Round 7 vs. Parramatta Eels Discussion

[Big Pete]

Parramatta Eels vs. Dolphins
TIO Stadium (Darwin), Friday 19 April 2024
Kick Off: 8:00pm

1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Morgan Harper 5. Sean Russell 6. Daejarn Asi 7. Dylan Brown 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J'maine Hopgood

14. Luca Moretti 15. Ryan Matterson 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Blaize Talagi

18. Brendan Hands 19. Kelma Tuilagi 20. Wiremu Greig 21. Makahesi Makatoa 22. Maika Sivo

1. Trai Fuller 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Tesi Niu 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Kenny Bromwich 12. Euan Aitken 13. Max Plath

14. Josh Kerr 15. Sean O'Sullivan 16. Ray Stone 17. Jarrod Wallace

18. Oryn Keeley 19. Edrick Lee 20. Mason Teague 21. Valynce Te Whare 22. Jeremiah Simbiken​

 

[Big Pete]

Bennett revealed in the post-match press conference that the Hammer will miss the following 3-4 weeks which puts the Eels, Knights, Cowboys and possibly Sea Eagles games in jeopardy.

Max Plath will return and will likely take back that bench utility spot off Milford. Lemuelu and Flegler could also be in the frame as well.

 

[Puff]

Who do we have left in the trenches

 

[Big Pete]

It's going to be a tough assignment without Tabuai-Fidow, Farnworth, Flegler, Kaufusi and Lemuelu.

With the Hammer facing six weeks, Bennett has resorted to giving Trai Fuller, a fullback specialist the role. Earlier in the week, Bennett considered shifting Averillo and Niu into the role but as it stands he's going for the straight swap.

Fuller was the QCup Player of the Year in 2023 and has earned another opportunity in the NRL through his efforts at the Dolphins. The move also provides Tesi Niu and Jake Averillo another opportunity to impress in the centres. Herbie Farnworth is scheduled to return for the Round 9 clash against the Cowboys and has always fancied himself as a fullback, so this selection will keep that formation in play.

As flat as the Dolphins were against the Broncos, Katoa continued to impress at halfback. The Broncos targetted that side the entire night, but Isaiya never relented and his kicking game gave the Dolphins an early advantage. Hopefully he'll sustain that form tomorrow night.

 

[Puff]

Katoa has grown since last year, he is trending very well for still being so young. I hope he plays his career with us, and if he does we will have a few successful years in front of us.

He is going to be very good.

 

[ALX25]

Mr Slater will like the effort from Josh Kerr for that Fuller try.

 

[Big Pete]

Dolphins 44 (Jack Bostock 3, Max Plath 2, Tesi Niu 2, Trai Fuller, Jake Averillo tries; Jamayne Isaako 3/7, Kodi Nikorima 1/2 goals) def. Parramatta Eels 16

Phins Up!

4-2

It's been a hectic week so I was barely able to keep my eyes open during the second half but what a performance. When the Dolphins smelt blood in the water they pounced and the team work/anticipation was the best I've ever seen.

With the players unavailable it was a remarkable victory.

 

[MugaB]

Dolphins 44 (Jack Bostock 3, Max Plath 2, Tesi Niu 2, Trai Fuller, Jake Averillo tries; Jamayne Isaako 3/7, Kodi Nikorima 1/2 goals) def. Parramatta Eels 16

Phins Up!

4-2

It's been a hectic week so I was barely able to keep my eyes open during the second half but what a performance. When the Dolphins smelt blood in the water they pounced and the team work/anticipation was the best I've ever seen.

With the players unavailable it was a remarkable victory.

Big turn around from the same game last year held in Sunshine Coast... where the reverse happened,
Great game, had issako slotted 3 more conversions, there would be a massive push for the 50 point club on the eels... its probably a good wake up call for them, they need more depth in their halves, moses game management is very underrated, obviously gone missing last night, and dolphins running away with it 2nd half proved how bad the Eels defence and stamina is when they don't have the possession moses provides them

 

[Puff]

Isaako is normally a lethal kicker, had an off night last night.

Would have been 50 otherwise. I did note he was getting strapped up before Kodi took over.

 

[MugaB]

Post Game Grades - Round 7 vs Dolphins

The Cumberland Throw's patented, award winning post game grades for the Parramatta Eels' round 7 2024 clash with the Dolphins.

thecumberlandthrow.com

A must read for any fans of the dolphins, and any NON fans of parra (like me)