EELS
HOW THEY FARED
The Kieran Foran era failed to take off when Kieran Foran failed to take the field for his first match since heading west, and after that early setback things never quite recovered for Parramatta.
The Eels tried hard against a strong Broncos outfit but when the impressive Corey Norman joined Foran on the sidelines, the writing was on the wall.
Coach Brad Arthur would have at least been pleased with the fight his side showed right up until the death as they ultimately fell short in a gritty, if somewhat sloppy, opening to the season.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Manu Ma’u surely can’t continue to be one of the most underrated forwards in the NRL if he keeps throwing up games like this. The Kiwi backrower topped the Eels for run metres, hit with intent in defence and generally looked menacing in a quality 80-minute showing.
It would be harsh to turn the spotlight on to halfback Luke Kelly, who went from not even starting the match to single-handedly steering the Eels around by the second half following Norman’s departure. So we’ll say that while the 26-year-old struggled to ignite the Eels, he’ll be better for the run if required again.
Injury cut short Corey Norman’s night. Picture: Mark EvansINJURY WARD
Kieran Foran (hamstring, TBC)
Corey Norman (neck, TBC)
Anthony Watmough (knee/shoulder, round two or three)
John Folau (hamstring, indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The arrival of recruits Michael Gordon and Clint Gutherson means backline spots will be hard to come by at Parramatta this year.
But Bureta Faraimo has put his hand up as next cab off the rank should any injuries hit, scoring a try in a strong all-round game for Wentworthwille in their NSW Cup win over Wyong.
REPORT CARD
C: No Foran, no Norman, no need for panic buttons yet. Arthur won’t be overly concerned by the Eels’ first-up showing and will be looking forward to having his starting halves on deck for a tough second-up assignment against the Cowboys on Saturday night.
— DB
Replies
Come to think of it, Cowgirls aren't THAT good away. I like to know what's their recod like at Parra? Know last year they came from behind but overall are they struggling at Parra oris it just another place where they find it easy to "beat" Parra...anyone know what the % of wins the Cowboys (what a dumb name to be honest for a footy team. I reckon a name like The North Queensland Crocs would've been much better) had since they slipped into NRL (wasn't that during the Super League war?)
Was always our bogy team way back when the Cows were winning nothing.
1..For Semi to score even more tries this year
2...For Semi to score as many tries as last year
I cant see either of the above happening and I consider the pairing as a huge step backwards.
What is coach thinking? That Semi will score even more tries this year? If not...why change it?. I consider this to be one of coaches biggest mistakes ever...the guy is looking pretty much like a amature.
Btw Gordon is a fullback so he plays both sides of the field. I think you mean Jennings.
Don we have a lot more options this year, last year semi was the go to man because we were basically a one trick pony, semi wont be scoring as much this year as last year imo
LOL - yep unbelievable post from ME#82 Capt Choc - , GF champs in 2015 and narrowly missed the GF in 2014 & 2013......no good alright....not like our eels that have finished mainly LAST or SECOND LAST for over half a decade
Just sayin too LOL
and they've pretty much OWNED US since 2011
Just sayin as well
Jennings is a newbie to first grade, I can see how your mistake was made.
-
1
-
2
of 2 Next