starting Scott and bringing Tep off the bench will mean that we sustain a higher intensity for a longer period of time. Certainly a good predicament to be in atm.

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