Warriors post game review

Now that the dust has settled on our round one win it's time to take a look at some of the talking points for the Eels. Positives: The Eels' line speed in defence was a refreshing change from the norm of the past three seasons. Manu Ma'u led the charge, often rushing up to crunch the ball runner. Willie Tonga also seemed like a man on a mission against Sam Tomkins. The English custodian was unable to evade him every time he went to Parramatta's left hand side. Ben Smith was impressive in his return, protecting Luke Kelly well and preventing Kelly being targeted by the big Warriors back-rowers. A further improvement in defence was the confidence in defending their line. They held out the Warriors during consecutive sets a number of times. In attack the Eels looked dangerous whenever they went to their left. Manu Ma'u, Corey Norman, Willie Tonga and Semi Radradra all seem to have a good understanding of each other and Tonga was all over his opposite, showing the form that had him picked for Queensland and Australia in 2010. Nathan Peats has been a terrific acquisition for the Eels. He was quick to take any metres on offer and provided crisp service to his halves. Speaking of the halves, Norman and Kelly played their roles really well. Kelly did what he needed to do and supplied good ball to his outside men. Two of his bombs also led to tries. Norman ran the ball well and trouble the defence on occasion. Jarryd Hayne was his typical self. Safe under the high ball, strong with his kick returns and a threat with the ball in hand. His denied try for double movement was classic Hayne. Drifting across field he mesmerised the defence before beating the centre with acceleration. The Eels were also energetic in their attack with plenty of bodies in motion, giving the play makers plenty of options. The hard running of the forwards also gave the halves plenty of room and time with the ball, something the blue and golds have struggled to do in recent seasons. Negatives: As always teams can improve. For Parramatta their right hand defence was a little shaky at times but they did well to limit any damage that could be inflicted by Manu Vatuvei. Toutai forming a better understanding with Hopoate will go a long way to ensure Toutai doesn't come in when he isn't needed. Their attack needs a little work. At times they mis-timed their plays and the play broke down. Luckily they didn't go for the miracle and they reset to attempt it again. Hopoate is still a little off with his timing. He needed to hold the ball for another second or two for Toutai's first try. Goal kicking is probably one of Arthur's biggest concerns with both Norman and Paulo struggling. However goal kicking issues means you're scoring points. It may be best to consult a kicking coach, apparently Luke Burt did some work during the pre-season with the players but a full time coach would probably be best. Practice makes perfect. Parramatta will need to ensure their right hand side is switched on when they face the Roosters. Michael Jennings is deadly given any space. Still, it's a very good way to start the season and Brad Arthur will want to continue to improve his men for next week.

After watching the Roosters Souths game I came away thinking about just how large and powerful their backs were, not too mention the obvious size factor with the respective forward packs and pondered over what teams could compete with them. Well I must admit ( and it is early days) I was gratified to watch the size and potential strike power in the Eels backs. I have been offline for some time now and have not had the chance to follow the Eels off season fortunes. The intensity in defense was impressive, particularly when scored against. But as I said its only the first game and the Warriors are slow starters, but I won't look a gift horse in the mouth, I'll take the win lol. Great to watch !

"Wiz ,
100% skin cancer cream that you use over a week and your face blisters and looks like Freddy Kruger for another week . Had it myself but your Face is sensational for a few months afterwards. Unless you have a shit head like mine and…"

"Stashing him and you notice in the piece alot of clubs were monitoring him early but he chose to stay at Riff.It's a good get from the R & R side we must give credit where it's due but we need more from them and it still doesn't excuse there…"

"Chief mate I was going to say the jock sniffing exercise this week was poor but were you in the sheds at halftime as they were a different side coming out.
Normally I don't mind TJs making calls but like anything you take the good with the bad.…"

Replies

matchreport March 11, 2014 at 3:53pm

After watching the Roosters Souths game I came away thinking about just how large and powerful their backs were, not too mention the obvious size factor with the respective forward packs and pondered over what teams could compete with them. Well I must admit ( and it is early days) I was gratified to watch the size and potential strike power in the Eels backs. I have been offline for some time now and have not had the chance to follow the Eels off season fortunes. The intensity in defense was impressive, particularly when scored against. But as I said its only the first game and the Warriors are slow starters, but I won't look a gift horse in the mouth, I'll take the win lol. Great to watch !
the eggman March 11, 2014 at 4:17pm

The thing to remember is that unlike last year when round one seemed to be a fluke and as rs pointed out we simply lacked the cattle to be competitive,as the season progresses we should improve as the players get used to each other and Ba s game plans.should.
- GRUNTA - Death of a Salesman > the eggman March 11, 2014 at 4:22pm
  
  x2
  
  At least this year we actually have the cattle to build decent combinations and not relying on 1-2 strike players.
Glenn Lifetime Eel March 11, 2014 at 5:37pm

Hope Arthur told his defenders to watch Jenning left foot step which is deadly!
- SuperEel 22 > Glenn Lifetime Eel March 11, 2014 at 8:55pm
  
  I'd invite Jennings to step off his left foot and into the shoulder of Manu Ma'u.
SuperEel 22 March 11, 2014 at 10:24pm

My invite still stands.

This reply was deleted.

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Warriors post game review

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