Reagan Campbell-Gillard celebrates his 100th game for the Eels on Saturday night against the Titans at CBUS Stadium in their 26th NRL clash.
Des Hasler's resurgent Titans are seeking 3-straight wins when when they face the struggling Eels facing 5-straight losses in their season from hell. The Eels have won just one from their last ten games.
The Titans had a dominant victory over the Warriors the previous week (66-6) and a tense last Friday night win over the Sharks (20-16) in Coffs Harbour.
Due to Origin, the Eels will be without their halfback general Mitchell Moses while the Titans will be without their gun bookend Moeaki Fotuaika. But, they're in luck as somehow David Fifita has been overlooked once again by Queensland coach Billy Slater.
The Eels have had the wood over the Titans over the last five years, but recent form sees the Titans as hot favourites to continue their winning run and break a seven year hoodoo against the Eels.
Teams
Date: Saturday 13 July 2014, 5:30pm AEST
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium
Referee: Todd Smith
Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Bunker Review Official: Peter Gough
Sportsbet: Titans $1.44 , Eels $2.80 (Tuesday 6pm AEST)
Weather: Cloudy, but rain unlikely
Titans: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Beau Fermor 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Kieran Foran 8. Josiah Pahulu 9. Sam Verrills 10. Erin Clark 11. David Fifita 12. Klese Haas 13. Chris Randall 14. Isaac Liu 15. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 16. Keenan Palasia 17. Phillip Sami 18. AJ Brimson 19. Joe Stimson 20. Tanah Boyd 21. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 22. Jaylan De Groot. Coach: Des Hasler
Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Jake Tago 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Blaize Talagi 5. Lorenzo Mulitalo 6. Dylan Brown 7. Daejarn Asi 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 10. Joe Ofahengaue 11. Ryan Matterson 12. Matt Doorey 13. Charlie Guymer 14. Matthew Arthur 15. Shaun Lane 16. Luca Moretti 17. Bryce Cartwright 18. Makahesi Makatoa 19. Isaac Lumelume 20. Joey Lussick 21. Morgan Harper 22. Wiremu Greig Interim Coach: Trent Barrett
For the Eels, the hits keep coming. Paolo joins Hopgood out for the season, along with long term injuries to Sivo and Simonson. It's forced some changes and blooding youngsters. Moretti comes into the 17. Guymer the Great starts at lock (a potential Supercoach option). Asi comes in for Origin-bound Moses.
Lorenzo Mulitalo, brother of Sharks flyer Ronaldo, will be the second debutant on the wing for the Eels in as many weeks after Jake Tago was blooded against the Rabbitohs.
That's six debutants for the Eels over the last few months since round three: Sanders, Talagi, Matt Arthur, Tago, Mulitalo, Guymer with the bulk coming from the 2023 SG Cup winning squad - and a few more waiting in the wings.
For the Titans, they welcome back the dangerous Jayden Campbell at five-eighth (from hand injury) with AJ Brimson (groin) at 18th with an outside chance of playing. Klese Haas also returns from injury (foot). Somehow, the Maroons svw overlooked the powerhouse dangerman David Fifita.
Stats:
- They Eels have won 8 of their past 9 games against the Titans
- The Eels last lost at CBUS against the Titans seven years ago in 2017 (R3)
- The last four encounters since 2022 between the Eels and Titans have been nail-biters decided by 1 to 6 points (W25-24, L26-24, W26-20, W32-28)
- The Eels have won 1 from 8 without Moses this year.
- Titans winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira has scored 4 tries in two games against the Eels.
- Winger Blaize Talagi has scored a try in his last 7 games for the Eels.
- The Titans have not won 3-straight in three years since 2021 (R19-21).
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The Eels are staring at 5-straight losses for the second time this year; the first time since 2018 and the only two times in almost thirty years since 1995.
CBUS Home and Away Woes: a Seven-Year Hoodoo
The Titans have stuggled at CBUS (above), at home, this year while the Eels have struggled outside Commbank.
The Eels have only won 1 of their last 11 games (8%) outside Commbank since mid-last year and have not won one game outside Commbank in 2024.
Meanwhile, the Titans have also struggled at CBUS at home: They’re only won 2 of their past 7 games (29%) at Cbus.
The last time the Eels lost to the Titans at CBUS in seven years since R3, 2017. Hayne was it the Titan’s jersery but sidelined.
A then youthful Gutherson is the sole reminder of that game, seven years ago.
A montage produced by the Eels club.
Reagan Campbell-Gillard set to play his 100th game for the Eels. The prop played 114 first-grade games for the Panthers before joining the Eels in 2020 and will become only the 32nd player in premiership history to reach a century for two clubs. A rare feat.
The Future: Full Of Hope, Uncertainty, & Love For Baz
Earlier today, both captain Clint Gutherson and Eels' Centurion RCG spoke to the media about the mielstone, the Titans game and the future ahead.
On his milestone, Campbell-Gillard was modest and humble: "I only found out about it yesterday."
"I wouldn't say it's an important one, but it's nice to get a little milestone."
"We've got nine weeks to finish off the season on a high. And then get away from football. Once he's here [Jason Ryles], we can start knuckling down."
Eels' Senior Group: We love Baz
Earlier today, Gutherson, like Moses and Lane, expressed hope that the Eels would keep Barrett in light of Ryles appointment as the next head coach.
"It would be great to keep Baz around. He's been great for us the last two years.” Gutherson told reporters.
"I'd love to have Baz around. But, it's out of my pay grade."
"The way he's handled the last few months, shows the kind of person he is." Gutherson exclaimed.
“I think with the cards that Baz has been dealt since coming in, and the job that he's done for us, all the boys love him, and we've all got the utmost respect for him,” Moses said.
Moses credits his outstanding form over the last two years to Barrett.
“I know personally with my game, he's been massive for me and to even be in this arena I've got to thank him a lot for that, so hopefully he stays on," Moses told reporters as reported on nrl.com.
“He's helped me so much in the last few years with my game and how to play in the halves, and control games, and things like that.
“Obviously we haven't been getting the results as a team, but personally, for my game, I probably wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for him in the last few years, so I've got to thank him a lot for that.”
Gutho: Lomax in no doubt
Gutherson also laughed off rumours Lomax was having hesitations.
"I don't think there was any hesitation from Zac [Lomax]. He's been calling me weekly about footy and talking. So, I don't think there is any hesitation there," Gutherson pointed out with a smile.
"He's just looking forward to a change."
"I think even with Mitchy in Origin camp, he's been stuck to him. So, he's a great player and we're looking forward to having him."
"I don't think there was ever any doubt about him coming."
Ryles excitment factor
On the incoming head coach, current Storm assistant Jason Ryles from 2025 for four years, both RCG and Gutherson were bullish and full of praise.
"He's [Ryles] been successful at both clubs. As I said before, the two coaches he's been working for over the last 10-12 years, they've won comps and done it all before." Gutherson noted.
"He's going to be great for the club."
"They're obviously putting a lot of faith in him to come and do it the way he wants to."
RCG, also added: "I'm just looking forward to it. [Now that] it's all sorted and we can focus on the rest of the year first, and then move onto next year as well."
"It's exciting [Ryles’ appointment], but like I said, we've still got nine more games."
"The game's getting quicker and faster, the players and the new generation coming through are quicker and stronger. So, you've got to be on your toes to match it with them."
"I'll probably get a new leash of life [from the Ryles appointment]. I've still got a few more years here. We'll see what happens."
Who stays, who goes?
When RCG was asked about the possibility of not being in Ryles future plans.
"I wouldn't say I was concerned. If he wants me, he wants me," RCG responded.
"I haven't had any conversations about the future [with Ryles]. If he doesn't want me, he doesn't want me. Then, I know it's part of the business. I can deal with that."
"Then, I'll just move on and find something else. It's the business we're in. The highs and the lows that come with it."
Gutherson also admitted some might get a tap on the shoulder.
“That’s another thing for the new staff to come in and sort of make a decision on. There’s a lot of older boys that might get a tap on the shoulder, might not, it’s just the way it is.
“You have to deal with it," Gutherson admitted.
Gutho: We're better than the results
Gutherson pointed out that the Eels have been a better team that the results suggest.
"The last two months we've been playing better than the results say."
"We've been in games right to the end, but haven't been able to ice them."
In a sense, Gutherson is right. The Eels have been ahead early to mid second half in 11 of 16 games this season and in a position to win most games.
In last week's 32-16 Souths’ loss at home, against a red-hot Souths team that would be leading the competition from round twelve and undfeated since then with five-straight wins the Eels fought back from 12-0 down after 12 minutes to be behind by just 16-10 on the scoreboard up until the 56th minute. But from then the Eels faded and Souths took control run away with the match, showing their class on the back of Mitchell and their spine.
It's something that has happened at the back-end of every game. It’s not if, it’s when. Generally, the Eels fade from around the 50th minute (without Moses) or from the 65th onwards (with Moses). It’s a consistent theme.
RCG on the Titans: It will be a tough game.
"Their back five [Titans] are very quick and lightning. So, we have to control them,” Reagan Campbell-Gillard told reporters earlier today.
"Keiren Foran is playing some great football along with Fifita."
"It's going to be a good challenge and a tough challenge."
"We're just desperate to get a win. We'll do anything and everything to make sure we get that,” Gillard noted.
Gutherson, reiterated the same: "We just need a win. I'm sick of losing.”
The future ahead for the Eels, who are a declining and ageing force currently equal last, appears challenging. But with some promising juniors, a talented core group, a new head coach confrimed yesterday, the incoming Lomax and perhaps more recruits, there is as much uncertainty as hope.
As of Tuesday, 9 July, 2024 (at 6pm AEST) Sportbet has the following odds:
Titans ($1.44) hot favorites over the Eels ($2.80) break the Eels seven year Cbus hoodoo.
Eels as second favourites to win the wooden spoon in a three horse race: Wests Tigers ($1.91), Eels ($2.50), and Titans ($7.50).
Replies
Probably some of the most exciting footy I've ever seen the Eels play was that little window of 2005 . And I was around in the 80s . It was so good to watch, kid could've been anything with the right senior players around to guide him, unfortunately he hooked up with dopes like Riddell .
No idea which team wins this one as I have zero confidence in either team to get the job done, but I am confident in betting game total above 50 points.
Excellent read as usual thanks HOE. I really hope the team steps up for RCG 100th game he is one bloke who does give his all and has been the only prop worth feeding of late. Junior used to beone of my favourite players but his form last year and in particular this year has fallen off a cliff. So lazy in defence it makes me cry watching him walking around the field and his natural reaction when he gets the ball these days is to pass instead of run.
I fear for our outside backs. Last time I saw Blaize play centre he cost us the game coming in needlessly and getting ran around by his opposite. It was one of his first games and early in the season when we were travelling pretty well but that game felt like a turning point in some ways.
At least our up and coming players from Toyota Cup are coming from a team that has been winning. Hopefully that expectation rubs off on the regulas.
On another note I think I read that Guymer is unsigned for next year!!!! WTF did we not learn from having Blaize debut and push up his asking price? We are one very dumb club.
Thanks, Mannah-Brow, too kind buddy. Is Guymer unsigned for next year? You're kidding? I need to double-check and rub my eyes a few times. Unbelievable if so.
Lord help us if Isaac is his manager he'll be doing the rounds at his McDonald's franchises.
Actually think the Eels just might cause an upset against the Titans. Eels by 8 points
Great stuff Cumberland Eel. You along with BEM and HFK are in the optimist plane-building club for R19. I'm preparing parachutes expecting a crash landing, hoping for miracles.
HOE am I the only one who has picked up that's TWO players reflecting in their media conferences on how the game has CHANGED 🤔🤔
Gutho now RCG - interesting
RCG has also insinuated a change could help his longevity - something we have all been crying out for season to season for the last 3 or so ( particularly the GF we had more chance with had there been thoughtful use of forwards and bench )
What's going on ?
1. free of the bbq arvo master and Stockholm syndrome ?
2. Throwing BA in it to help salvage their value as a player and not seem " over the hill"
3. Free of their " too close" manager abd can speak without the guilt and ramifications of him being " insulted " by being questioned 🤔🤔
ppl are so interesting .....
Carls, insightful & observant as usual. Agree. Perhaps, in the aftermath of the earthquake that demolished the castle BA built, the dusty air is rich with uncertainty & self-reflection; waivering between fear and hope.
The rug has been pulled out of everyone. Maybe holding onto Barrett is one of the last teddy bears of that era. In a way, I feel for the players, and Barrett, but what option did the club have but to end the era? There are likely more casualties to come.
It's going to be interesting seeing what Ryles does. He's probably one of the most acclaimed Rookie in history. 10 years under Bellamy and Robbo systems and also a bit of Eddie Jones and some pathways work at the Storm apparantly (a double edged sword). A Harvard degree of the NRL. Lots of optics to live up to. The Hitchcock thriller is far from over yet.
PS: I thought Trent Barrett gave a composed mature, response yesterday in the R19 face the media - as "excited for Ryles", his mate, though "dissappointed" and uncertain about his future at the Eels. At least the players love Baz - Moses, Gutho, Nathan Cleary, Lane.
I would love it if we could beat the Gold Coast on Saturday. Before the season started there was this Youtuber called BKR Sport who was ranking all NRL organisations/Clubs based off everything (Fans, Memberships, Crowds, Performance, historical performance etc) and he said we were the worst club in the NRL, and not just this year but he said all-time. And this is coming from a Gold Coast supporter where they have had five failed clubs.
I don't know how he can say that. We have one of the biggest fan bases, have actually won multiple grand finals, have decent crowds even when losing. Sounds more like sour grapes to me.
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