The R15 King's Birthday clash against the Bulldogs marks King Arthur's reign as the Eels' longest-serving coach (244 games) over-taking the renowned Brian Smith.
No doubt Arthur would have some pride in the Eels' resurgence over the last two weeks with statement wins, but is bitterly disappointed by Dylan Brown's predicament and the alleged Golden Sheaf incident over the bye period and being stood down. It doesn't make the Eels' revival this season any easier. It threatens to derail an already troubled season.*
This game will also see the debut of former Warrior and Cowboy utility Daejarn Asi in Eels' colours coming in for Dylan Brown at six.
Perhaps, it’s fitting Arthur's milestone occurs against the Dog; our oldest rivalry and one we’ve played more than any other club.
Historical Symmetry
There's a quasi-sense of historical symmetry.
Smith’s last as Eels’ head coach, almost twenty years ago, was also against the Dogs, and it was also away (Telstra Stadium, for an 18-22 loss in R10, 2006).
This game is also on the Monday King's Birthday this year right after our bye, as opposed to last year's Monday Queen's Birthday also right after our bye.
Let's hope all this symmetry ends a little differently this week: with a happy ending.
Welcome to Round 15 against the Dogs.
Teams
Round 15: Monday, 4pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney
Eels
1.Clint Gutherson 2.Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Bailey Simonsson 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown Daejarn Asi 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Junior Paulo 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Andrew Davey 13. J’maine Hopgood
Bench: 14. Ofahiki Ogden 15. Brendan Hands 16. Matt Doorey 17. Makahesi Makatoa
Reserves: 19. Jack Murchie 20. Ky Rodwell 21. Haze Dunster 22. Luca Moretti
Head Coach: Brad 244 Arthur
Dogs
1. Hayze Perham 2.Jacob Kiraz 3. Jake Averillo 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Karl Oloapu 7. Matt Burton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Jayden Okunbor 12. Jacob Preston 13. Harrison Edwards
Bench: 14. Khaled Rajab 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Chris Patolo 17. Corey Waddell
Reserves: 19. Kyle Flanagan 20. Jackson Topine 21. Braidon Burns 22. Blake Wilson 23. Franklin Pele
Head Coach: Cameron Ciraldo
Last week
The Eels' last game (R13, before the bye) was a tough Friday night 24-16 win against a determined Cowboys with an inspired Drinkwater almost paving the way for a boilover. Two teams, switched on, bashing each other, in a tough grind week. The game was in the balance at 18-16 with two minutes out with the Eels just ahead against the never-say-die Cowboys that were determined to find a way to win. The Cowboys were a completely different team to the preceding week (where they lost by a record 66-18 score in R12 against the Tigers).
A R13 Cowboy fan points out his grievances on Friday night (Getty)
It was a brave performance from both teams. The Cowboys were missing their Origin stars. Tom Dearden, Val Holmes, Murray Tuilagi, Reuben Cotter, as well as Jason Taumalolo (returning from injury). The Eels were missing most of their first-choice pack due to an injury crisis and with Junior Paulo out (Origin). Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Shaun Lane, Ryan Matterson. There was also the injury to emergency recruit Joe Ofahengaue, whose debut lasted just 10 minutes.
J'maine Hopgood is just as much as a skilled Spartan warrior as a Trojan workhorse. 80minutes, 21 runs, 159m, 45 tackles (highest for the Eels), 2 offloads (best for the Eels).
Wiremu Greig was forced to play 47 minutes in just his 14th NRL appearance and he led the Eels forward pack as the home side withstood a late Cowboys fightback, sparked by fullback Scott Drinkwater. Unfortunately, the 192cm 124kg behemoth is now out injured indefinately (foot) and unsigned for 2024 and beyond.
Nevertheless, the win edges us closer to the top eight; two to four points out by the end of round 13.
Meanwhile, the Dogs lost a close game 25-24 against the struggling Roosters last week (R14), and are in desperate waters in the bottom four.
Recent Record: v Dogs, Accor, Monday
The Eels have an excellent recent record against the Dogs.
However, the Eels have a mixed recent record at Accor and on Mondays in recent times.
That losing cycle includes last year's Queen's Birthday's heavy 34-4 loss against the Dogs (above and below) also on a Monday (13th June, R14).
That heavy loss was also the only Monday we've ever played at Accor against the Dogs.
It shows what the Dogs are capable of, and arguably they’re stronger in 2023, despite their bottom-four position on the ladder.
During various times this year, they’ve also shown some fight and creativity in attack, even if they’re yet to reap the full benefits. Hitherto. With their mind-boggling, and voracious buying spree of marquee players surely the Dogs will eventually rise up the ladder?
A Redemption Story: Part II ?
A win this week would cap a remarkable turnaround, considering many pundits practically wrote the Eels’ off weeks ago when they were sitting in 14th, bottom four, in R11.
It was after another tight 2-point 26-24 loss to the Titans (R10), and demoralizing 26-18 loss to the Raiders (R11). Then, we upset win over the high-flying Rabbits 36-16 (R12) beating them outside Parramatta for the first time in 27 years, and now overcoming a committed Cowboys (R13).
Perhaps, we could call this Part II of our season.
Shawshank Redemption (1994) with an all-star cast, considered a box-office flop at the time of its release in 1994, is a poignant and powerful classic. It’s a story of pain, torture, hope, camaraderie, courage, hope, pain, and, eventually redemption through basic respect and compassion. And that's the Eels’ season in many ways.
Part I of our season was a torturous eleven rounds that saw us win 4 / 11 (36%) and languish in the bottom four.
Over the last two weeks, the Eels are showing fight. Courage. Commitment. Camaraderie. Self-respect. Finally, they seem to be finding ways to win as a committed team, regardless of the obstacles. Winning more critical moments than they did before the change.
Even Moses' Part II goal kicking has been impeccable. 10/ 10 (100%) over the last two weeks. It's a sharp contrast to the 7 / 15 (47%) against the Sharks (R2), Manly (R3), Titans (R10); three games we lost to goal-kicking. Six competition points that would have changed the narrative.
Like in Shawshank Redemption, it's also a story about hope. About the internal battle between giving up or fighting regardless of the result.
On the one hand, there is Red (Morgan Freeman, above left ). Accepting the inevitable defeat and letting go of hope. Unnecessary fatalism, self-sabotage, or realism?
Let me tell you something, my friend. Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane.
Red Redding (Freeman), The Shawshank Redemption
On the other hand, we have Andy (Tim Robbins, above right). The optimist, who keeps fighting on, even if he will lose the war. Courage and bravado or red-rosed naivety?
Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.
Andy Dufresne (Robbins), The Shawshank Redemption
Eels’ fans are definitely, acutely burnt and like Red weary of hoping for too much. Why wouldn't they be after the trauma of the last 37 years?
That being said, the team seemed to have Andy's optimism and faith. Before the resurgence, during the downturn. Dylan Brown, Bailey Simmonson, and Brad Arthur spoke of the "trust" they had in the team heading into the R11 clash (one they'd lose).
We've definitely got the team (to turn the season around). We believe in our systems. We believe in our team, and what we're capable. But, it's a matter of going out there and executing (winning the moments).
Bailey Simmonson, fronting the media after the close 26-24 loss against the Titans (R10) before the R11 clash against the Raiders that was another close 26-18 loss relegating the Eels to the bottom four.
Ultimately, whether Part II proves to be a flash in the pan, or the start of a climb into the top-eight and finals contention only hindsight will reveal the truth. Once the popcorn and the movie end.
But, I'd rather the team keep fighting, playing with courage and toughness, for each other, regardless of the injuries, what the media, the fans, or even their inner demons might tell them who they are. There is also more to this redemption story than 2023. It's also about the 2022 grand final, regardless of how it all ends. After all, twists and turns are inevitable, not everything will ever go your way, and no one knows what the future holds.
Bottom Line
Can we win three straight for the first time this year, honouring Arthur's and Lane's milestone, and continuing the redemption story? Can we maintain the courage we've shown and continue the revival?
It would also and on close to the top eight on 16 points, probably just outside it pending how the mop flops with other results.
Or will the Dogs spoil the party and land a few brownies on us? They will also want their own redemption story and would enjoy nothing more than to land a few brownies on us. The Dogs and perhaps Mahoney Reed in particular will be revved up for revenge over our last meeting in round 7 (Eels' won 30-4).
What do the footy gods, who have set up an almighty historical symmetry with their wicked sense of humour and quirkiness, have awaiting us?
Another chapter in the story awaits us, tomorrow afternoon.
*PS: Many Eels' fans would likely feel enraged over the NRL's bias and inconsistency. Brown was stood down for the same "sexual touching" touches that George Burgess was allowed to play on last year. Back then, the NRL said they didn't want to "prejudice" against Burgess' court proceeding. Something they didn't afford Dylan Brown. It's obvious the NRL have contradicted their non-prejudice stance. But, perhaps, failing a rejuvenated Tom Cruise in A Few Good Men, it's unlikely the NRL would publicly admit to having prejudiced against Brown, suspicious he was likely to be guilty. They publicly state the opposite is true, but do not explain their inconsistency.
UPDATE. The Eels Redemption Story continues with a 34-12 win over the Dogs the first three-straight for the year. Although the Eels dominated the scoreline, the Dogs received far more penalties (8-2) and even recorded more linebreaks (7-6), but the Eels scrambled better, exploited the Dogs' vulnerabilities better, and made more from their opportunities. Stats from nrl.com
Possession: Eels 55% - Dogs 45%
Completions: Dogs 80% (32/40) -Eels 65% (28/43)
Run metres: Eels 1984m- Dogs 1425m
Linebreaks: Dogs 7 - Eels 6
Tackle busts: Eels 53 - Dogs 39
Offloads: Dogs 19-17
Missed Tackles: Dogs 54 / 339 - Eels 39 / 266
Tackles: Dogs 339 - Eels 266
Ineffective tackles: Eels 33 - Dogs 28
Errors: Eels 15 - Dogs 11
Penalties received: Dogs 8-2
Replies
Another brillant summary HOE. WE have so many talented people on this site we leave the media for dead.
I have been a big critic of BA in the past and earlier on this year. I think he has started to listen to the room , and opened his mind to what we are as a collective unit. He is using his bench far greater these last few games and apart from the introduction of HANDS I think he is getting it right. HANDS is fast becoming a massive player for us. The ability to open up the ruck, increase the tempo , pressure the retreating lines is very COOK like. I thought he needed to come on about 10 minutes earlier. Having said that, the ref was not going to allow the momentum to build and was already losing the grasp of the game at that point.
BA has devloped EMU into a NRL quality middle now. The mistakes will still be there becuase he is not rock hard fit and he battles the brain telling him to dominate the ruck every time which can lead to the poor play the ball or odd dropped ball. He is progressing nicely as is MAKA who has developed some subtle feet which is allowing him to get better post contact metres.
BA biggest achievement IMO is making Bryce CARTRIGHT a top notch edge player who is tackling so well these days it is so pleasing. His technique and hit zones are almost flawless. The Carty tool both is still there he just only uses it on odd occasions and is playing teh percentage play game which is BA trait.
BA will be judged in history for the number of premierships he won. That is the cold hard reality. At the moment, he should be applauded in how much improvement he has got out of players almost on teh NRL scrapheap. That is evidence of a man manager, realistic goals and having confidence in a player.
Well done BA.
Well said, Paul Taylor, and thanks, mate. Yeah, I'm not BA's biggest fan either, but I can't disagree with most of what you said. Have been impressed with Cartwright's attitude, too. He's knuckled and is doing the tough stuff.
Some good observations about Emu, Carty and Maka there, Paul.
X3, great post PT.
The bye probably couldn't come at a worse time. Yeah I know injury wise it's a good time , however we are on a bit of a roll so I'm a bit torn. We have some serious troops returning hopefully after the bye so maybe that'll be enough to wipe the bye hangover away. It's almost a given they'll have Kikau back , let's hope the Rorters bash then next week.
Kikaus out till rd22
even if his playing he isn't a threat like he was with Penrith
I thought similar, too, Wiz, re: the bye maybe disrupting momentum. But I also wonder if it's perfect timing too? With injuries to RCG, Lane and Matto, and Davey HIA's then injury, and now Paulo away at Origin, our less experienced forwards have played more minutes than BA might have had them play? I suspect there is some sports science there about players increasing minutes under fatigue?
So, a break, especially for the middles but also Hopgoode and Carty, might just be the tonic they need to refuel and go again as we wait for the regular starters to return?
Yeah, it would've been nice to see more of some of these guys before our big names return. I guess one positive is their returns are pretty staggered so we may still see some guys needed to be played , it also may allow us to hold some of these injured players back a week or two that we wouldn't usually have the luxury of being able to do.
Great write up HOE. Nice to see some given an opportunity and how they performed. That type of energy can be a good motivation spirit.. Watching the game against the Cowboys still made me feel we are playing as individuals.and can,t get a good second phase play going despite a team stacked with good offloaders. I think having some work done on shapes would have a benefit with creating better combos and create more teamwork which will give us some more long range tries.We have some great players like Moses, Brown,Gutho, Penisini, Simmonson all gel into better attacking weapons.. Still not 100% sold on using players as battering rams as the main approach. A full season and Semi's will wear them out.I think the Penrith Rabbits game which was full on defensively and Power plays did affect how they played subsequent games.
I hope that may be part 2 In how BA seems to be improving his approach with some out of character changes in game management with selections and bench usage.
Thanks, TAD. Well said, mate. Yes, we're not the finished product and still have a long way to go. But, I've seen more mental steel over the last two weeks. A more unified team with a better attitude in the effort areas off the ball (like kick chases and more desperation in defence) as well as a more expansive, direct attack.
The question I have is how long will it last and what's Part III going to look like? We have a tendency to switch off in the past, with bad habits. I wonder if that'll resurface down the track.
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