Despite that, the Eel’s season is still not lost. Tonight we face the Sharks. They’re level on points with us - both teams sit four points outside the eight (with a game in hand) but only two points from last. Whatever team wins will cling to their finals aspirations, which ever team loses will probably need to lower their aspirations to simply avoid winning the wooden spoon.
Yes, this game probably means that much.
So it’s a definite blessing that the Eels enter this match with Jarryd Hayne still in the side, after his disgraceful omission from the Blues side. I’m sure all Eels fans are feeling for Jarryd, but I’m sure we also share a sense of guilty relief that we won’t do without it for this crunch affair. It’s not unfair to say that Parramatta have struggled without their go-to player in recent season.
On the flipside, the Sharks will do without both Paul Gallen and Kade Snowden. That will hurt - more so than the Eels missing Timmy Mannah as he’ll be replaced by another representative player in Carl Webb. The change is likely to result in Fuifui Moimoi being asked to play more minutes - and in my mind, that is never a bad thing.
The Sharks also go into this match missing a number of their first string 17 - Nathan Gardner, Jeremy Smith. Paul Aiton and Albert Kelly. We could not have picked a better time to meet the Sharks.
In years gone past, I’d be worried about Parramatta turning up to the Stadium and taking the Sharks lightly. I don’t think that’s going to be an issue, simply because, the Eels can’t possibly think they can blow any side of the park anymore. As Cronulla showed in their last win against the Roosters - they are a committed outfit, and they do have very good depth. They’ve been able to bring in players with plenty of first grade experience, like John Morris, Scott Porter and Taulima Tautai. They will be tough opponents, and will be more than happy to turn this match into an arm wrestle. And I’m not sure if we can beat them at that game.
For that reason, I’m expecting Parramatta to play a more open game tonight. And given who went around for Wentworthville (or more precisely who didn’t go around for Wentworthville) I’m also expecting some late changes.
I think it was noteworthy that Anthony Mitchell was left out of the Wentworthville squad this week. I think there’s a strong chance of him playing tonight and I also think that Matt Keating would have been turned out for the Magpies if he wasn’t playing tonight.
So it won’t surprise me at all if Casey McGuire pushes up into the halves this week, probably at the expense of Dan Mortimer. I think Kearney will want Robson’s experience at seven and he’s probably able to play a more dominant game than Mortimer.
Indeed, I’ll be far more surprised if Parramatta runs out as named, tonight. Last match, Kearney firmly looked like a man who had run out of patience.
I certainly like the idea of a formation that includes McGuire at six. I think Parramatta for the past two seasons have lacked direction and I think that’s come down to playing our halves in almost identical roles. When things get tight, Parramatta don’t have anyone who steps up and takes control. Regardless of what combination, Parramatta has used, there hasn’t been a clear, senior half who the team has been able to look to for direction.
I imagine Casey McGuire would play a more traditional five-eighth role, giving Robson authority to really try and put his stamp on the game. As a half who’s been around for a long time, he should have the experience to do that. No doubt, next year Sandow will be a far more dominant half than we’ve had for a long time, and I think Kearney would want his team to start getting used to that style of play.
If McGuire does move into the halves, it’s a big match for Anthony Mitchell. Last year, he looked like he’d never play first grade in Blue & Gold colours again and then won a reprieve and showed the kind of talent we all know he is capable of. If he gets the chance, it really is time for Ant to stand-up and show the Eels and the NRL what he’s capable of.
What we do know, is that Jarryd Hayne will have a big, bearing on this game. Last match he produced one of the most dominant 40 minutes of football I’ve ever seen - forget this crap about Hayne being out of form, he’s in rare touch, particularly with the playmaking aspect of his game. I think for the first time, Kearney will go into this match thinking his side is capable of out-scoring the opposition and I think that will encourage him to go into the match with a more open game plan.
Which is not to say, we’ll throw the ball around willy nilly, but off a solid platform, I think the side will get a little more latitude to attack and play what’s in front of them - particularly if the more experienced McGuire does start at six.
Just maybe, this match is a look into the future.
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Replies
great preview phil, do you think mcgurie will play a traditional 5/8 role?
I hope u r right 1eyed. About time. SK has persevered with Morts for far too long already & its about time to try something different. Casey M could provide a possible alternative to the current rubbish we have put up with so far.
If we lose tonight, we face the Knights next week in an away game & I think Canberra may have the Bye, so we could end up at the bottom of the ladder if we don't turn things around PDQ.
What will add to the on going problem is that we will have Matt K back next week & whilst his defence is very sound, he has little natural attacking ability & both he & Morts will still be with us next season even if we don't resign J Robson.
I tell you one thing, if he hasn't heard anything, he's just completely wasted half an hour or so righting this thread.
I think our exalted leader must be onto something ;)
Is this seen as being vulnerable to opposing teams or a possible way to find more space in open play and attack?
No matter the side picked, Lets go Parra, Lets go!
Pretty good preview 1eyed, definiely agree with the top half of it, it is now or never.
Not so sure about the changes, whether they will happen and whether they will help the team. I think McGuire is our best option at 9 as he offers the best service and creativity from dummy half, I dont know how he would go at 6.
Also I think it really weakens our 9, unless Mitchell comes in as suggested and actually performs, or maybe Morts and Mitchell will share the 9 role. I think that would suit Morts better as he would have less pressure and less to think and worry about.
I thing is for sure we need change as it aint working !
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