Teamsheet: Eels vs Warriors (R26)

Nathan Cayless named as captain for final time after 14-year career

The Pirtek Parramatta Eels farewell a champion this Saturday evening at Parramatta Stadium, with Nathan Cayless named to play his final NRL match ever after 258 games in the Blue & Gold.

There will be special video and on-field tributes to Cayless before and after the match at Parramatta Stadium, and with a family-friendly kick-off at 5.30pm it’s an event no Parramatta fan will want to miss!

Cayless will join his best mate Nathan Hindmarsh in captaining the side for the 220^th time, a new record for longest-serving captain of one club and overall in the history of the NRL.

Coach Daniel Anderson, who knew Cayless when he first joined the club more than a decade ago, believes the captain has set the standard at the club for many years.

“He’s a great servant to the Parramatta Eels. Nathan is always professional and has a high set of standards, as both captain and also as a player, whether he’s playing a game or training,” Anderson says,

“He’s been a pleasure to coach.”

The Eels will be fighting for a win to send Cayless out on a good note, along with departing stars Feleti Mateo, Krisnan Inu and Kris Keating. Eels winger Luke Burt is also looking for a solid performance, now just seven points away from 1500 career points, and only three tries from the club record of 110.

Pirtek Parramatta Eels v Warriors, Saturday September 4, 5.30pm, Parramatta Stadium

1. Jarryd Hayne

2. Luke Burt

3. Joel Reddy

4. Timana Tahu

5. Krisnan Inu

6. Kris Keating

7. Jeff Robson

8. Nathan Cayless (C)

9. Matthew Keating

10. Fuifui Moimoi

11. Nathan Hindmarsh (C)

12. Ben Smith

13. Feleti Mateo

INTERCHANGE

14. Daniel Mortimer

15. Tim Mannah

16. Justin Horo

17. Justin Poore

Coach: Daniel Anderson

Toyota Cup v Warriors, Saturday September 4, 3.15pm, Parramatta Stadium

1. Daniel Tupou

2. Jacob Gagan

3. Trent Jennings

4. Ryan Morgan

5. Josh Batalibasi

6. Jason Wehbe

7. TK Amosa

8. PJ Asiata

9. Dean Blackman

10. Ava Seumanufagi

11. Matthew Eisenhuth

12. Jacob Loko

13. Rory Brien

INTERCHANGE

14. Tim Crellin

15. Thomas Young

16. Krys Freeman

17. Boyd Brown

19. Jaydin Tavita

Coach: Matt Cameron

Wentworthville Magpies vs. Balmain Ryde, Leichhardt Oval, Saturday September 4, 3.00pm

1. Domenic Nasso

2. Mark Hendy

3. Etu Uaisele

4. Jonathan Wright

5. Ken Sio

6. Tom Humble

7. Brendan Waters

8. Pele Peletelese

9. Anthony Mitchell

10. Blake Blackburn

11. Taniela Lasalo

12. Brendan Oake

13. Tim Robinson (C)

INTERCHANGE

14. Trent Rose

15. Manase Manuokafoa

16. Lee Te Maari

17. Nathan Armit

20. Grayson Goodwin

Coach: Brett Kenny

Replies

Ricky August 31, 2010 at 4:08pm

Interesting that Mitchell has been moved back to Wenty, and that Jacob Loko is playing in the second row in the NYC.

Then again, that's obviously to make room for Mortimer who you would think in that case is being tried at hooker?
Unless when MK comes off, KK would go to hooker and Morts into the halves?
1Eyed Eel August 31, 2010 at 4:13pm

Loko played there last week, did anyone see the NYC game and can tell us how Loko went in the second row. I would have liked to see him on the wing for Wenty this week, to gauge how far he is off playing for seniors.
paul taylor August 31, 2010 at 4:13pm

From my source , LOKO has been moved to 2nd row to get more involved and into the game a lot earlier. They have obviously high hopes on him making the transitition to NRL in 2011. Has shoulder niggles and hip flex problems which is consistant with someone young and out growing his body playing impact footy. Will be a hell of a player in 18 months time. Unstoppable player.

If we are mentally switched on and put our bodies on the line for our captain - nothing short of a comprehensive win is acceptable.
blueNgold August 31, 2010 at 4:16pm

I like the idea of Morts as a 14, suits his utility value and he is a typical 'spark' type player.

Fair enough with Mitchell back to Wenty also, the coaches have given him a taste and let him show what he can do and he has been quite impressive imo. Sending him back to reggies will make sure he knows that once you make 1st grade you have to keep working to stay there, hopefully will make him even more hungry over the off-season.
blueNgold August 31, 2010 at 4:19pm

I didn't see the game but apparently although he was named in the second row he played most of the game from the centres.

He only managed to score three individual tries pretty piss poor effort that.
Jack Prichard August 31, 2010 at 4:21pm

not quite sure what young future star anthony mitchell did to lose his spot??... someone explain it to me?
1Eyed Eel August 31, 2010 at 4:22pm

Yeh I agree. He didn't have a good game on the weekend and it should be a reality check for all the people calling for him to be our starting hooker - there's a big difference between toughing up the rough and tumble of the opening exchanges and still providing good service, and coming on for 20 minutes in the back half of a match when everyone is tiring.

People underestimate the defensive responsibilities of the number nine jersey, what it can take out of your game, and I think too few people take that into account when judging a player like MK.
HKF August 31, 2010 at 4:30pm

As has happened through-out the season some-one has to miss out at the expense of Mortimer, he has been protected all season when a stint at wenty would do him the world of good.

As for Mitchell i still think he struggles defensively as he is so small and the pace of NRL was a bit to much for him, he has had a taste now and shoulkd be looking to work harder on his game to become a regular.
blueNgold August 31, 2010 at 4:32pm

Absolutely.

It is a massive part of their duty and MK is one of the best defensive 9's in the game. The problem with MK though is his lack of attacking ability is highlighted by the fact we have such little attacking potency from our halves. Thus we look to other creative positions for spark, MK offers little thus which is why he is critisced, even though in the foremost he is a pretty solid player. In another team where there is a better balance and less pressure on the 9 to create I think he would be a very valuable 1st grader.
- HKF > blueNgold August 31, 2010 at 4:38pm
  
  Absolutely spot on blueNgold, all our playmakers,Morts,KK, Robson and even Hayne are struggling because of the fact we dont have a quality halfback. All of these players with the exception of Robson would shine if they were playing with a Cronk,Thurston or Prince.