Yesterday's game was unfortunate. Not just for the putrid 32-10 scoreline to honour Junior's 200th after looking up for the game in the first half or the second half implosion. But because it told us that we are not going anywhere, despite our hope for this ongoing improvement and the highlight reels of attractive football.
Entertaining the football world with this fast fizzy game...that is a bit like BAZBALL (Cricket Parlance) brought to the Rugby League world.
The following is a post I made yesterday on the game day blog at half time.
"TDS made a bit of difference when he came on, his service and enthusiasm was encouraging.
Like everyone else I am pissed off with the referee and our unforced errors, what happened in that last 30 seconds, we lost control, got it back and still fcuked it up.
Being pretty is nice, but unless you put it to bed, no point in dressing up."
I probably can't add much to that half time comment, notwithstanding the score change and events of capitulation in the second half.
I think the coaching staff and Ryles have given this style a good go. But, we simply are not good enough to do it — at least, not yet. We found that out a bit yesterday.
Kitione Kautoga keeps improving despite coming off injured in the 39th minute (Getty Images)
Positives — Isaiah longi's game continues on its exponential path. Tallyn Da Silva looks promising, and Bailey Simonsson has gone to a new level as the centre we so sorely need. A stong runner, and strong tackler. His flick pass to set up Lomax's try in the 33' would've made Matt Gidley proud. Sam Tuivaiti was also very good and fit after his injury. Dylan Walker was Walkerish.
Negatives — Joash Papalii is not going to be our future 5/8, though he is a fine Reserve Grade backup at fullback. Yesterday's experiment with his move to 5/8 and Brown to hooker was a disaster. But it's a move, I can understand was worth trying. It just did not work.
Promising debutant Taylln Da Silva and new-nine Dylan Brown discussing raking strategies pre-game. Brown got head-taped to look the part, but only Da Silva was prepared to run the ball, yesterday (Getty Images)
Dylan Brown was only passing and tackling from dummy half, which showed he didn't want to or deserve to be there and that rightly pissed Ryles off to explain his benching after 29 minutes and non reappearance till six minutes from the end. Ryles did this to tell everybody he was not injured and just didn't contribute, and probably more to the point — didn't really want to put in enough, despite Ryles' claim of Brown's 'selflessness'. Actions speak louder than words. We only need to use Brown to suit our requirements now, not his. Unfortunately, this may mean him starting as a 5/8 until we can find, locate or select someone that could have a future there. It could be the case that a talent youngster from our NSW Cup team (say a Matthew Hunter or Te Hurinui Twidle) that beat a talented Panthers team yesterday, might get a go while Brown shakes hands with the Reserve Grade Coach.
Finally in summary, let's stop worrying about being pretty and focus on the fundamentals starting with better ball control, reducing errors (20 v 9 yesterday) despite the Panthers having the lion's share of possesion (54%). There is a balance in this process. There's nothing like adding smart to a pretty face.
Replies
The key to the Blog was balance Super, you are basically agreeing with it like most of us are. No need to remind us of BA's tactics, no longer relative, none of those forwards outside Junior are influenced by Arthur.
Joash is another thing and is more subjective opinion, my opinion is as stated but I also said he will get his chance, I hope the other ones that are in the race get an oportunity as well and I will maintain that the best results will/would be Sandon Smith (probably won't happen given the rhetoric) and Doehie (spell)..... i wouldn't mind Doehie to play 5/8 as he will read the game well. Who knows if Moses will play, so we can't rely on him on the basis that he is there to help the rookie 5/8.
Did Sandon Smith say he wasn't keen on coming to the Eels. For mine I want a six with a good short kicking game, which Smith has not sure Joash has.
Let's give Joash a few weeks and see what his got. With Joash in the six, i hope Moses plays both sides a bit more and Ilongi comes up the middle looking for that inside ball. But if a good six becomes available Ryles should have a look.
Agree, supporter expectations are not realistic, name me one coach that can turn a bottom 4 team into a top 8 outfit within 12 month's?? System, playing style , change in recruitment and HQ alignment all play a part.
Brad Arthur did it with Parramatta.
Twice 😂
Sorry Coryn, didn't see your post...bit busy getting Chief's Bex for him!
Over 11 seasons...I can always count on you for a dopey rely. Brad Arthur prepared them so well we got heavy floggings in finals..you're footy IQ is below average.
Terrible isn't it you missed the answer to your own question staring at you right in the face as for footy iq look in the mirror before commenting about what mine is.
You got nothing champ, you're a dope.
Good to see your looking like your talking you managed to crack that mirror yet.
Dont worry though I no your nothing especially when the answers 2's in front of your face and you need it spelt out.Shucks that makes you a dope also.
Ha Ha Brad Arthur!..... sorry about that but you led with your chin.
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