LETS GET REAL HERE

After another frustrating loss Parra fans have vented their spleens and the range of suggested fixed is even more diverse than in the past. From sacking BA to not making the finals after 4 games.So let's take a breath and get real.The Comp - This year sees the comp even closer than other years, after 4 rounds we probably have 3 certain top 4 teams and 2 bottom teams, all the rest are fighting it out for a final spot. Therefore it doesn't matter who is in your team what matters is how you go with injuries, how the ball bounces, whether you get you fair share of ref calls and then some just plain dumb luck.The Sharks - They are the reigning premiers, they were 1 from 3 and desperate not to fall further behind. They were beaten by a so called easy team St George (well that's what some Parra fans called them after the Eels beat them) and they still have some bloody good players in their side.Refs - I'm not here using the refs as an excuse but their effort last night was pretty disappointing. Apart from obvious high tackle but play on and the prof foul, the main issue was keeping the Sharks back 10. Now this is a main problem because it means defense get to the half quickly and can pressure them into errors or just stifle the play. This was a major issue with our attack last night and can't be ignored.EelsFrench - a solid game, still learning and sometimes tried too hard to produce something from nothing. He needs a bit of room to move and we got no room.Hoff - I can't fault the guy, runs the ball back hard, solid in defense given he finds himself defending numerous attacking players.Taka - I love Taka but he's off the boil. He's never had much pace but his reads in defense are getting worse and he needs a couple of big games to show BA he deserves his place. And yes, we do have a player who could fill the roll in Auvaa.Jennings - didn't get too involved but was his usual solid self in defense and in attack we just couldn't get decent ball to him.Semi - a much better game than the one against the Titans but still not a 'Semi' game. Ran the ball back hard without making any real impactGuth - as a running 5/8th the kid is doing well, he again made some breaks and although he took the wrong option and passed in to French instead of out to Hoff I think he's coming along nicely. Currently we have no other genuine options.Normie - under pressure last night and given little time to get the attack moving, got a lucky bounce with his kick for a try but he doesn't cope well under pressure and last night he was under pressure. Any attacking move he did get moving was shut down by Lewis who defensively had an outstanding game.Scott - he's starting to look slow, gives away penalties and throws some ridiculous offloads. After 4 games he's a shadow of his 16 self but hopefully he's just warming up after spending a lot of the offseason with his sick child.Brown - give 100% in defense and attack, just needs to be smarter with his offloads. If Scott had taken that ball Brown would have looked like a champion.Frank - I thought he had one of his better games, a bit more match fitness and some strong runs. He put a couple of good shots on in defense and his numbers look pretty good.Manu - unlucky to have him off the field for so long, we really missed him.Mannah - one of our best, ran hard got quick play the balls and was strong in defense.Matagi - also ran hard, but didn't seem to have the same impact as in other games and wanted to pass more. He just needs to run and get a quick play the ball.Vave - I thought he had a solid game, was worried about him carrying a little extra weight but he just wanted to get in there and have a go. Will be better for the run.Alvaro - the kid has a go, is solid without being outstanding and sometime when your other forwards are throwing lose passes or slipping off tackle you just need an Alvaro to tidy things up.Gower - you can alway rely on Gowie. Was on the spot for the try and gives 100% even though he's not the biggest body.Kaysa - again defends at a million mile an hour but doesn't have the size to make that count. The 80mins is testing him and he doesn't give up but I'm not sure he's the answer either. Prepared to give him some more time to find more match fitness.BA - I can't fault his dedication to the Eels and his players, can he turn them around? Only time will tell. Sure he has things to learn but he also has qualities you can't learn. EDIT BA has told us he doesn't mind mistakes as long as they then defend their mistakes. Maybe he needs to readdress this again as there too many mistakes and they are not always being defendedFans - as Slugg said, there's fans and then there's supporters. None of us can coach or we'd be doing it so dont pretend like you have all the answers. Be frustrated, have a rant then be prepared to back your team. I'd hate it if our players gave up as quickly as some of our fans. After 2 rounds we were all calling us a top 4 team now 2 loses and some have given up on the year. If you read this and know your one give yourself an uppercut but then move on to become a supporter. There's no glory in throwing out multiple statements pretending like you know everything, yes one is bound to come true but that's just chance anyone can do that. If you are giving up on your team already see you next year because I don't need the continual negative talk about my team.Summation - it's two wins and two loses, the guys are trying even if they are trying too hard. Some positions we can make changes if necessary and some we can't get over it. If you are going to make a prediction make one and make it watertight, then if it comes true you can say I told you so. Most of the team panicked last night and pushed passes or gave away penalties that gave the Sharks good position on the field. You don't do that to the premiers and expect them not to score. Sure they got lucky occasionally and we feked up, but hopefully the team will learn and improve.I'm going to the Canberra game and I do so expecting a win. What are you expecting?

Replies

charles wayne March 26, 2017 at 9:57am

Mate I'm just hoping that admin reads some of my threads because the seating we have as season ticket holders is pathetic there are 21 pissed off members right now who are looking at money back if I'm going to watch sub standard performances l want to be able to see it in some comfort.
- RIDER > charles wayne March 26, 2017 at 10:02am
  
  Sorry Charles can't comment on that but with the amount of seats in that Stadium I don't know why people should be unhappy, there should be enough good seats for everyone.
  
  Ps, feel for the guys up here who get one chance a year to see their team play and they were treated to that 3rd round rubbish. At least there's a chance you may see an improvement
Garbage Binns March 26, 2017 at 9:59am

Great blog exactly what I'm thinking, go for the win stick it to Ricky!
Nathan Alias March 26, 2017 at 10:03am

Congratulations rider on a well rounded review. How refreshing.
shane March 26, 2017 at 10:08am

Good read Rider, I'am expecting a win. It was not just dropped balls that beat us it was also poor defense. How many times did we have 3 or 4 players in the tackle and the sharks players still off loaded. As professional players I expect better. When playing as a junior we were always taught 1 around the legs to stop the go forward and 1 over the top to stop the off load. Last night the eels had too many grabbers just holding on , no shoulder, no locking up the ball just crap defense for players who are paid good money to play a great sport.
- RIDER > shane March 26, 2017 at 10:14am
  
  You're right Shane, their offloads should have been stopped and even our scramble defense was off. We panicked.
RIDER March 26, 2017 at 10:27am

I don't have issue either, hell its the reason I stay away after a loss. But then you have to put on your big boy pants, reassess and start supporting again.

Otherwise you may as well follow another team because some here are saying nothing is changing.
- CarloEEL2 > RIDER March 26, 2017 at 12:16pm
  
  It's definitely not the end of the world . It was poor execution and lack of composure that contributed highly to the loss, if that had been applied properly I would be interested to see score line .
luk3_182 March 26, 2017 at 10:49am

Good blog. You cant say after 2 wins we are a top 4 team then after 2 lossess we are going to miss the eight. We have to be level headed when we are winning as well as loosing.
Electric Eel March 26, 2017 at 10:52am

Has everyone forgotten here that we are shooting ourselves in the foot through ill discipline giving away stupid penalties and poor ball control? First Grade Footballers people. Basics of the game. Fundamentals.