Parramatta’s spine is out to prove that experience isn’t always better than youth.
Coach Brad Arthur will field one of the youngest spine combinations in the competition this year and he’s backing five-eighth Dylan Brown, 19, hooker Reed Mahoney, 20, halfback Mitchell Moses, 24, and fullback Clint Gutherson, 24, to help deliver the Eels’ second finals appearance since 2009.
To overcome any teething issues that might arise from such inexperience, Arthur has introduced weekly spine meetings where his playmakers can pick apart their performances.
The Eels will on Tuesday announce they have elevated Mahoney from a development contract to a full-time NRL deal and extended his tenure at Parramatta until the end of 2020.
Mahoney told The Daily Telegraph the catch-ups ensure everyone is comfortable with the game plan and their responsibilities as the key men in the side.
“The spine has been getting together to have a chat about what we are doing well, the things we can improve, the goals we need set for the game and see if we are meeting the standards we had set up for the week,” Mahoney said.
“That’s something we are introducing new to 2019. We’ve focused on having more genuine conversations to keep everyone accountable and that in turn brings out the best in everyone individually.”
Hooker Mahoney only has nine games under his belt and Brown, who will replace Corey Norman in the halves, that is yet to debut.
But Mahoney said any experience they lack at the NRL level is cancelled out by their close connection off the field.
The two youngsters both lived together as teenagers and are more than familiar with each other’s game having played in the same under 20s side.
“It’s not something we worry about at all. Dylan is one of my best mates and we lived together when were 17 for a few years in the Parra House. I’ve got all the trust in the world in him,” he said.
“People might think he will be under pressure but I don’t think that will be the case. I think Mitch is going to take over that side of things and let Dylan play his game of football.
“The relationship between the whole spine is pretty strong and he’s got everyone’s respect for what he has been doing at training.
“I can’t wait to go out and play alongside him.”
The Eels view Mahoney as a long-term option number nine and on Monday secured his services for a further two seasons.
There has been speculation that New Zealand Warriors hooker Issac Luke could be heading to Parramatta but at this stage the Western Sydney club is yet to have any formal discussions with Luke nor has an offer been made.
However, the Eels will seriously consider adding Luke to their roster in a bid to add some depth in that position but a move will only happen if the right price for Kiwi’s services can be negotiated.
Mahoney isn’t too concerned about any of the speculation and is confident about his spot and role in the side.
“It would be good to learn off him. He’s obviously done everything in the game. He’s played for his country and won premierships but I’m in the frame of mind of learning as much as I can from the old heads,” he said.
“We’ll have a chat about it if that ever does come around but at the moment I’m not too worried
Replies
*queue the BA bashing comments and how bottom 4 finish is certain and how 2019 is a write off before a ball has been kicked*
Save us the trouble we’ve heard it all before.
All this really says that looks like Isaac Luke won’t be coming over and also looks like Clint Gutherson will get the fullback role ahead of Bevan French. I think Bevan French will play Fullback for wenty.
looking at the previous training photos the boys in the red vs the boys in the yellow looked like wenty ( red ) players was vs the 1st grade side ( yellow )
i think BA side will be after seeing the training pictures will be this
Looks like Taka and G Jennings will be in the first grade side
and French Sivo Evans will be in for wenty
until sivo tears penrith a new one. If BA picks Gennings over sivo i will be pissesd of at him, And i am BA supporter.
We really need to look after our Mahoney, Salmon and Brown type up and comers. I’d be shocked, mystified and confused, if we haven’t already signed up an older experienced footy brain along the Buderus Ennis Widders type of ex, to nuture and mentor our up and coming talent. Thought the review would have highlighted the need for that. I don’t think relying on Moses to do this is the go...he needs some help himself and so far hasn’t shown he handles pressure well either.
Not sure who else as halves mentor would be available at this stage. If Luke is really keen for this goodo give him a year to trial, however I really doubt it’s 150k he is on over there we would have to fork up a fair bit more I dare say. 150k...that’d be just rubbish put out to make their cap work.
I am confused. I am not sure what to make out of this. At one side the inexperience , youth would want to prove. Will be more agile, out of box(creativity) in their approach. On the other side, in NRL , inexperience will cost us. At the moment I do not see much experience in our roster othet than MJ who has rep football experience.
I think toovey has a halves and hooker mentor / assistant coach role. I think some clubs will have to shed some players hopefully the right ones will become available.
Spine meeting before Round 1: “let’s go out there and give it our best and play to the game plan”
Spine meeting after Round 1: “what was the game plan again?”
Spine meeting after Round 10: “Maybe our standard of ‘best’, like, really sucks?”
Spine meeting after Round 16: “Do you think the interim coach is going to ask us to have these bloody useless meetings next week?”
Bwahahaha, priceless.
We are in for a world of pain this year, our spines the weakest in the comp.
All BA missed out on saying here is that theres been a lot of tears between the spine, even a bit of push and shove.