NRL - Eels Blogs - 1Eyed Eel2024-03-19T13:37:18Zhttps://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/feed/category/NRLMeninga lasts one round with Des.https://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/meninga-lasts-two-rounds-with-des2024-03-16T09:42:32.000Z2024-03-16T09:42:32.000ZUncle Wizards Sleeve indigenous elder He/Himhttps://www.1eyedeel.com/members/WizardsSupermaxSleeve<div><p>I've been waiting for this to go main stream but it has seemingly been left to go under the radar other than a small couple of news outlets. . The other day The Titans axed Mal Smellmefinger. Talk about a protected species in tne media , you'd think Des Hasler the new kid on the block axing Mal Meninga would be a pretty hot topic considering the airplay Holbrooks axing got . Months and months ago I said that Meninga would be lucky to last half the season as he has called all the shots on recruitment and even to an extent team lists up there and there's no way on Earth that Hasler would let his career hinge on what players that moron let him keep , release , or recruit. <br /> </p><p>Massive conflict of interest when he's living in Canberra , is best mates with Stuart , and was releasing players of the calibre of their star half back to Canberra , hiring plodder Canberra old boys as assistant coaches , and then hiding in the shadows exempt of critisisim when it all goes pear shaped. He released theor halfback after they had a blinder of as season preferring they used a QLD player in Ssxton because Meningas friends with Sextons old man. <br /> </p><p>There are big name players up there that absolutely rejected Mals methods , it came down to a massive blow up between Hasler and Mal and Mal lost. It should be the one of the biggest stories in Rugby Leqgue right now , Hasler and Meninga trading barbs at training , but as usual Mals untouchable. <br /> </p><p>I hope Brett White didn't get too settled up there being a Mal appointmentment. </p></div>What we know so farhttps://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/what-we-know-so-far2024-03-15T22:04:59.000Z2024-03-15T22:04:59.000ZSuperEel 22https://www.1eyedeel.com/members/SirSuperEel22HailKingArthur<div><p>We may only be into round 2 but there are plenty of signs the Eels of 2024 are improved on the 2023 version.</p>
<p>- Junior off the bench: I tipped this as a change that was needed last year. With Parramatta regularly lacking punch and creativity from the bench, shifting the Origin forward seems to be paying dividends. He's still punching out his usual minutes, but he's able to take on a tiring middle where his unique combination of size, footwork and ball skills adds so much to Parramatta's attack. He was dominant against the Dogs and turned things around against Penrith when he came on in the first half. It will be interesting to see what happens once Wiremu Greig is ready for first grade again.</p>
<p>- Lane Train: While relatively quiet against the Dogs because Carty was shredding the right edge, against Penrith Lane showed how much we missed him. His size and ability to attract defenders opens gaps up for Dylan Brown, while his try was beautifully worked by Parramatta's 5/8.</p>
<p>- Attacking shape: 2023 the Eels looked a little out of ideas at times. Just flinging the ball from one edge to the other with little deception. The early signs are better this season with outside players coming back against the grain to hold up the defence. Offloads remain a key part of Parramatta's attack as well.</p>
<p>- Outside backs: A key problem in 2023, it still looks short of being solved. I can't really fault Morgan Harper for struggling on the wing. It's never been his position and it was made all the more difficult by having a backrower next to him. While Maika Sivo's worth has been discussed at length, he remains Parramatta's best yardage back. </p>
<p>Bench use: Against the Dogs, I thought Brad had finally worked out how to use his bench. Every player got meaningful minutes. Then against the Panthers he reverted to type and Hands got a handful of garbage minutes. In the pre-season BA spoke about preferring an 80 minute hooker. I simply don't think the modern game gives you that luxury. If you have 2, use them.</p>
<p>Defence: I know it seems weird to be discussing defence after conceding 26 points. But 3 of Penrith's tries came from improvised bullshit. I'd be more concerned if they scored all their points from set moves which are repeatable and broke down our defence. But how often are you going to concede a try from the opposition lock nailing a cross field bomb?</p></div>R2 v PANTHERS: THIRTEEN-TO-SEVENTEEN BLUE MOONShttps://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/r2-v-panthers-thirteen-to-seventeen-blue-moons2024-03-13T12:48:33.000Z2024-03-13T12:48:33.000ZHell On Eelshttps://www.1eyedeel.com/members/HellOnEels<div><p style="color:#999999;"> </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12399864700,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12399864700,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12399864700?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:48px;">O</span>n Friday night's hyped-up Battle of the West, the Panthers are overwhelming favorites to bounce back from some recent knock-downs when they host the Eels.</p>
<p>However, the Eels have been the biggest thorn to the Panthers of all clubs since the Panthers' rise from 2020, despite the Panthers belting the Eels when it counts the most. And there is plenty of good noise and confident-spiel coming out of the Eels' camp on the back of their longer pre-season.</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12399888473,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12399888473,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12399888473?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Teams</strong></span></p>
<p>Friday, March 15, 2024BlueBet Stadium, Penrith</p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Panthers</strong></span><br /> 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Taylan May 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo<br /> Bench: 14. Soini Luke 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner<br /> <strong>Reserves</strong>: 18. Daine Laurie 19. Matt Eisenhuth 20. Mavrik Geyer 21. Paul Alamoti 22. Brad Schneider<br /> <strong>Head Coach</strong>: Nathan "Someone-needs-to-be-obstructed" Cleary</p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Eels</strong></span><br /> 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Bailey "Prove it" Simonsson 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Morgan Harper 5. Sean "He-Man" Russell 6. Dylan "Golden Child" Brown 7. Mitchell "Annoying nuts" Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Joey "Nuggets" Lussick 10. Junior "Starting" Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J’maine Hopgood<br /> <strong>Bench</strong>: 14. Brendan Hands 15. Ryan Matterson 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Kelma Tuilagi<br /> <strong>Reserves</strong>: 18. Ofahiki Ogden 19. Wiremu Greig 20. Luca Moretti 21. Makahesi Makatoa 22. Blaize Talagi<br /> <strong>Head</strong> <strong>Coach</strong>: Brad "he's my golden child" Arthur</p>
<p>Notes: Moses confirmed yesterday he would be right to go, despite his "annoying" groin strain.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Apex Predators </strong></span></p>
<p>From 2020, the Panthers have the most dominating four-year run since the modern game started in 1967, marked by the beginning of limited-tackles and end of the Unlimited Tackle epoch. That's 57 years.</p>
<p>Penrith's winning ratio (around <strong>84%</strong>) over the last four years is even higher than the Saints 11-year title run between 1955-56 (at a tad over <strong>81%</strong>).</p>
<p>But, can they maintain the rage for a four-peat and still be the leading benchmark?</p>
<p>It's early days, but some are already questioning it after the Storm loss and the loss of two more key players, Chrichton and Leniu, from last year's squad. Putting aside the Saints' record-11-peat-title reign ending in 1966, a four-peat was last achieved <strong>almost</strong> <strong>a</strong> <strong>century</strong> <strong>ago</strong> in 1929. </p>
<p>If any team could rewrite the history books, this mob would be the One.</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12399865677,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12399865677,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12399865677?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p>Perhaps, it's a testament to the Eels' great potential that they have had the most success of any club against the Panthers during their golden run. </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12399867258,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12399867258,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12399867258?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>An Eels' win would be in rarified air: more than a few blue moons</strong></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Against the Panthers, the Eels have won the last game at BlueBet and two-straight games. Improving on that, rewrites the history books.</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12399206098,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12399206098,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12399206098?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12399206260,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12399206260,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12399206260?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p>The last time the Eels have won at three straight against them <strong>over 22 years</strong> ago (R1, 2002, above pics), when Nathan Cleary was four. Luke Burt set a point-scoring record and all-female cheerleading cast was the norm. That was 17 Blue Moons ago, and at home.</p>
<p>The Panthers have an imposing recent record at home. They have won 10 from the last 11 (<strong>90.1%</strong>, since R1, 2023) at a bone-rattling <strong>31.5 - 11.8 average. </strong></p>
<p>Their <strong>only loss</strong> at home during this time in the last year, was to the Eels late last year (18-32, R26, 2023). But it's been <strong>16 years</strong> since the Eels won two-straight there. 13 blue moons have come and gone since then.<br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12399867698,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12399867698,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12399867698?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Motivated to hit-back</strong></span></p>
<p>The Panthers' pride should see them highly-motivated for this game to avoid a series of losses.They have lost the last two games (Storm 0-8 last week, World Club Challenge 2024 12-16). The last time the Panthers lost three-straight was five years ago.</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12399871287,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12399871287,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12399871287?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Storm keep Panthers to zip, again</strong></span><span style="font-size:8pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12399203067,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12399203067,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12399203067?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span></p>
<p style="color:#999999;"><span style="font-size:8pt;">Dylan Edwards and Nathan Cleary look in in dismay during the tight 8-0 loss the the Storm in Melbourne last week | Getty Images</span></p>
<p>Last round, the Panthers lost a close encounter away to the Storm, 0-8, in an error-riddled affair. Oddly enough, over the last 12 years (since R5, 2013), the Storm are the only team to have kept the Panthers scoreless and it was on three occasions (last round; 0-16 on R22, 2022; 0-20 on R13,2015). History seems to have a bizzare sense of symmetry. Or humor.</p>
<p style="color:#999999;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12399202881,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12399202881,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12399202881?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span><span style="font-size:8pt;">The Eels celebrate their players-player-of-the-match Bryce Cartwright's try double in the their impressive 28-8 win over the Dogs last week at Commbank | Getty Images</span></p>
<p>In contrast, the Eels had a solid win over the Dogs 28-8. The highlight was the Eels' forward-pack, an agressive physicality and control over the match, despite a stuttering that didn't see them take full advantage of overwhelming possession (60%) , field possession, and opportunities in the red zone (51-12). The Dogs were never allowed to get out of second gear and Foxsport commentators noted their "sportscars (on the left edge including the Fox-Chrichton-Kikau) were on a dirt road."</p>
<p>However, a handful of late-match errors (dropped balls by Pensini and Hopgood with both not watching the ball) saw the Dogs score two late tries. Two errors, two tries.</p>
<p>That begs a few questions. What if the Dogs had more opportunities in the Eels' red zone? Has the Eels' red zone vulnerability and ability to defend their errors been addressed during the off-season?</p>
<p>Encouragly, there's plenty of positive noise coming out of the Eels' camp.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Good noise: Rinse, Repeat</strong></span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.parraeels.com.au/news/2024/03/12/matterson-on-bulldogs-win-and-penrith-challenge/?" target="_blank">"No one really worries us"</a>, <a href="https://www.parraeels.com.au/news/2024/03/12/matterson-on-bulldogs-win-and-penrith-challenge/?" target="_blank">Ryan Matterson</a> told reporters yesterday when asked who he fears from Penrith. It seemed to have a wider meaning.</p>
<p>"We're focused on ourselves," he added.</p>
<p>Despite the Eels' recent success against the Panthers, Matterson pointed out that was not what gave the Eels' confidence.</p>
<p>"The work we've done in the pre-season gives us confidence."</p>
<p>Again the promising off-season is a theme we've heard numerous times coupled what what Arthur has called a greater "focus on more fan engagement". Nothing engages fans more than winning and playing well.</p>
<p>The other theme to arise this week is the idea of "<strong>consistency</strong>". </p>
<p>In the past, we've been awfully consistent too: consistently inconsistent from half-to-half, week-to-week. </p>
<p>"It's all about<strong> repeating</strong> what we did <strong>last week</strong>," <a href="https://www.parraeels.com.au/news/2024/03/12/ofahengaue-previews-panthers-and-parras-power-game/" target="_blank">Joe Ofahengaue</a> told reporters this week. Playing "tough" footy through the middle.</p>
<p>"<strong>Parra's power game</strong> has always been there, it's more the consistency part (that has been lacking)", Matterson reinforced.</p>
<p>The legendary middle "power game". "Chasing the Collision". But with more consistency. More intensity. More aggression. </p>
<p>Interestingly, when asked, Matterson said he "<strong>didn't know</strong>" why the Eels play well against the or if they did anything special against the Panthers. Almost as if the game plan, even against the best, by default goes to a structured, middle power-game that earns the right to play some second-phase footy, seeing we're the Harlem Globetrotters of offloads. The tough first, then the pretty.</p>
<p>A defensive downside of a heavy-loaded, middle-centric mindset is the heavier-concrete-footed inside gets overly compressed especially when fatigued leaving the edges vulnerable. We've seen that consistently, year after year. We also saw symptoms of those bad habits in the Canberra trial. It's not all about power and brute force. It's about lateral agility and moving together organically along with slowing the ruck something we haven't been king pins on in the past. </p>
<p>Encouragely, against the Dogs there was plenty of aggressive, Pantheresque hunting-in-packs defence driving the ball-carrier backwards, back-pedalling the ball, which helps slow the ruck and build dominance. </p>
<p>Yet, will it continue? Will the Eels' become more consistent in the manner they aim, and not crack under pressure as they have in the past, consistently?</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Bottom Line</strong></span></p>
<p>Eels' fans will be hoping that the longer off-season with renewed focus on more gutso, physicality and dominating defence - a redemption for last year's "embarrassing" aches - counts for something.</p>
<p>We have not proven anything of substance, yet.</p>
<p>Nevetheless, there were plenty of positives from the round one win. It's all about better habits that appear to have started last week and in the off-season. And just like the round one performance Arthur noted they "needed", they need to do it again. Yet, only time will tell how much the Eels will step up, consistently. Sybil's habits may die hard.</p>
<p>We all know the Panthers are likely to prevail. But if the Eels can bring their agressive A-game, defend their line and errors, take advantage of their second-phase skills, they can upset the game's biggest predator. </p>
<p style="color:#999999;"><iframe title="March 11, 2024" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZoAcWCGsUkU" width="965" height="1716" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>
<p style="color:#999999;"> </p></div>Eels in hunt for Wallaby Fullbackhttps://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/eels-in-hunt-for-wallaby-fullback2024-03-04T02:29:43.000Z2024-03-04T02:29:43.000ZBarney Bearhttps://www.1eyedeel.com/members/BarneyBear<div><p>The Eels have been strongly linked to Wallaby fullback Max Jorgensen If successful Max would play fullback and Gutho would move to the centres</p><p>A long time Eels official stated Jorgensen could be as succcessful as Ken Thornett who the eels also pinched from rugby</p><p> Here's hoping</p></div>Parramatta Leagues Avoids Return of Spagnolohttps://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/parramatta-leagues-avoids-return-of-spagnolo2024-02-27T10:36:24.000Z2024-02-27T10:36:24.000ZSuperEel 22https://www.1eyedeel.com/members/SirSuperEel22HailKingArthur<div><p>The Parramatta Leagues Club AGM has been held with the two board positions up for election being decided.</p>
<p>Current board members Sue Coleman and Greg Monaghan have been re-elected to the board, well ahead of former chairman Roy Spagnolo.</p>
<p>These results demonstrate the importance of the reforms led by Max Donnelly. The availability of electronic voting meant more than 2,700 ballots were submitted.</p>
<p>Full results and details are available at the link below.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.parraleagues.com.au/results-from-the-66th-annual-general-meeting/">https://www.parraleagues.com.au/results-from-the-66th-annual-general-meeting/</a></p></div>Sliding into Success: Will Parramatta's Defence Make or Break Their Season?https://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/sliding-into-success-will-parramatta-s-defence-make-or-break-thei2024-02-09T08:50:53.000Z2024-02-09T08:50:53.000ZThe Kinghttps://www.1eyedeel.com/members/TheKing<div><p>I wanted to talk about something that's been on my mind as we edge closer to the new season. We're talking defence, specifically the outside back rushing in defence strategy we've clung to like a safety blanket. It's had its moments, sure, but let's be real—this tactic is starting to show its age, especially with the way the game's evolving. And that brings us to the big question: Is Brad Arthur ready to adapt?</p><p>Let's talk about why it's crucial, especially for us. Our outside defence has been a bit of a sore spot, hasn't it? And in today's game, with halves that can spot a weakness from a mile off and exploit it before you can blink, we can't afford to give them any chances. Sliding defence could be the game-changer we need, reducing those opportunities for the opposition and giving us a fighting chance to control the game on our terms.</p><div class="flex-1 overflow-hidden"><div class="react-scroll-to-bottom--css-nojfn-79elbk h-full"><div class="react-scroll-to-bottom--css-nojfn-1n7m0yu"><div class="flex flex-col pb-9 text-sm"><div class="w-full text-token-text-primary"><div class="px-4 py-2 justify-center text-base md:gap-6 m-auto"><div class="flex flex-1 text-base mx-auto gap-3 md:px-5 lg:px-1 xl:px-5 md:max-w-3xl lg:max-w-[40rem] xl:max-w-[48rem] group final-completion"><div class="relative flex w-full flex-col lg:w-[calc(100%-115px)] agent-turn"><div class="flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3"><div class="flex flex-grow flex-col max-w-full"><div class="min-h-[20px] text-message flex flex-col items-start gap-3 whitespace-pre-wrap break-words [.text-message+&]:mt-5 overflow-x-auto"><div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light"><p>I'm not saying it'll be easy. Changing up a core strategy like this takes guts, hard work, and a whole lot of practice. But think about the payoff. Imagine our Eels, moving like a well-oiled machine, shutting down attacks left, right, and centre with a defence that's as fluid as it is formidable. And let's face it, when you look at last year's grand-finalists, the Panthers and the Broncos, it's clear that sliding defence isn't just a trend—it's a proven formula for success. These teams have made defence an art form, turning their backlines into impenetrable walls that adapt and shift with the flow of the game.</p><p>On the flip side, take a look at the teams stubbornly sticking to the rushing in defence— such as us, the Storm, and the Roosters, who have all seen a decline in performance last season. The game's evolved, and these tactics that once gave us the edge are now leaving us exposed, especially against halves that can read and react faster than ever before.</p><p>It's a stark reminder that what worked in the past won't necessarily cut it in the future. The Panthers and the Broncos aren't just getting lucky; they're showing us that a sliding defence can offer the flexibility and resilience needed to counter the modern offensive playbook. It's a lesson we need to take to heart if we want to keep up, let alone lead the pack.</p><p>So, as we look ahead to the season, the challenge for Brad Arthur and the team is clear. It's about being brave enough to rethink our approach, to learn from the successes of the teams at the top, and to commit to a defence strategy that's fit for the dynamic, fast-paced game rugby league has become.</p><p>If we can make this shift, who knows? We might just find ourselves setting the benchmark instead of trying to catch up. But if we stick to our rushing-in defence, it’s hard to see a bright season ahead. This stubborn approach might not just cost us on the field; it could also be the downfall of Brad Arthur's coaching. The game's moved on, and so should the Eels!</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="w-full pt-2 md:pt-0 dark:border-white/20 md:border-transparent md:dark:border-transparent md:w-[calc(100%-.5rem)]"> </div></div>Past and present Eels players with pictureshttps://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/past-and-present-eels-players-with-pictures2023-12-30T22:41:48.000Z2023-12-30T22:41:48.000ZJames Adahttps://www.1eyedeel.com/members/JamesAda<div><div class="x1e56ztr"><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Hi Guys<br />I have compiled a list of Eels players with <strong>pictures</strong> and placed them under a new FaceBook group called </span><br /><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/743446801015346/" target="_blank">Parramatta Eels Players</a><br /><br />The details came from<a href="https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/teams/parramatta-eels/players.html" target="_blank"> Rugby League Project, Eels Players</a></span></div></div><div class="x1e56ztr"><div class="_1mf _1mj"><span><span style="font-size:14pt;">There are still around 300 players that I haven't found their picture.</span><br /><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12343047689,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12343047689,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12343047689?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><br /></span></div></div></div>Maloney Coachinghttps://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/maloney-coaching2023-12-10T05:37:11.000Z2023-12-10T05:37:11.000ZAdam Magrathhttps://www.1eyedeel.com/members/AdamMagrath<div><p>Could be one to keep an eye on for the future</p><p><a href="https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-cult-personalitys-wife-caught-up-in-roosters-snub-drama/news-story/5bcaddabac7365bbf795e325163857be" target="_blank">https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-cult-personalitys-wife-caught-up-in-roosters-snub-drama/news-story/5bcaddabac7365bbf795e325163857be</a></p></div>Young gun Jai Camilleri turns down NFL dream to sign trial deal with Parramatta Eelshttps://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/young-gun-jai-camilleri-turns-down-nfl-dream-to-sign-trial-deal2023-12-04T20:59:30.000Z2023-12-04T20:59:30.000ZPoppahttps://www.1eyedeel.com/members/Poppa821<div><div class="js-sticky js-scrolled-to js-scrolled-past"><div class="player sticky ad-is-showing plays-inline"><div> </div><div class="player__video-block"><div class="player__video sticking"><div id="player_qc2ya" class="video-js vjs-controls-enabled vjs-touch-enabled vjs-workinghover vjs-v7 bc-player-H190EXsjW_default bc-player-H190EXsjW_default-index-0 vjs-ima3-not-playing-yet vjs-ima3-html5 ima3-loading-spinner vjs-plugins-ready vjs-player-info vjs-errors vjs-ad-controls vjs-has-started vjs-mux vjs-paused not-hover vjs-ad-playing vjs-layout-small vjs-user-inactive" lang="en" xml:lang="en"><div class="vjs-text-track-display"> <div class="article__social"><div class="article__share share--responsive"><div class="share-wrapper"><div class="share-module">A youngster chosen to represent Australia in American football has decided to go with rugby league after signing a trial contract with <a title="Parramatta" href="https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/parramatta-eels">Parramatta</a>.</div></div></div></div><div class="article__body"><p>Jai Camilleri, a powerful running back and linebacker in American football, was recently named MVP at the national schoolboy gridiron championships after starring for Queensland and chosen in the Australian merit team.</p><p>But league has always been the 18-year-old hooker's first love and when the Eels offered him a trial, he didn't hesitate.young-gun-jai-camilleri-turns-down-nfl-dream-to-sign-trial-deal-with Parramatta</p><p> </p><p>This copied from an article by the Mole but I suggest you do your own reserch. What does this mean.... well maybe we have talent scouts looking further and wider than we may have realised?</p></div></div><div class="vjs-ima3-ad-container"><div> </div></div></div></div></div><div class="player__rail ad-is-playing"> </div></div></div><div class="article__social"> </div><div class="article__body"> </div></div>Desperate Need for a Centrehttps://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/desperate-need-for-a-centre2023-11-22T02:12:46.000Z2023-11-22T02:12:46.000ZSWAMPYhttps://www.1eyedeel.com/members/SWAMPY<div>If we are looking for a more balanced side that offers something different in the backline then why are we not making a play for Curtis Scott on a train and play deal similar to Jennings at the Roosters. Yes he has had his issues and I realise it would have to be ratified by the NRL but if he is on the wagon, surrounded by a professional environment , then what have we got to lose. If we go into the season with either Simmonsen or Harper as our strike centres , then unfortunately we cannot expect a different result. THOUGHTS?</div>interesting article on roar https://www.theroar.com.au/2023/11/14/smart-signings-parra-have-a-foxx-shaped-hole-on-their-wing-but-theres-another-rep-winger-that-they-should-chase/https://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/interesting-article-on-roar-https-www-theroar-com-au-2023-11-14-s2023-11-13T22:02:40.000Z2023-11-13T22:02:40.000Zwallyhttps://www.1eyedeel.com/members/terencefinlay<div><p>found thi interesting</p></div>Wakey Wakey Parramatta Executive, you aren't communicating with your supporter base!https://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/wakey-wakey-parramatta-executive-you-aren-t-communicating-with-yo2023-11-12T22:10:51.000Z2023-11-12T22:10:51.000ZPoppahttps://www.1eyedeel.com/members/Poppa821<div><p>I think we are over thinking on recruitment, this time of the year it is understandable and because we have done nothing (seemingly) we are speculating about all sorts of "ghosts" in the woodwork.</p><p>One of the problems is poor communication from a perceived lack of leadership from the Parramatta Board.</p><p>When Gurr was the CEO he was a regular spokesperson for the club and what we were doing, he did this naturally and it gave all the commentators on here enough information to understand what is happening. "Bean Counters" are notoriously bad communicators!</p><p>NOW we have Jim Saratinos as the CEO (Yes a Bean Counter) and I am sure his qualifications as a business executive are very strong....BUT he is not a leader and whilst we have given him time, that time is now past.</p><p>What we don't know is "enough" and not knowing fuel's negative speculation about all sorts of things, unfortunately the players and coaching personell see and read this stuff and it is not a positive influence for them, and that is putting aside the supporter base. I have been around enough to know if you repeatedly say the same thing, over and over again then the weak minded become influenced by the "rhetoric".......Christ we are even reading speculation of the likes of Spagnolo and Fitgerald wanting to come back???.....god help us, we still need to go foreward, notwithstanding our "stupidity".</p><p>Weak minded you say !!!............. well face it we are talking about footballers who most have an education of a 14 year old when they discovered thay had sporting ability, and thinking went out the window. An IQ test for every footballer would be mandatory in my recruitment policy, not as a criteria but a way of evaluating what we are dealing with.....Jarryd Hayne may have had a different outcome if that was observed in his development..... what sort of mentoring goes into these young players that we proudly announce on our pathways.....my guess is again a shortfall in communication......</p><p>As the heading says Wakey Wakey ......where are our thinkers and why aren't you communicating.</p><p>For the poor souls on here reading this and feeling insulted....I advise one thing....read it again!</p></div>Last nights Boxinghttps://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/last-nights-boxing-12023-10-08T02:50:35.000Z2023-10-08T02:50:35.000ZElectric Eel 2https://www.1eyedeel.com/members/ElectricEel2<div>Good to see both our boys won their fights. Paulo looking fit and absolutely destroyed Hannant. RCG victorious over Taumalolo who was touted as having very good boxing skills. I think the boxing training works wonders for Junior.Did anyone else watch the fights and what were your thoughts? Yes, they are all Rugby League Players having a crack at boxing and not professional fighters!EE</div>Last nights Boxinghttps://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/last-nights-boxing2023-10-08T02:50:33.000Z2023-10-08T02:50:33.000ZElectric Eel 2https://www.1eyedeel.com/members/ElectricEel2<div>Good to see both our boys won their fights. Paulo looking fit and absolutely destroyed Hannant. RCG victorious over Taumalolo who was touted as having very good boxing skills. I think the boxing training works wonders for Junior.Did anyone else watch the fights and what were your thoughts? Yes, they are all Rugby League Players having a crack at boxing and not professional fighters!EE</div>Site performancehttps://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/site-performance2023-10-04T22:46:31.000Z2023-10-04T22:46:31.000ZPoppahttps://www.1eyedeel.com/members/Poppa821<div><p>Is anyone else having problems with slowness, stalled responses etc</p><p>If so and its being looked at please just delete this blog.</p><p>Regards</p></div>When is a centre not a centre but an edge forward playing in the centres?https://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/when-is-a-centre-not-a-centre-but-an-edge-forward-playing-in-the-2023-10-02T20:58:39.000Z2023-10-02T20:58:39.000ZPoppahttps://www.1eyedeel.com/members/Poppa821<div><p>John Eel, one of our more astute posters asked a question about Charlie Guymer, a young edge forward who was on the Reserves bench in the Flegg elimination final and who played U/18 SOO this year. We have so many good young edge forwards in that side, he could only make the bench.</p><p>This was going to be my reply but I felt maybe the discussion should get more overview from the site, think back over the years of centres that became forwards and vice versa. Also I dont see enough of these young forwards being in Brisbane so I would appreciate the views of the guys that watch and know them better than me.</p><p>I don't know enough of him (Charlie Guymer) to judge him John, but he is very highly regarded. Again here is an edge forward in a team that is starting to get top heavy with same...... now I understand he has been experimented with in the centres as well and I really think we should be pushing this ..., we are short of class centres so why should we not be pushing this angle.....the centre position is now like an edge forward, lets look at Bradman Best, don't tell me he wont end up in the forwards, very good as a centre for a few years yet, notwithstanding. The fellow from Cronulla is built like a brick shithouse, most of your centres these days are forwards.....we have some good ones coming through, there is a kid in that Flegg team, I think his name is William Lat (?) comes from North Qld where he is a junior super hero, he is also a edge style forward. If these blokes can be adapted to the centres (think Niukure as an example) then we are going to get stronger across the park and using the Gibson theory of the best 13 get picked and we find a position for them later (17 now).</p><p>Look at the Penrith team they have developed depth across the park and that is where we need to head. Players like Simmonsson, Parker, our current winger (name escape's me) Dunster etc are just depth players.....Penrith do not carry those players unless they have injuries.....any ball playing forward should be capable of being a hooker, halves and fullbacks are the elites along with 3 good front rowers.....build that and they will come....premierships that is, seems that's what everyone is wetting there pants over then (its not my obsession), get the process right and premierships will happen.</p><p>Just figure out how you keep the players or create the shadows for the ones you know you are going to lose if you win premierships.</p></div>Adapt or Die Part Twohttps://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/adapt-or-die-part-two2023-09-29T05:18:02.000Z2023-09-29T05:18:02.000ZSuperEel 22https://www.1eyedeel.com/members/SirSuperEel22HailKingArthur<div><p>Back in August I dissected many of the issues surrounding Parramatta's style of play that led to their lacklustre 2023 season. Now I'm here to offer some solutions and, at least, some reasoning as to why that occurred.</p>
<p>Let's get the obvious out of the way. Parramatta had to deal with 55 weeks worth of injuries, suspensions or Origin selections. 22 of those weeks were suspensions which are well within the control of our players, especially Dylan Brown.</p>
<p>To compete at the back end of the season, you need a bit of luck, and the Eels simply didn't have any. Although the lack of backline depth does fall at the feet of the football department. Losing Tom Opacic and not replacing him hurt more than most thought.</p>
<p>Before I go further, I also want to give some credit to a couple of players who can hold their heads high after this season.</p>
<p>Firstly, Mitchell Moses. Using the <a href="https://www.rugbyleagueeyetest.com/2023/09/05/the-eye-tests-advanced-statistic-leaders-for-nrl-season-2023/" target="_blank">Rugby League Eye Test's Player Contribution Rating</a>, Moses was the only Eel to place in the top 20 across the NRL for this metric, and the only player inside the top 20 whose team didn't make the finals.</p>
<p>He ranked 13th with a net value of 1.615. Essentially, taking into account for all his positive and negative plays, wins and losses and weighted for the amount of possession his side has, he represents 1.615 points per game for the Eels. The best player across the season in this metric was Shaun Johnson with 2.717.</p>
<p>Next is Wiremu Greig. We've known that in the past Wiremu has been good for a lazy defensive effort or dropped ball. In 2023, according to the ETPCR he ranked 12th for the least amount of negative plays across the competition with -0.380. What this means is that Wiremu is one of the safest players in the game in terms of missed tackles, errors and penalties conceded.</p>
<p>Greig also gets kudos for being very active whenever the Eels had the ball. According to The Eye Test's ball runner rate, averaging a run 15.72% of Parramatta's play the balls. That put him second in the competition behind only Tom Burgess. Ofahiki Ogden was third.</p>
<p>That is a quantitative stat, as it doesn't show you how many metres were gained or play the ball speed, but nevertheless it demonstrates how involved Greig was during his 25 minutes of average game time.</p>
<p>Now it's time to get into Parramatta's problems and how to fix them.</p>
<p><strong>Attack</strong></p>
<p>As the season wore on, Parramatta's attack got worse and worse until they were a mid-table team. That is not where they should be. For much of Brad Arthur's tenure, the Eels have had a lethal left edge. A lot of that has had to do with his two Fijian flyers - Semi Radradra and Maika Sivo.</p>
<p>The pair have scored 176 tries from 2014-2023. In just the Maika Sivo era (2019 onwards) the Eels have scored 45% of their tries down the left hand side. Only the Titans and Rabbitohs have averaged more tries down the left edge.</p>
<p>With that becomes an air of predictability. Now, that doesn't matter too much when Maika is left one on one with his opposite. You'd back the gigantic, hulking Fijian to run over most of his opponents, and he does that most of the time.</p>
<p>But what it also means is that when he isn't there, his replacement can't do the same thing. I refer to this <a href="https://www.theroar.com.au/2023/08/17/holding-patterns-how-the-nrls-best-are-setting-new-platforms-for-their-stars-to-shine/" target="_blank">article</a>by The Roar's Mike Meehall Wood who points out that the current attacking structures utilised by sides are an evolution on the old block play.</p>
<p>Teams tend to have two styles of attack. One is an actual set play. An outside-inside ball, or a sweeping backline play where the half goes to the fullback or hits the winger. </p>
<p>The other is a "structure". It's a shape an attacking side can throw at a defensive side with a number of different options. Think Brisbane going down the right with Reynolds hitting Walsh. The Brisbane fullback can burn his opposite, kick in behind, play short to his centre or loft it to the winger.</p>
<p>Parramatta though, seem to be stuck on their "play". When in good ball they like to go tackles 1-3 in the middle or towards the right edge and then have a big sweeping play with bodies in motion on tackle 4 to try and develop an overlap for Sivo to score in the corner. If that doesn't work it's over to the trusty boot of Mitchell Moses to do his thing.</p>
<p>Now, Moses being Moses is the best short side half in the game. So if the Eels generate enough play the ball speed or the opposition uses a forward to fill in on the short side then Moses will expose it.</p>
<p>The problem with all of that though, is it relies on Parramatta's middles winning one out collisions and as I established in August, they do far too much of that to be effective.</p>
<p>How to fix it? Well, the simplest fix is to run in pairs with the support runner expecting the ball. </p>
<p>The other option is what we saw in round 26 against the Panthers. Start with a bash and barge middle forward pack of RCG, Ofahengaue and Greig whose physicality can be used to set a platform before Hopgood and Paulo come on to play bigger minutes and can then use their ball playing skills to attack a team on the backfoot defensively.</p>
<p>In regards to their plays and structure, there is one key change I would make. Moses and Brown are the fastest halves pairing in the competition. Yet, often in good field position they slot into first receiver and distribute the ball.</p>
<p>Gutherson loops around out the back to deliver the final pass. Gutherson has the pass selection of a half. That's not the problem. His problem is that he doesn't have the speed to consistently threaten the defensive line like a Reece Walsh.</p>
<p>It would be like Walsh playing first receiver and distributing to Adam Reynolds.</p>
<p>Instead I would move Gutherson to first receiver and have Brown or Moses sweep around the back where their speed threatens the third or fourth defender, which is often what triggers a panicked decision from the outside defenders.</p>
<p>This does not mean Gutherson is moved from fullback. Just, that in good field position, he plays closer to the ruck, allowing Moses and Brown to use their speed on the edges.</p>
<p>One final change that needs to happen, is that the Eels need to shift the ball more when coming out of their own end. The good teams do this as it prevents the defensive line from compressing. You're not winning many collisions if you have one player running into four defenders.</p>
<p><strong>Defence</strong></p>
<p>I am a big believer that your defence starts with your attack. As I established in the previous blog, Parramatta doesn't really push their opponents deep through their hitups or metreage. It's Moses' boot which does the work.</p>
<p>But this means your opponent isn't gassed and can ram the ball down your throat or attack very efficiently.</p>
<p>I once again take you to The RLET. Parramatta gives up 52% more points than they should based on field position.</p>
<p>The Eels also, on average start their sets 29.3 metres from their own line. Which means they are giving up cheap metres to their opponents and being pinned deep in their own half. It's the 11th worst starting position in the competition.</p>
<p>As I've already mentioned, Moses digs his side out of a hole constantly. In fact Parramatta force their opponents the deepest in the NRL. On average Parramatta's opponents start their sets 35 metres out from their own line. That's better than Penrith.</p>
<p>But Parramatta can't maintain the rage. Between play the balls 5 and 6, Parramatta give up 11.36 metres on average. The worst in the competition. So they can force their opponents deep, but can't keep them there.</p>
<p>That has a knock-on effect. It stresses the defence, the forwards get cooked, they spend a lot of time working the ball out of their own end. Rinse and repeat.</p>
<p>The Eels are also mid-table for metres per run by opponent, allowing their opposition to make 8.94 metres per run to be 9th in the competition. They also don't get off the line particularly quickly, allowing their opponents to, on average, make 6.04 metres before contact.</p>
<p>In other words, Parramatta concedes more metres per run than they make. No wonder their defence has struggled.</p>
<p>How do you fix it? Well, the attack is one thing. Taking stress off their middles with quick shifts or having backs that can ruck the ball out solves that problem to an extent.</p>
<p>But it's also a question of Brad Arthur. He talks about winning collision but his side doesn't do it, and nor has he shown that he has a way to do it.</p>
<p>The other issue is Parramatta's edge defence which was embarrassing at times this year. Some of it is related to the amount of back line injuries. A rotating roster of players is not going to allow players to feel comfortable.</p>
<p>However, it doesn't feel like there is a set method for the side to follow. Wingers fly up and in while their teammates sit back and slide.</p>
<p>If you watch Penrith or Brisbane they are stingy. When defending upfield they come up and slide, inviting their opponents to go around them. On their goal line they are a lot more aggressive with the defensive system pressuring the ball players from the inside while their outside defenders cut down the options.</p>
<p>Offensive players have to beat them because their defence doesn't beat itself.</p>
<p><strong>Summary</strong></p>
<p>If Parramatta wants to be back in the hunt next year then it needs to be a lot better on both sides of the ball. It needs to throw more at defences, particularly in its own half to get them off balance and take the pressure off the middles. Its attack also has to hold onto the ball more.</p>
<p>In defence, it needs to be a lot more solid around the halfway line and limit linebreaks outside the red zone. It also needs to be a lot more physical and aggressive in limiting pre and post contact metres. </p>
<p>There also needs to be a bedded in defensive structure that all players are in tune with to prevent situations where teammates are on different pages in defence.</p>
<p>The Eels have to adopt a more modern style of attack and combine it with a much better structure in defence.</p></div>When is 10 years not representative of the relative timehttps://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/when-is-10-years-not-representative-of-the-relative-time2023-09-28T22:15:45.000Z2023-09-28T22:15:45.000ZPoppahttps://www.1eyedeel.com/members/Poppa821<div><p>Interesting comments made by Fake and LB on the relative coaching record of Dean Pay in a great post in another blog.</p><p>They say how Dean Pay was hard done by in having a poor (dogs) side and doing well enough with what he had.</p><p>This made me think of an idiot on here making comments about BA being a failure because he has had 10 seasons to get it right!</p><p>I won't deny that the bald statistic (no pun) but the points you guys make about Dean Pay being a good coach and hard done by have some application for BA being judged for having 10 seasons to get it right.</p><p>BA was equally presented with a poor side and inherited a disaster in terms of the state of the club, he did a great job in the context of those early days and whilst the ongoing discussions about his retention are very relevant (now), the one thing is not.........., is that he has had 10 years to get it right.</p><p>I think he needs to be judged from post 2018 when the recovery, medicine and swap back all changed around to a new era of competitiveness. 2018 happened for a myriad of reasons, not the least being a huge sigh of relief that the prior pain was past us. The spoon winning side of 2018 was the final act of pain caused by the disruption of salary cap mismanagement and being placed under external management.</p><p>I believe the 2018 year has been a reflux event this season gone (afterall it was not the disaster of 2018, just our expectations had changed to new levels). GF making success not withstanding the side was probably not good enough, maybe it was too much for us to go forward with an arguably a weaker side this year. We also finally had our constitutional issues all resolved and a diabolical set of events in terms of injuries, suspensions and draws.</p><p>In that GF we had played above our season's expectations and ablity to a certain extent. During the course of the year we were not considered a threat or likely at many stages.</p><p>Maybe the new medicine of a different or new coach has some strong points. We do not appear to have a lot of realalistic alternatives? (Please dont trot out the usual suspects, we have been there enough for a while). </p><p>Finally all that said the coach has another 2 years and if he can repeat top 4 appearances with the cattle he has during that period, then the platform of new pathway success is on the cards after this period........whether he goes forward through this is subjective and not worth talking about anymore until we get into the "meat" of next season. </p><p>Its now time to stop speculating, wait until early november to see what we have and stop being so pessimistic about everything. </p><p>We continue to have our board imposed handicap relative to player payments (TPA's Etc) and we need as a club to communicate on cleaner and clearer lines from an executive level.... it is great having no leaks but there are always some positive things that need to be leaked. We also need for the club to start selling itself as an attractive venue for players to have a career at!</p><p>I hope you continue to enjoy the "orf seezun" in the spirit that Sir Col always wanted, yes madness but not suicidal.</p></div>Forwards vs Backshttps://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/forwards-vs-backs2023-09-26T08:23:01.000Z2023-09-26T08:23:01.000ZAcmehttps://www.1eyedeel.com/members/Acme<div><p>In your opinion, who is more important to a team, the forwards or the backs?</p><p>Before you answer, I'll throw a hypothetical out seeing as though it's orf season and all...</p><p>Let's say we swap out the forward pack of the best team in the comp with the forward pack from the worst team and had them play each other. How do you think the results would change?</p><p>For arguments sake, let's call Penrith the best and the Tigers the worst.</p><p>So, Panthers forward line with Tigers backline v Tigers forwards with Panthers backline.</p><p>Who would win?</p></div>Halves situation - best option taken or big stuff up?https://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/halves-situation-best-option-taken-or-big-stuff-up2023-09-20T23:09:20.000Z2023-09-20T23:09:20.000ZWile E. Coyotehttps://www.1eyedeel.com/members/WileECoyote<div><p>1. We have given our current halves long term contracts that should only have been given if they had won us a premiership. These contracts delete any competition for their spots from any promising juniors coming through. Really these guys have the stage and should have to perform to keep their spots. No need for longer than normal contracts.</p><p>2. Ethan Sanders is leaving probably as a result. Some say Lynn is better and Talagi is also a possible half. But Sanders seems to have a leadeship quality about him. From the little I have seen, the other players seem to look up to him and follow. I do not see that in the other halves coming up, who are really 5/8s anyway. It was supposed to be a strong point for JA but I did not see it. DB does not have leadership qualities and Moses wants it and works hard for it but does not seem to have that natural ability to make the players look at him as a natural leader who they reflexly follow and look to for direction. Gutho seems to be doing a better job of captain now, but having a good leader in the halves is something we really need. </p><p>Should more have been done to keep Sanders and more risk taken on contracts with the current halves even if it meant losing them?</p><p>Not dumping on MM and DB they are one of the best halves combinations in the comp, but they also have their weaknesses and the halves coming through may be better. They may not but why not allow competition for their spots? If they demand long contracts then they do not have the confidence that they will be better than the competition coming through.</p></div>Depthhttps://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/depth-32023-09-19T13:11:20.000Z2023-09-19T13:11:20.000ZWile E. Coyotehttps://www.1eyedeel.com/members/WileECoyote<div><p>Depth chart below shows we needed Tuilagi and will need a top quality left centre- that way Simmo is a good quality depth for all positions in the backs. Still 4 spots left. I put Moretti in even though can't find him contracted anywhere. Put Matterson in the middle even though he is on the Eels site as an edge - seems to struggle with lateral movement in defence on the edge.</p><p> </p><p>Depth (26)</p><p>FB: Gutho (1)</p><p>Wing: Sivo, Russell, AMS, Dunster (4)</p><p>Centre: Penisini, Simmo (2)</p><p>Halves: Moses, Dylan, Asi (3)</p><p>Hooker: Lussick, Hands (2)</p><p>Lock: Hopgood, Ofa (2)</p><p>Middle: RCG, Paulo, Wiremu, Matterson, Moretti, Makatoa (6)</p><p>Edge: Lane, Cartwright, Tuilagi, Doorey, Mataele (5)</p><p>Other: Momoisea (1)</p><p> </p></div>Who, Why How - realistic Coach 2025https://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/who-why-how-realistic-coach-20252023-09-15T03:48:24.000Z2023-09-15T03:48:24.000ZWile E. Coyotehttps://www.1eyedeel.com/members/WileECoyote<div><p>Who should coach Eels in 2025, Why and how do we get them?</p><p>After 37 years without a Premiership Eels supporters seem unable to fantasize and just want to be realists - refering to the Coach 2024 blog that was just meant to ask who people (hypothetically) thought was the best coach for the eels at the moment regardless of any realistic chance that this would happen.</p><p>While I hate the Storm because they robbed us of a Hayne era premiership, they do seem to have had a core of very smart footballers. Not sure who is the best out of Bellamy, Smith, Cronk and Slatter. However, there seems likely a change of guard at Storm with one or both of Smith and Slatter taking over from Bellamy. Don't think we have a chance of Smith or Cronk. Bellamy has the track record as an elite coach who can bring premierships, and has the reputation. We need someone of that callibre to get a fairer deal from the NRL and Bellamy may be able to bring a few rising stars from the Storm system - including the ones that started at Parra. He would also be able to attract players for reasonable money from other clubs. My first choice would be Bellamy. How is maybe unrealistic; but, Bellamy has only had success in the Storm system. He gave up/failed at SOO. To really be considered an elite coach like Bennett or Gibson he needs to succeed in another system. Hassler and Cleary in my book are not elite coaches. Hassler only succeeded in the Manly system but failed at the Dogs. Cleary failed at Penrith and Tigers and only succeeded in the Penrith system once everything was in place for him. Bellamy's legacy needs proof in another system and what better than the Eels system that is not a basket case but has not produced a Premiership for 37 years and does not look close to cracking a spot as a top tier team. Time for the next gen at Storm and he needs to proove his ability elsewhere. If that does not work I would try Slatter. I doubt he would see us as anything but a stepping stone to a side he would prefer to coach and we may risk players going with him. However, so be it if he can produce a premiership for us before he leaves, which is a good chance if he can reproduce what he has done in SOO and does not need the think-tank he had around him or can still acces it. </p><p>BTW the best coaches voted in the 2024 blog were BA, Slatter, Hannay, Bellamy, McDermott, Bennett, Holbrook, Cronk, Ben Teo, Barrett, Ryan Carr, Madge, John Morriss and Hornby</p></div>Coach 2024https://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/coach-20242023-09-13T00:43:52.000Z2023-09-13T00:43:52.000ZWile E. Coyotehttps://www.1eyedeel.com/members/WileECoyote<div><p>Who should be Parra's coach next year? - in order of preference.</p><p>Frankie Fong just got voted head of Triads and is moving to HK. As a parting gift he will make anyone we want an offer they cannot refuse. Sometimes during negotiations with Frankie people have heart attacks or accidents so include some back-up.</p><p>IMO we need reputation ATM as well as ability. So as much as I hate Storm :</p><p>1. Bellamy</p><p>2. Cronk </p><p>3. Slatter</p><p> </p><p>PS. this post is not meant as a slight on BA. BA has made us a finals side from being cellar dwellers. But can he take the next step?</p><p> </p></div>1 Eyed Eel Member's MVPhttps://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/1-eyed-eel-member-s-mvp2023-09-12T00:24:24.000Z2023-09-12T00:24:24.000ZSuperEel 22https://www.1eyedeel.com/members/SirSuperEel22HailKingArthur<div><p>As you may recall I opened a poll recently asking for nominations of the most popular member on 1 Eyed Eel.</p>
<p>Members both voted and emailed me regarding their favourites.</p>
<p>Honourable mentions go to Wiz, Prof Daz and BEM.</p>
<p>We actually ended up with a tie between Poppa and HOE.</p>
<p>Both polled 14% of the vote.</p>
<p>While I considered holding a run off vote, I spoke to both and they very kindly agreed to donate the jersey to charity.</p>
<p>So on behalf of ALAND and 1 Eyed Eel, that jersey has been donated to heart health charity Heartbeat of Football.</p>
<p>This is a charity very close to my family. It was established by Andy Paschalidis, who was a teammate of my uncle who sadly passed away from a sudden cardiac arrest on the football pitch in 2014.</p>
<p>Their goal is to have an AED installed in every community sporting facility across Australia. They also conduct heart health tests at sporting events.</p>
<p>Given many on this site are men over 30 who traditionally don't go for regular heart health checkups, this serves as your reminder to go and get yourself checked.</p>
<p>Thank you to Poppa and HOE for their kind hearted gesture.</p></div>Jersey Flegg Semi Finals Highlightshttps://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/jersey-flegg-semi-finals-highlights2023-09-10T04:49:54.000Z2023-09-10T04:49:54.000ZWile E. Coyotehttps://www.1eyedeel.com/members/WileECoyote<div><p><a href="https://www.nswrl.com.au/news/2023/09/10/nswrl-tv-highlights--jersey-flegg-cup-semi-finals/">https://www.nswrl.com.au/news/2023/09/10/nswrl-tv-highlights--jersey-flegg-cup-semi-finals/</a></p><p> </p></div>Ethan Sanders or Mitchel Moseshttps://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/ethan-sanders-or-mitchel-moses2023-09-05T22:27:54.000Z2023-09-05T22:27:54.000ZWile E. Coyotehttps://www.1eyedeel.com/members/WileECoyote<div><p>Who should R&R have prioritised, ES or MM.</p><p>Is Ethan good enough that we should ditch Mitch to keep him? - or at least should have refused Mitch a long contract.</p><p>Moses is one of the best half backs in the comp and deserved being picked in SOO. Big ask to predict Ethan would do better when he has not even proved himself in reserve grade.</p><p>But Ethan is looking the goods, has a great kicking game, looks strong and has been the dominant playmaker for successful teams in Ball, SOO and Flegg.</p><p>IMO R&R should have only offered Mitch a 3 year contract if that would have kept Sanders. If Mitch wins a premiership in 3 years then give him another ten. Otherwise, if Sanders proves to be better than Mitch in 3 years then he gets the job. If Mitch walks then Mitch walks and we focus on building for the future. Sanders is not that far from first grade and will be at least a good first grade half if not top tier.</p></div>My Junior Development Concernshttps://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/my-junior-development-concerns2023-08-29T02:49:25.000Z2023-08-29T02:49:25.000ZParraborn1https://www.1eyedeel.com/members/Parraborn1<div><p>There's no secret that Parramatta alongside Penrith have the biggest Junior Rugby League nursery in Australia. Parramatta have the best juniors in Australia and you only have to look at how many times we've won the SG Ball Premiership and 2nd place isn't even close.</p><p>Our challenge for as long as I've been alive (30 years) has been transitioning our talented juniors into successful first grades AT OUR OWN CLUB. I'm not going to comment on what's happened in the past but I will make slight reference to it. The past has proved to be a failure and we can only focus on what we are doing now to rectify these issues so I will be talking about our current SG BALL, Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup sides and how we are still messing this up completely.</p><p>First things first, we need to talk about WHO is overseeing our Junior Development Program at Parramatta. <span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Nathan Brown</strong></span> who is a former Coach, is currently the <span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Elite Pathways Coaching Director. </strong><span style="font-size:10pt;">When this was announced back in July 2022 I was dissapointed. Respectfully to Nathan, what does he know about Junior Player Development and creating "elite pathways"? His experience in Rugby League is that of a player and an NRL coach. He has never been in a position like this before and has little to no experience about what it means to set up a strong pathways program. In the announcement,<span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong> Mark O'Neil</strong></span> said <em>"Through his involvement, Nathan will be able to give us an informed view of where our programs are at and what opportunities there will be to make improvements in line with best practice." - </em>Again, what sort of information are you expecting to recieve from Nathan Brown (someone who has never done this before)? What does he know about "best practice"?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Moving on to our SG Ball and Jersey Flegg sides.</span></p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:10pt;"><strong>The Players:</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"> Our SG Ball side was great in 2023, winning the comp, as we have done many times before. Many players in our SG Ball are also currently playing in our Jersey Flegg side who are also looking good going into Finals. Some of these SG Ball players also debuted in NSW Cup his year, showing that we really have some talented players in there. I am happy that we are finally starting to move our SG Ball players around and progressing them throguh to Flegg and NSW Cup early.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;">There's no denying we have a large amount of talent in this age group. <span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Charlie Guymer, Ethan Sanders, Matt Arthur, Richard Penisini and Sam Tuivaiti</strong> </span>to name a few. The club's focus SHOULD be to keep all these players together, ensure they bleed blue and gold and then bring them into first grade TOGETHER. Similar to what Penrith did with their current team. They put everything aside, and focused on the boys coming through the ranks. They kept them together and are seeing the benefits now. Unfortunately for us, we've already failed as we have let Ethan Sanders go. Now I've watched Ethan play on numerous occasions and in my opinion, he has the potential to be a generational talent. I've never seen a young halfback at this age have such a developed kicking game like he does. It's truly amazing to see and I've loved watched him develop over the years at our club. If you had asked me, I would have prioritised keeping all these players together over keeping our current team. Simply speaking, <span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>I'd have prioritised Sanders over Moses</strong></span>. A lot of people will disagree with that due to the "fear of the unknown" but if we have learnt anything from Penrith, when you have a strong junior nursery like we do, you need to trust your system and unless you have a Cleary, a Munster or a Harry Grant (which Moses is not), do not be afraid to let them go. I have no doubt Sanders will end up being a great first grader and we've lost him and I'm confident we will regret it. These other players like Guymer, Matt Arthur, Penisini and Tuivaiti are now less valuable. You don't get the full benefit of our junior system if you don't bring your core guys through together.</span></p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>The Coaches:</strong></span></p><p>We have one of the best junior Coaches for our Flegg side being Craig Brennan (i believe that's his full name). It just got announced yesterday that <span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Jordan Rankin</strong></span> will be the new head coach of our Jersey Flegg side. Similar to what I said about Nathan Brown, what does Jordan Rankin know about coaching young men? What does he know about pathways? What does he know about coaching considering he just retired? Parramatta seem to just be giving jobs for the boys and we are not putting the right people in the right positions.</p><p> </p><p>Now on to our NSW Cup side:</p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>The Coach:</strong></span></p><p>We had <span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Nathan Cayless</strong></span> as our coach this year. Cayless was our coach previously and we did horribly. As soon as he left, we started doing well again but why have we brought him back? Why does the club feel the need to reappoint a coach who had already failed? Again, this is just a jobs for the boys situation. We've seen in the past how crucial it is to have a strong NSW Cup side if you wan to succeed in NRL.</p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>The Players:</strong></span></p><p>I am not going to fault the players but its no secret our depth is horrible. Our NSW Cup side has been stretched this year with lack of depth in the halves and our backline. A great example is Jirah Momoisea who is a forward that's been palying in the backline all year and even in the halves on one occasion. This comes down to our roster. Our roster is not good enough and Mark O'Neil needs to be held accountable.</p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Summary:</strong></span></p><p>Now you might read all this and think I am stretching, but being who we are, being Parramatta, our biggest strength is our junior development system. We will not succeed until we get this right and since we don't have the right people leading our program, we will not get it right. I believe these are genuine concerns and I'm not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel for us. Mark O'Neil needs to be held accountable because this is all happening under his leadership. I've thought this for years but the appointment of Jordan Rankin last night really pissed me off and I get zero confidence knowing that this program is being overlooked by Nathan Brown of all people.</p><p> </p></div>Murchie releasedhttps://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/murchie-released2023-08-29T02:22:25.000Z2023-08-29T02:22:25.000ZSuperEel 22https://www.1eyedeel.com/members/SirSuperEel22HailKingArthur<div><p>The Eels have announced the release of backrower Jack Murchie after one season at the club.</p>
<p>It's not specified which club he has now joined.</p>
<p>It's assumed his spot would be filled by a junior and the extra money put towards a new backline recruit.</p>
<p>Probably a few more releases coming this off-season as the Eels try to return to the finals in 2024.</p></div>Did we get a look at the 2024 Eels?https://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/did-we-get-a-look-at-the-2024-eels2023-08-24T22:03:15.000Z2023-08-24T22:03:15.000ZSuperEel 22https://www.1eyedeel.com/members/SirSuperEel22HailKingArthur<div><p>Parramatta's win over Penrith in their final match of the season was both heartwarming and frustrating. Had the side performed like that for the last 3 weeks they would be finals bound.</p>
<p>Instead they are in the dreaded "mathematical" chances window, relying on 3 results and a big for and against swing to scrape in by the skin of their teeth. For all intents and purposes their season is done.</p>
<p>This win was notable for the personnel changes Brad made on game day. Promoting Wiremu Greig to starting alongside Joe Ofahengaue and dropping J'maine Hopgood and Junior Paulo back to the bench.</p>
<p>While he made a similar change last week, having Ryan Matterson starting in the backrow rather than Hopgood seemed to deliver a more balanced side.</p>
<p>I did write at the start of <a href="https://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/does-junior-become-a-super-sub" target="_blank">August</a> that with a fully fit forward pack, having Junior play off the bench may be the best use of his skillset.</p>
<p>While this Penrith match is only a small sample size, Junior had one of his most impactful games of the season, all completed in 46 minutes of game time. Seven minutes less than he has averaged this year, and much closer to his 43 minute average across his career.</p>
<p>All stats are from NRL.com</p>
<p>Paulo churned out 20 total runs for 175 metres, 67 post contact metres, one offload, 19 tackles with two missed and two kick defusals. </p>
<p>His total metres and post contact metres were the most for Parramatta.</p>
<p>Credit must also go to Joe Ofahengaue who had perhaps his best match for his new club, managing 12 runs for 129 metres, 38 post contact metres, six tackle breaks (most of any Eel), one offload and 20 tackles in 40 minutes of game time.</p>
<p>One of the positives to come out of this season has been the emergence of Wiremu Greig. His aggressive nature seems to perfectly compliment Reagan Campbell-Gillard in the opening exchanges and he has genuinely put his hand up to be Parramatta's third prop.</p>
<p>He does need to continue to improve his fitness, but his 21 minutes of game time was effective, and as stated above, Paulo is comfortable playing between 40-50 minutes even if he comes off the bench.</p>
<p>Greig bashed his way through seven runs, 84 metres and 28 post contact metres to go with three tackle breaks and 15 tackles. He also had a lightning fast play the ball speed of 2.3 seconds.</p>
<p>It seemed that with the composition of the starting middles and bench rotation, Arthur was looking to go very direct early, shelving expansive play and going hard at Penrith's middles.</p>
<p>Then, with Penrith tiring and beginning to call on their bench, Arthur was able to roll on the energetic Hopgood and a fresh Junior Paulo. It also somewhat offset the injection of Spencer Leniu for Penrith.</p>
<p>The flow of the game very much seemed to match that rotation.</p>
<p>Two tries were scored in the opening 12 minutes, but with Parramatta's more skillful bench players entering the fray, the Eels were better able to attack Penrith's edges. From the 19th to the 42nd minute Parramatta piled on four tries while keeping Penrith scoreless.</p>
<p>The Eels seemed happy to go blow for blow with Penrith early, take the sting out of their early play and then use their more skillful forward pack to put the foot down.</p>
<p>They laid the platform and then played off the back of that rather than trying to force it early.</p>
<p>It also seemed to have a positive effect on their defensive organisation. How much is attitude and how much is having an aggressive middle is hard to tell. But the outside backs were aggressive yet well organised in their defence. Sliding when they had to, and coming up to close down Penrith's early shifts.</p>
<p>For mine a real positive was Parramatta hanging around in the ruck and daring Ben Cummins to penalise them. Too often our defenders jump off as soon as the referee tells them to.</p>
<p>In today's age of "let the game flow" refereeing, if you push the envelope you'll likely win that battle. They did it and prevented Penrith from getting their quick play the balls that Cleary likes to play off.</p>
<p>There is no doubt concerns remain over the future of this side, especially with the lack of depth in key backline positions.</p>
<p>Questions also need to be asked about the mentality of the side given their Jekyll and Hyde persona. But with a fully fit forward pack in 2024, Parramatta could surprise more than a few.</p></div>Adapt or die part onehttps://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/adapt-or-die-part-one2023-08-21T03:33:26.000Z2023-08-21T03:33:26.000ZSuperEel 22https://www.1eyedeel.com/members/SirSuperEel22HailKingArthur<div><p>In Moneyball, Oakland A's GM Billy Beane introduces the concept of using statistics to identify players who can "get on base" so they can make up for the loss of Giambi. </p>
<p>He gets push back from his scouts who like to use the "eye test". In a confrontation with one of them he tells him "adapt or die".</p>
<p>In professional sport, if you're standing still, you're going backwards.</p>
<p>And this brings us to Parramatta's 2023 season which has seen them go from grand finalists in 2022, to also-rans.</p>
<p>For anyone who has been watching this side over the last few seasons, it's clear very little has changed in the philosophy or the way the side plays.</p>
<p><strong>Attack</strong></p>
<p>Parramatta's philosophy has been relatively simple. We've heard Brad Arthur talk about "chasing the collision" or "front-loading effort" a million times.</p>
<p>It has been an effective tactic since 2019. But the game is changing and Parramatta has not changed with it.</p>
<p>Let's go back to 2019. This is a season without the six-again rule, where the game was more centred around set plays, and in essence, predictability. </p>
<p>All stats are from NRL.com unless stated otherwise.</p>
<p>Parramatta averaged the second most metres per game across the competition with 1,652.3. After a terrible 2018 where the lack of a metre-eating backline combined with a pop-gun forward pack meant they ranked 11th with 1,479.3 metres per game.</p>
<p>The tactic of using Blake Ferguson and Maika Sivo to start sets well and then utilise a battering ram forward pack of Junior Paulo, Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Nathan Brown to ram the ball down the field was effective.</p>
<p>With the six again rule introduced in 2020, this tactic was even more effective as the free-flowing nature of games meant once Parramatta got on top they were difficult to contain. They again average the second most metres in the competition with 1,804.1.</p>
<p>The six again change was one of the key factors in Parramatta's style of play becoming entrenched. They were not only good at winning the collision, they excelled at it. With their forward pack running at a fatigued opposition backed up by an elite kicking game they could easily dominate. Teams were too exhausted to gang tackle and couldn't compress their defence effectively.</p>
<p>In 2021 the Eels slipped to third with 1,752 metres per game. Still elite and only seven metres per game behind the Rabbitohs in second.</p>
<p>In 2022 with the six again recalibrated by 60% The Eels shifted back to second with 1,710.3 metres. </p>
<p>While their metres per game have dropped since 2020, that is completely across the board with the six again rule change being reined in and teams adapting to the new physical demands.</p>
<p>In 2023 though, they have dropped to fourth for average metres per game with 1762.5. While that isn't terrible, it's their worst placing since 2018.</p>
<p>It's a credit to Parramatta's forwards that they have continued to truck the ball through the middle of the field again and again.</p>
<p>But herein lies the problem.</p>
<p>Moving the ball is only half the game. It's more about how you move the ball than anything else.</p>
<p>For example, the Tigers rank second in the competition for average expected points courtesy of Rugby League Eye Test, however are dead last for average points scored in regards to that metric. In other words, the Tigers possession and field position score a league-worst 20% points below what their stats suggest they should.</p>
<p>As BA likes to say, the Eels look to win the collision. Well, what does that mean? As Fox Sports Lab highlights, the Eels love a one pass hit up. That is, the dummy-half passing to a forward to slam into the defensive line.</p>
<p>We average 80 of those per game to be fourth in the competition.</p>
<p>That in and of itself is not a bad thing. Brisbane are fifth with 79 per game, Penrith also average 79 per game, while the Tigers rank 16th at 66.1.</p>
<p>It's a stat that, without context, seems to mean the Eels are with the best in the competition.</p>
<p>The issue we have though is, despite possessing ball playing forwards such as Paulo, Hopgood and Matterson, we average only 102 general play passes per game (this excludes dummy half passes) which places us sixth.</p>
<p>Again, not terrible and not a stat that, on its own, is an issue given Brisbane sit in 14th while the Tigers are in second. One of those sides is competing for the minor premiership and the other is imploding.</p>
<p>Parramatta also sits in 8th for line engagements per game with 35.4 (per Fox Sports). That is, a player taking the ball to the defensive line before passing. Again, for a side that is blessed with ball playing middles, not to mention Bryce Cartwright, this should be a concern.</p>
<p>Compounding this is perhaps the biggest worry, the Eels rank 13th for decoy runs with 37.8.</p>
<p>Essentially what we have is a side that takes a lot of one pass hit ups off the ruck with little deception. This becomes very easy for the opposition to defend, it creates little fatigue and very little indecision, not to mention how easy it is to get bodies into tackles and slow the ruck.</p>
<p>Making metres, in and of itself is not a severe issue for Parramatta, but they're not causing high levels of fatigue or indecision in their opposition.</p>
<p>Their point-scoring has also dropped off as a result of this.</p>
<p>They went from being ranked first or second for points scored to now ranking seventh.</p>
<p>The side looks toothless without Mitchell Moses save for the odd bit of luck or a terrible opposition. Again, a major concern given Penrith, Melbourne and Brisbane have won matches this season without key spine players.</p>
<p><strong>Defence</strong></p>
<p>Hello darkness, my old friend. I've come to talk with you again. Defence. A pretty big Achilles' Heel for a side wanting to win a premiership and one you most certainly need.</p>
<p>They have conceded more than 20 points in 8 consecutive games for the first time in their history. Considering how bad some of those early 1990s and early 2010s sides were, this side has been abysmal.</p>
<p>Parramatta concedes just as many points as they score.</p>
<p>Looking at Fox Sports, they average 1,472 run metres per game, but concede 1,415 metres.</p>
<p>So, the Eels can win the collision in attack but they definitely don't win it in defence.</p>
<p>Parramatta's recent stats are not pretty reading. Rugby League Eye Test has found that between rounds 18-22, Parramatta has conceded 81.3% more points than the statistics indicated they should have.</p>
<p>The only sides worse are the Dragons, Dogs and Tigers.</p>
<p>Back in April, RLET predicted this would be the end of Parramatta and, well, he wasn't wrong.</p>
<p>Parramatta, after the first 8 rounds, were conceding more metres than they made. If anything, that 7 week undefeated streak has tilted Parramatta's season stats to look better than they have been the majority of the season and now those weaknesses are coming home to roost.</p>
<p>But the side's problems don't stop there.</p>
<p>Parramatta needs to have more possession than their opponents and they aren't. They shoot themselves in the foot a lot and can't defend those errors. Their completion rate of 77% places them 13th.</p>
<p>Early in the season, Parramatta were spending 61% of their total play the balls inside their own half. The only saving grace here has been Moses' kicking game, which has also forced their opponents to spend 62.5% of their play the balls in their own half.</p>
<p>So the Eels can't really move the ball as effectively as they would like, but Moses was keeping them in a lot of games through his right boot.</p>
<p>Teams though, particularly the good ones, have worked out how to deal with this. </p>
<p>With Parramatta making errors, their middle defence fatigues, so the opposition then works over our middles, further gassing them and causing the defensive line to compress. Or, they send ball runners on an unders line to exploit lazy middles who don't close the gate.</p>
<p>That then leads to our outside backs panicking and making bone headed decisions to try and solve problems on their own, leaving huge gaps in the defensive line.</p>
<p>This is borne out by the stats.</p>
<p>Against sides outside the top eight, Parramatta concedes 18 points on average this season.</p>
<p>Against sides in the top eight, they are conceding 29 points per game.</p>
<p><strong>Summary</strong></p>
<p>What is occurring is a cacophany of errors and lack of attention to detail combined with a strategy that is fast moving into the rear-view mirror.</p>
<p>Despite their relatively high amount of metres per game, Parramatta spends much of their time simply rucking the ball off their own line. </p>
<p>Mitchell Moses being elite at hoofing the ball down field as papered over some of the cracks.</p>
<p>With a lower completion rate they are piling more pressure onto a defensive system that simply doesn't have the gas to cover up those errors.</p>
<p>A focus on one-out running combined with a lack of defensive pressure means Parramatta's middles are worked over and exposed, leading to the entire system crashing down.</p>
<p>In short, Parramatta is not going to dig itself out of this hole without changing the way it plays.</p>
<p>Part two will look at the system adjustments that need to occur if the Eels want to be back in the finals next year and at the top of the ladder when the whips are cracking.</p>
<p> </p></div>