We may only be into round 2 but there are plenty of signs the Eels of 2024 are improved on the 2023 version.
- Junior off the bench: I tipped this as a change that was needed last year. With Parramatta regularly lacking punch and creativity from the bench, shifting the Origin forward seems to be paying dividends. He's still punching out his usual minutes, but he's able to take on a tiring middle where his unique combination of size, footwork and ball skills adds so much to Parramatta's attack. He was dominant against the Dogs and turned things around against Penrith when he came on in the first half. It will be interesting to see what happens once Wiremu Greig is ready for first grade again.
- Lane Train: While relatively quiet against the Dogs because Carty was shredding the right edge, against Penrith Lane showed how much we missed him. His size and ability to attract defenders opens gaps up for Dylan Brown, while his try was beautifully worked by Parramatta's 5/8.
- Attacking shape: 2023 the Eels looked a little out of ideas at times. Just flinging the ball from one edge to the other with little deception. The early signs are better this season with outside players coming back against the grain to hold up the defence. Offloads remain a key part of Parramatta's attack as well.
- Outside backs: A key problem in 2023, it still looks short of being solved. I can't really fault Morgan Harper for struggling on the wing. It's never been his position and it was made all the more difficult by having a backrower next to him. While Maika Sivo's worth has been discussed at length, he remains Parramatta's best yardage back.
Bench use: Against the Dogs, I thought Brad had finally worked out how to use his bench. Every player got meaningful minutes. Then against the Panthers he reverted to type and Hands got a handful of garbage minutes. In the pre-season BA spoke about preferring an 80 minute hooker. I simply don't think the modern game gives you that luxury. If you have 2, use them.
Defence: I know it seems weird to be discussing defence after conceding 26 points. But 3 of Penrith's tries came from improvised bullshit. I'd be more concerned if they scored all their points from set moves which are repeatable and broke down our defence. But how often are you going to concede a try from the opposition lock nailing a cross field bomb?
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Brad knows with a top heavy pack whilst thus making our outside backs super skinny, he'll still make the 8 on the back of his forwards thus extending his life as a coach. But when the ship hits the fan in the finals, his policies don't work.
Werimu Greg, Matt Doorey, Makatoa, Ogden , Luca Morretti can't even get into the 17. That's how top forwards heavy we are.
- chase the collision concepts = contract extensions
We've had one decent outside back come through the system in the last 7 seasons, Penasini That’s what we call a development club. And Brad is the captain of the ship.
Exactly.
Yeah I'm sure BA purposely has a shit backline to keep his job security. The truth is parra have never been an attractive club for players to join. We have been a consistent top 8 side for few years and I'm sure BA is happy as he doesn't want to win a grand final he just wants a pay check.
We have chased players in the backs but missed out to clubs with TPAs or paying massive overs.
Then why do we have so much forward back up depth fake m. So we can't attract backs only forwards if your stupid idea makes sense. We have one of the best stadiums in sydney, a central position, we don't travel that much, that should make the eels attractive mate
We don't have any fucking money as we've paid it all to a handfulll of underachieving millionaires , when will people realise this , why else are we always chasing bottom of the barrel players and still miss out on them . We almost had a quality back but the NRL decided they would not let him play for being accused of domestic violence even though the NRL has been quite happy to register convicted offenders at other clubs . Our bloke was just to skinn pigmently challenged .
Chief, do you seriously believe BA purposely stacks forward depth to the detriment of buying outside backs as he simply wants to keep his job and he isn't interested in winning a premiership. You are a fucking joke and have problems if you believe that.
We haven't attracted any quality forwards as we have struggled to attract talent for over 30years well before BA as it is ingrained in our club. We recruit no name forwards and out of favour players and they improve under BA. We buy similar caliber backs but they don't improve as we target backs with the wrong skills but according to you BA is a coaching genius who knows how to coach a team to top 8 job security but never threaten for a title.
Man I love this place . One minute the coach can't map out a strategy to save his life , nek minit he's Hank Scorpio the supervillain with supervillain genius plots to keep his job 😂😂😂.
Chief you do know the games won in the middle third don't you.
This is the key if your not winning in the middle third where are you.
So all this chase the collision and win it more than you lose it.You understand what that means right ?
I guarantee you every coach in the nrl wants to win the collision.
I really like Paulo off the bench but I wish Ofahengaue offered more. None of his games so far with the eels have overly impressed me. I think Greig should come back into the footy side and I even think Ogden offers more.
I agree. Joe O is... underwhelming to be kind. 71 metres from 12 hit ups vs the Panthers. That's 5,91 metres for each one. He was 6,91 metrs per hit up vs a shit pack (Dogs) last week.
I know Tuilagi played the majority of the game at centre but going by last week and last night...I'm not getting good vibes. I think he's a poor addition. I don't rate him at all. NSW Cup player.
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