There's plenty to discuss as Parramatta head into week one of the finals with a very different looking side to the one that was expected.
Let's take a look at the changes Brad Arthur has made to the side.
1. Clint Gutherson - No surprises here.
2. Haze Dunster - Made his debut in the 2020 finals series and has very much improved this season
3. Will Pensini - Perhaps the biggest point of contention in the backline. Would BA have gone for the experienced Opacic over the rookie? Penisini's form has been irresistible in both attack and defence. A deserved position.
4. Waqa Blake - He seems to have settled into his role and defensively has made a lot more of his tackles. Now if he could create space for his winger, that'd be great.
5. Blake Ferguson - This is the point of the season you buy Fergy Ferg for. He's played in big games, won grand finals, expect him to lead the way for the back line. His second and third tackle charges will be crucial to Parramatta's success.
6. Dylan Brown - Seemed to re-discover both his kicking and passing game against Melbourne which bodes well.
7. Mitchell Moses - Was the major beneficiary of Parramatta's rejigged attack. With the ability to roam on both sides of the field, he was able to take greater advantage of space.
8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard - The big man is back at the right time of the season.
9. Ray Stone - The biggest worry heading into the finals. He's not a recognised hooker and the Eels will have to play very direct in attack, relying on middle ball players to shift the ball. He'll at least hold his end up when it comes to defence. Few players in the NRL possess his tackling technique and his workrate will likely compliment Nathan Brown.
10. Junior Paulo - One of the best props in the comp, skittles defenders for fun and his ball playing will be crucial this week
11. Shaun Lane - A surprise to see him named in the starting side after he'd seemingly dropped down the pecking order. If he brings his hands, he'll be difficult to contain. Also wouldn't rule out a late swap onto the bench by BA.
12. Marata Niukore - Thoroughly deserves his spot in the starting side. He's played centre, back row and prop this year and does it without a lot of fuss. His presence on the edge against Dylan Clifford is a match up I like, especially with the powerful Penisini beside him. Expect plenty of traffic down that edge.
13. Nathan Brown - The week off has probably done him a world of good. He's been held together by strapping tape this season and has clearly been carrying a rib injury. Hopefully back to his fire and brimstone best.
Interchange:
14. Will Smith - Would have been hard to drop him after his performance against Penrith. The ideal utility really. Can fill in across the backline, at hooker and even as a roving middle forward if required. Can't go into the finals without an appropriate backline utility.
15. Bryce Cartwright - Was rocks and diamonds against Penrith, probably guilty of trying to do too much. Has been at his best coming off the bench 10 minutes before half time and injecting energy and some late, high quality offloads into Parramatta's play. When he runs first, he's the most dangerous.
16. Isaiah Papali'i - Some were diappointed to see Papa on the bench but I like this move. He was bought as a bench middle and forced his way into the starting back row. But having a player of his quality and ball running ability to come on after the softening up period is an ideal situation. Last things the Knights will want is watching Papa running the ball after Junior and RCG are off.
17. Makahesi Makatoa - Hard not to be happy for the guy. Persistance has paid off and he put in a fantastic shift against Penrith. Deserves his spot.
Reserves:
18. Ryan Matterson - 3 weeks off probably killed his chances this week.
19. Oregon Kaufusi - Some issues with concussion this year, has impacted his ability to be on the field regularly.
20. Tom Opacic - Unsurpising
21. Jakob Arthur - Unsurprising
Replies
I was looking forward to seeing which players would be selected, but this seems to be the right move. BA has rewarded players that have demanded selection through their recent efforts. Let's hope the week off for most has given the players the energy to continue where they left off against Melbourne.
I dont mind this team, Maka and Ice will give good impact off the bench, helping our go forward. Smith good utility value, Marata and Pensini great inclusions
Our best footy is better than Newcastle best footy
Expect a high energy confident start and put their lack of finals experience under the pump
parra by plenty
Matterson's omission is curious but on reflection probably warranted. Papali'i and Niukore are in front of him now as edge players. He's been solid this season without being a stand out. However he's on stand out money and should be producing line breaks and tackle breaks on the regular. There's definite room for improvement for Matto and I hope he finds it. He needs to be playing with a lot more aggression.
Hooker really worries me. Stone is horrible at hooker and so is Smith. Neither can pass off the ground, both stand first then take a step before passing. This kills momentum. We should be able to get past Newcastle with a make shift hooker but it won't be good enough for (probably) Souths.
I agree re Matto he may need to be moved on for money ball reasons. At his best he is solid but Niilore and Papilli are beasts on heaps less coin.
I think both will need to be upgraded to stay no way is ice playing for $150k next year
I think he had 2022 in his favour which he's already taken up.
I hope we don't resign him and decide to lock up Papali'i and Niukore long-term. I think Matto's best position in the modern game is lock. He can ball play and his offloads in the middle of the field will be very usefull for going through team. Defensively, he doesn't slide quickly which hurts our edge defence. However, he is a very strong and good 1 on 1 defender which would help eels stiffen their middle defence as we really struggle defending quick play the balls.
Keep him and let N Brown go?
Not sure. Depends how much they demand. I am pretty sure N brown is on more money by around 150k.
N Brown plays a very physical game for someone not that big. So in the later years of his career he may be worn out.
Our forward pack is good enough to win the comp with N Brown at lock. So we don't necessarily need to upgrade our lock spot. Matto may improve or worsen the pack when at lock. So do you take the safe or risky option?
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