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Eels in the media

Joshuatheeel

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Great read:

https://thecumberlandthrow.com/2018/08/28/the-spotlight-youth-by-accident-or-design/


The Spotlight: Youth – By Accident Or Design?
sixtiesAugust 28, 2018 NRL, Opinion
Five young players have made their NRL debuts with the Eels this year, but opposing perspectives on these debuts have dominated discussions amongst Parramatta Eels supporters as post-mortems on a disastrous 2018 season have begun. Some have seen Brad Arthur as a coach reluctant to use young players until the injury list left him no choice. Others regard BA as a coach with a deep investment in home grown or developed players, who finally had both the players to use and the opportunity to do so.

Let’s begin with the facts.

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Marata Niukore – from ISP to starting forward.

The players to debut this year for the Eels were Marata Niukore, Reed Mahoney, Jaeman Salmon, Oregon Kaufusi and Ray Stone. Of these, only Niukore was a Top 30 player. The former Warrior was recruited from the New Zealand NYC team for the Eels 2017 NRL squad and made a strong impression in his first year by winning the award for Wenty player of the year.

Why didn’t the Eels use Marata last year given he was doing well in ISP?

In fact, TCT was calling for his inclusion towards the back half of last season and certainly earlier this year. However, Marata himself was very happy to debut when he was ready. Speaking with the young Kiwi, he credits the coaches with developing his confidence as a player.

The remainder of the Eels debutants, with exception of Ray Stone, remain eligible for the Jersey Flegg Cup. Stone is in his first year out of the NYC and training full time on a Rookie contract.

Therefore, outside of Marata Niukore, none of these players had been eligible for NRL selection under the current rules. Only an injury crisis allowed for the club to apply for dispensation to use them.

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Ray Stone – uncompromising middle forward.

For some supporters, this fact only seems to draw more questions. Why weren’t any of these players put into the NRL Top 30 to begin the season? Surely this is evidence of an over-reliance on older players and a reluctance towards using youth?

Let’s consider those players.

A case could be made for Ray Stone. He was given ISP experience during 2017 and proved that he could both mete out and cop heavier hits.

Was there a Top 30 spot available for a relatively unproven NYC player who played the role of smaller middle forward? You’d have to examine the Eels roster to answer that question. He was competing with the likes of Beau Scott, Nathan Brown or even Manu Ma’u for a role. I’d argue that he was targeted for a 2019 spot, replacing Scott who was mostly likely going to retire regardless of injury. Regardless, a top 30 spot for Stone would not have received too many objections.

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That’s “Cash” Mahoney fam!

Reed Mahoney is the debutant to feature in most social media criticisms of team selections, with many supporters questioning his omission from the Top 30. It’s important to provide some background here.

A couple of years back, Reed was signed from the Bulldogs by Anthony Field. The Bulldogs wanted a young Eels rake – Joey Tramontana (now with Blacktown) – and Field thought Reed was a player of promise and a good prospect to get in return. In essence, a swap was made.

Reed debuted for Parra in the latter part of the 2016 NYC season, and went on to star off the bench for Parra’s grand finalist NYC team throughout 2017. Going into 2018, Mahoney was still under contract and eligible for Jersey Flegg (current under 20s).

As part of his development, Reed was given an NRL training deal for the 2018 pre-season. He met and exceeded every expectation from Day 1. It earned him a Rookie contract.

NRL rules prevented his elevation to first grade until Round 14 when injuries allowed the club to apply for dispensation to select him. At 20 years of age Reed has plenty to learn in such a key role, but he obviously possesses both potential and a brilliant attitude and is now a huge player in Parra’s plans. His selection in the Queensland 20s squad was a massive moment for him this year and a big indicator that he also features in the Maroons’ future.

Consider this – Mahoney has progressed from a still contracted Flegg player through to an NRL training trial and then to Eels NRL hooker by Round 14. That’s a massive transition over a quick period of time, regardless of the circumstance. All indications are that he has earned first choice status in 2019.

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From “apprentice” to craftsman – Jaeman Salmon.

This time last year, Jaeman Salmon was a Sharks SG Ball graduate recovering from a broken neck. He is a talent, but anyone declaring that they thought he should have been on a Top 30 deal is straight out lying. Not only was he returning from a potentially crippling injury, he hadn’t even proven himself at NYC level. To be honest, signing him to an NRL rookie contract with the accompanying full time training squad position was a massive leap of faith.

Salmon’s progression this year has been nothing short of sensational. To miss the first four rounds then transition through both Flegg and ISP to a starting NRL spot, is a credit to him and a nod to BA for having the belief to play this inexperienced 19 year old in the halves.

Finally, Oregon Kaufusi isn’t in the Eels full time squad this year. The Flegg prop, who only just turned 19 on the 20th of August, has progressed from under 20s to being one of the most consistent ISP players in 2018. Arthur has been very keen to give the young tyro a run this year and injuries finally provided the opportunity. Though it required injuries, elevation to regular ISP at 18 years of age was an indicator of the plans for Kaufusi.

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Oregon Kaufusi – Go Oggy, go you good thing!

Anyone who thinks players can just be elevated straight from Flegg (20s) to NRL, should try talking to the young players about what it’s like jumping to ISP, let alone NRL. The jump to ISP is all about the heavier hits. The jump to NRL adds the pace to that.

Check out the current Eels Flegg players who were elevated to the Wenty ISP team later in this season, despite their team’s impending participation in finals football – now work out why they would be there. The plans involving young Eels talent and their transition is obvious.

In my opinion, the successful transition of young players into first grade was always planned, though the opportunity to blood them came sooner than expected.

But there’s more that TCT can share with you, and it involves the pathways to NRL.

A number of weeks ago, a group of around 8 or 9 Flegg players commenced training with NRL staff from 5:30am a couple of times each week in preparation for the upcoming pre-season. Their needs might be different, but the discipline and dedication to become an NRL player is a big lesson to be learned. When these players take the next step to NRL training, they will be more likely to hit the ground running.

But the resources aren’t just going into the players about to rise to senior football. The expertise of the NRL staff, and ETC resources, are being provided for Eels JETs (Junior Elite) under 16s players. Each week this group of boys work with NRL coaches and trainers as they learn about correct techniques in addition to receiving specialised coaching.

Outside of that, the Harold Matthews and SG Ball program is likely to be expanded via the club’s participation in the Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cups in 2019. This means players in the extended 16s and 18s squads will get game time in Eels colours in these country rugby league tournaments.

Moving forward, I’m hoping that the NRL changes the rules surrounding the Rookie contracts. There has been speculation that squads could effectively become a top 36 with Rookie contract players being eligible for NRL selection. As things stand, the current rule surrounding these players is somewhat detrimental as it prevents development within a season from being rewarded. For Parra, this season began with only one of the debutants in the Top 30. What became obvious during the season was that a number of players developed from being nowhere near NRL ready, to being preferred selections. The system must cater for such growth.

Clarification on this rule is important for all clubs as it will determine decisions around Top 30 positions. Regardless, I expect the Eels to name a younger squad in 2019.

It will be by design.

Eels forever!

Sixties”
 

Joshuatheeel

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Only thing with that article, I wonder if Salmon isn’t top 30? With French playing NSW cup, surely the NRL wouId make us use him first ?
 

Joshuatheeel

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Sterlo:


After the buoyant second half of the 2017 season it has been a dismal 2018 campaign which appears now certain to end in a 16th position finish, our third wooden spoon in seven seasons.

With what we have in our favour we should be perennial finalists which makes such a lowly position on the ladder very difficult to take. With a junior nursery the envy of the majority of clubs, a strong and supportive leagues club, excellent facilities which will soon include a state of the art stadium and the most loyal supporters in the league, the Eels should be setting the trend for others to follow. We are seemingly a sleeping giant that has been asleep way too long.

Obviously a brutally honest appraisal is in order to give an insight as to why we have fallen behind other clubs in search of consistent success and that elusive premiership title.

Hopefully the current internal review will give a clear insight as to what areas need to be addressed and what steps across the board need to be taken to rectify the situation.

When your side puts together a season of such disappointment the coach clearly is in the spotlight. Brad Arthur has said that the buck stops with him and that is an admirable position to take. Although it is never that simple.

I don’t know whether he needs further help in the coaching department, I am not privy to the day to day preparation of the side, so am in no position to make an assessment in that area.

However, I do believe he is the right man to be in charge going into next year and has enough credit points banked to try and turn the team’s fortunes in 2019. He did a wonderful job to guide the side into 4th spot and finals football last year, on the back of leading the club through some extremely difficult and trying times prior to that. It is clear that he has a solid relationship with the playing roster, one based on honesty and accountability.

I know as a player that is exactly what I was looking for from the coach. That said, next year is a make or break one for Brad that will solely be judged on results.

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© Provided by Nine Digital Pty Ltd NRL Press Conference: Parramatta Eels - Round 24
One area that I do think needs to be closely assessed is the club’s recruitment in recent times.

I’m not convinced that we have necessarily brought the right type of player into the club in some instances. Talent alone is never enough and I hope that an individual’s character is a major consideration when we are looking to import a player to wear the blue and gold jersey.

The game’s greatest ever coach Jack Gibson said that whilst a player could have all the ability and talent in the world, he only ever asked himself one question as a coach and that was “can I win with him?”

That determination was made as much about the individual as to the person he was off the field as it was about how he ran, passed and tackled.

I said two years ago that I felt the club needed to bring in a big-bodied, class front-rower to bolster the ranks. At the time some saw it as a sleight on the forwards already there but that was not the case.

When playing at their best our forwards were a tough, aggressive, uncompromising pack that hunted well together but I felt that we lacked that individual that could dominate the middle and demand the ascendency.

I still feel that was the case and was disappointed when the likes of Jordan McLean, Russell Packer, Ben Matulino, James Graham and Herman Ese’ese left clubs and went elsewhere.

Whilst in the twilight of his career, an old hard head like Graham would have been invaluable exerting his influence and leadership both on and off the field for a couple of seasons.

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© Provided by Nine Digital Pty LtdPaulo to take up big money Eels offer
Which brings us to the recruitments made for next year. I will not be critical this far out but will say that there are question marks.

Junior Paulo left the club a few seasons back in a move made to get away from the Sydney lifestyle and some questionable company that he was apparently keeping. He comes back on bigger money and a 4-year contract but begging the question, is he a better player now than when he left?

He is certainly the big body I was talking about but can he play the amount of minutes to have the necessary impact that we require? I hope so and that he proves to be the foundation on which team performances are built.

Shaun Lane has enjoyed a wonderful season for Manly in a year from hell for the Sea Eagles. He has managed to play every game under Trent Barrett and not long ago was up there with the team’s top try scorers.

It has taken quite a while to establish himself as a regular top grader and sometimes a player who has been at 4 clubs in the space of 5 years can set off alarm bells. Hopefully this season is a watershed one for him and he can bring his current form to the west.

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© Provided by Nine Digital Pty Ltd
Blake Ferguson is another who has enjoyed a bumper season and has been as effective as any winger on a weekly basis in the competition. There has never been any doubting what he offers through his size, speed and experience.

As we know Blake has carried baggage for much of his career but to his credit he seems to have gotten things very much back on track away from the paddock. It is essential that is maintained when moving away from what has been an effective cocoon in the eastern suburbs.

The other question marks are around those already at the club in Corey Norman, Jarryd Hayne and Bevan French.

The fact that Corey has been told if he can get an opportunity elsewhere then Parra wouldn’t stand in his way, clearly shows that the club don’t see him as part of the plans in going forward. At his best he is a class performer and easy to fall in love with, we just haven’t seen enough of that this year.

Playing in the halves demands consistency which I felt we saw plenty of in his partnering of Mitchell Moses in their run to the finals last year. I really felt with that under their belt and another full off-season we would see their combination really blossom, it has been particularly disappointing that didn’t eventuate.

I still think he could be beneficial to the club if he has his priorities in order.

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© Provided by Nine Digital Pty LtdNorman on the outer at the Eels
Jarryd has been our best player over the last 7 weeks and I would like to think his future will be an easy one to settle. The club would like to keep him, Jarryd seems to be enjoying his football and is highly involved and engaged, it would seem to me that if the price is right then a deal should be done.

Finally, young Bevan French has been the odd man out and unable to hold down his place in the top 17.

His lack of size was always going to be concern but pure speed helps overcome many difficulties. I know there is a real concern in the club that he doesn’t offer enough when bringing the ball off their own line. They are the toughest carries in the game and tremendously important.

The effectiveness of Cronulla’s outside backs in doing so, won them a competition in 2016. Bevan can be a match-winner, his pace worries opposition players but his lack of bulk doesn’t. Still when I look at the Dragons’ Matt Dufty I get confidence that he can still be a key member of next year’s squad.

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© Provided by Nine Digital Pty Ltd'Hayne Plane' turns on the magic
Like all Parramatta fans I am waiting to see what the internal review reveals and how the club deals with what will be a raft of concerns.

However, when it comes to team performance I’m not concerned with any such investigation.

I prefer to trust my eyes and what I saw this year was too often a lack of resolve and resistance when things weren’t going our way. Until we can draw a line in the sand and say “no more, we stop it here”, success will continue to elude us.

We need to be a mentally tough football team, who treats every play as the most important in the game (because it is) and one that will never get beaten on effort and enthusiasm. The ball is in our court.”

https://www.msn.com/en-au/sport/rug...eels-disaster/ar-BBMwMjb?li=AAgg0Zv&ocid=iehp
 

Gronk

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Parramatta Eels 2018 Award Winners

Ken Thornett Medal – Daniel Alvaro
Jack Gibson NRL Coaches' Award - Best Back - George Jennings
Jack Gibson NRL Coaches’ Award - Best Forward - Peni Terepo
Ray Price NRL Community Award – Cameron King
Blue and Gold Army Player of the Year – Daniel Alvaro
Brett Kenny Jersey Flegg Coaches' Award - Sione Fonua
Steve Ella Jersey Flegg Player of the Year Award – Tuimavave Afualo
Geoff Gerard ISP Cup Coaches' Award – Matthew Woods
Bob O'Reilly ISP Cup Player of the Year Award - Ray Stone
Michael Cronin Club Person of the Year – Luke 'Tooks' Sammut
Hall of Fame Medal - Nathan Hindmarsh

https://www.parraeels.com.au/news/2018/08/28/daniel-alvaro-claims-2018-ken-thornett-medal/
 

Happy MEel

First Grade
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Interesting Gennings got the coach’s best back award. You’d have to think he has that position locked in for next year with Fergo on the other. With Gutho being our captain, you’d have to think one of either Mennings, French or Hayne won’t be here next season as they’d all cost too much as backups.

If that’s the case, I hope Hayne is re-signed and the rumours of French to the tits are true.
 

Noise

Coach
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18,168
Interesting Gennings got the coach’s best back award. You’d have to think he has that position locked in for next year with Fergo on the other. With Gutho being our captain, you’d have to think one of either Mennings, French or Hayne won’t be here next season as they’d all cost too much as backups.

If that’s the case, I hope Hayne is re-signed and the rumours of French to the tits are true.

Yep,

1. Hayne
2. Gennings
3. Gutho
4. Mennings
5. Ferguson
 

emjaycee

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13,816
Interesting Gennings got the coach’s best back award. You’d have to think he has that position locked in for next year with Fergo on the other. With Gutho being our captain, you’d have to think one of either Mennings, French or Hayne won’t be here next season as they’d all cost too much as backups.

If that’s the case, I hope Hayne is re-signed and the rumours of French to the tits are true.

Not saying he won't be here next season, but can you name a back that has been a better, more consistent performer over 23 rounds than Gennings?

I wouldn't read too much into giving George this award, other than the fact BA ranked him the best back in a team that has won 6 from 23 games.

If no-one is moved on or there are no new signings, then with the right attitude and forward pack in front of them, I reckon our best back line next year is still:
1. French
2. Hayne (if he signs)
3. Mennings
4. Gutho
5. Fergo

And don't forget, the signing of Siva adds more depth to the outside backs/wing position and gives BA some options of moving Hayne to fullback or back into the centres if needed.

Mennings being shopped at a reported $800k for next year is going to make it hard to find a buyer so expect him to be in the top 13 each week unless injured.

The real question mark is over French. If he stays and gets his attitude right, he may end up where the plan was originally (in the fullback spot), with some decent ball returners in Fergo and Hayne/Siva/Gennings supporting him from the wing.

Of course if French leaves and/or doesn't fix his attitude then we are back to:
1. Gutho/Hayne
2. Gennings
3. Mennings
4. Hayne/Gutho
5. Fergo

Personally, I prefer the first option as I don't see Gutho as a permanent fullback.
 

Joshuatheeel

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Parramatta Eels 2018 Award Winners

Ken Thornett Medal – Daniel Alvaro
Jack Gibson NRL Coaches' Award - Best Back - George Jennings
Jack Gibson NRL Coaches’ Award - Best Forward - Peni Terepo
Ray Price NRL Community Award – Cameron King
Blue and Gold Army Player of the Year – Daniel Alvaro
Brett Kenny Jersey Flegg Coaches' Award - Sione Fonua
Steve Ella Jersey Flegg Player of the Year Award – Tuimavave Afualo
Geoff Gerard ISP Cup Coaches' Award – Matthew Woods
Bob O'Reilly ISP Cup Player of the Year Award - Ray Stone
Michael Cronin Club Person of the Year – Luke 'Tooks' Sammut
Hall of Fame Medal - Nathan Hindmarsh

https://www.parraeels.com.au/news/2018/08/28/daniel-alvaro-claims-2018-ken-thornett-medal/

No rookie of the year again? That’s weird!
 
Messages
988
I was at the awards last night and in presenting the coaches award BA highlighted the extra work both recipients put in off the field in extras training to improve their game then converting that work to playing improved games
 

Gronk

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The inspiration driving rising Parramatta star Marata Niukore
Adrian Proszenko
In what has been a diabolical year for Parramatta, Marata Niukore doesn’t have to look far for perspective.

Having made his NRL debut in round 11 against his former club, the Warriors, Niukore has become a mainstay in the Eels pack. While he has enjoyed precious few wins since then, there is much to be grateful for off the field. He recently welcomed the arrival of his first born, son Kayden Leigh.

While the Eels are struggling to avoid the wooden spoon, that battle pales into insignificance when compared to what his partner is going through to achieve her sporting dreams. Nikki Johns is a New Zealand swimmer whose dream is to represent her country at the Olympics. Like Niukore, she moved across the Tasman to pursue her ambitions, but health issues have, to date, prevented them from being realised.

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Big hit: Parramatta's Marata Niukore charges into the South Sydney defence.

Photo: NRL Photos
Johns suffers from severe ulcerative colitis, a condition she contracted after a reaction to antibiotics following tonsillitis in 2010. The condition has resulted in surgery and countless stints in hospital.

“It’s crazy what she’s been through,” Niukore said. “She had her large intestine removed, she only has a small intestine now, but it hasn’t stopped her from doing what she’s done in sport.


“She had to have surgery on her tummy – she is supposed to wear a colostomy bag, but she doesn’t want it at the moment because she can’t carry it while she’s swimming.

“At some stage later in life she’s going to have to put it back in.

“Even right now, this year being a mum to our kid, it inspires me. She’s strong and that's why she's in the position she’s in today.”

c5db9ee66f745605443b2e9337cd669a4efd71e3

Rising star: Marata Niukore.

Photo: NRL Photos
Johns has been open about her health struggles in the hope she can inspire others going through similar issues to keep chasing their dreams. Medicos told her she would need to give up her swimming career following the diagnosis, but the dream remains alive.


“If it wasn't for swimming I don't think I would still be here,” Johns told the Crohn's and Colitis NZ website.

“I want to reach out to those who are losing hope and/or struggling. I want to help.”

Niukore added: “She wants to take up swimming again. At the moment she’s leaning towards water polo; something to do in the water. That’s her happy place. Whatever she decides, I’ll back her.

“Whether I’ve played under-20s, NRL or NSW Cup, what she’s been through, you can’t question that.

“Coming home after a game, seeing the little one and her at home, it brings me back down to earth. It’s like, ‘this is my life, this is who I am off the field’.”


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Inspiration: Marata Niukore says his partner, Nikki Johns, has inspired him.

Photo: Instagram
Niukore has been a rare bright spot in a tough season for the Eels. The 22-year old back-rower has made the most of his opportunities during his 12 NRL appearances. He is averaging 74 metres and 24 tackles a game, proving to be a handful with and without the ball.

The decision to leave New Zealand, where he worked as a painter while coming through the grades at the Warriors, has been vindicated. Asked if painting was harder than being an NRL forward, the south Auckland product said: “Definitely doing the painting job.

“At the time, it was come over [to Australia] and take my chances or stay back and do nine to five digging holes for a living.

“I didn’t want to do that. I took the challenge, asked my partner what she thought and it all happened. We just packed our bags and left.”


https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/th...atta-star-marata-niukore-20180823-p4zzcz.html
 
Messages
988
Marata Niukore not worthy ?

I'd have given it to Reed. Started the preseason with a train & trial contract, trained up the front all summer in what was his 1st NRL preseason, earnt a rookie contract, and then performed admirably in NRL from Rd 14. Still eligible for 20's. Wouldn't have complained if Marata won it
 

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