Eels in the media

[hineyrulz]

French had first crack at the fullback spot, injury didn’t help him but when he came back on the wing he offered less than. Zero. In one game I don’t think he had one run. It’s hard to stick up for a bloke who seemed to have a sook and dogged it.

 

[IFR33K]

French had first crack at the fullback spot, injury didn’t help him but when he came back on the wing he offered less than. Zero. In one game I don’t think he had one run. It’s hard to stick up for a bloke who seemed to have a sook and dogged it.

I think there were multiple games where French had f**k all touches. But who knows, it could’ve been the instructions from the coach?????

Having said that, the article is spot on in other aspects. We always seem to look for the aging, quick fix/short term solutions. Throwing the bank at players past their best isn’t an answer. Here’s hoping we’ve learnt from our mistakes.

 

[84 Baby]

I think there were multiple games where French had f**k all touches. But who knows, it could’ve been the instructions from the coach?????

Having said that, the article is spot on in other aspects. We always seem to look for the aging, quick fix/short term solutions. Throwing the bank at players past their best isn’t an answer. Here’s hoping we’ve learnt from our mistakes.

King of all stretches to theorise BA instructed Bevan to not take any runs. Especially considering after one of those games he was dropped

 

[Gronk]

French had first crack at the fullback spot, injury didn’t help him but when he came back on the wing he offered less than. Zero. In one game I don’t think he had one run. It’s hard to stick up for a bloke who seemed to have a sook and dogged it.

Agree. There is an opportunity this year for him to hit the ground running and score a squillion tries in reggies and his form will demand selection in the NRL 17 or release to another club. Over to you Bev.

Fullback is his only gig now as we have good depth in the wings.

 

[Happy MEel]

Can’t agree with the Salmon comments as well. I don’t think he ever had the edge over Brown once Norman was released and he won’t be replacing Jennings at centre, more likely Taka.

Also, the author contradicts himself in regards to the signing of Paulo.

 

[parrathruandthru]

Generation next the key at Parra

I say this with no enjoyment but the Parramatta Eels are entering the 2019 season without many expectations.

Having finished last in 2018 and having failed to recruit an immediate season-changing half or forward, the Eels aren’t among the fancied teams this year.

Blake Ferguson is a huge in but the Eels desperation to replace Semi Radradra with a like-minded player seems to have distracted them elsewhere.

That said not all hope is lost for the famous blue and gold.

In a few seasons times we may be looking back at 2019 as the season the Eels started their ascent back to finals footy on the back of their young stars.

For the life of me, I don’t understand why the Eels are looking to spend their new found salary cap space on a 31-year-old Issac Luke.

With the greatest of respects to the former Kiwi number nine, who had a magnificent 2018, if I were the Eels I would be throwing everything behind Reed Mahoney.

Mahoney doesn’t have the pedigree of Luke but this Eels side is not going to challenge for the title, why stunt the development of a brilliant young number nine in favour of a player who will likely only play one or two seasons.

Sound familiar Eels fans?

Last season the Eels pushed aside the likes of Bevan French to cater for a clearly past his best Jarryd Hayne. French is now a reserve grader while Hayne is knocking around in a local rugby competition.

That’s certainly not to say that Luke’s season will follow the same route but my support would be behind the 20-year-old Mahoney rather than a stop-gap measure.

The moving on of Corey Norman has freed up considerable cap space and it should not be wasted on the first player who came up on the market.

The Eels need to invest in generation next: Reed Mahoney, Dylan Brownand Jaeman Salmon.

The aforementioned Mahoney already has nine NRL games to his name and looked set to enter 2019 as the Eels lead option at hooker. The former Queensland under 20s number nine had shown plenty in his debut season.

Mahoney now has a full off-season under his belt in the first-grade squad. That means a full off-season running plays and more importantly bulking up in the gym.

For mine he has shown enough in his young career, he deserves a shot at proving he is the long-term option.

He may be the long-term option regardless of any potential Luke signing but is it really worth investing big money into a 50-minute hooker, while stunting Mahoney’s development?

Dylan Brown, despite not making his NRL debut yet, was the target of a multi-million dollar raid from the Warriors.

Given the departure of Corey Norman, the Eels are now looking for a number six or seven to partner Mitch Moses in the halves. Brown now looks like the best option.

His closest challenger comes in the form of Jaemon Salmon. The 20-year-old looked to have the edge due to having already played 5 games at the top level. An off-field incident combined with Brown’s natural skills seemed to have shifted the pecking order.

Salmon will miss the opening game of the season but has been rumoured to be spending some time at centre meaning he may replace the supposed out of favour Michael Jennings.

With two 20-year-old talented kids and a hugely regarded 18-year-old half in their run on side, perhaps all is not so bad our Parramatta way.

Daniel Alvaro had a break out 2018 season and looks set to lead a big Eels pack into battle. The returning Junior Paulo rounds out a massive front row.

Shaun Lane, Manu Ma;u and Nathan Brown round out a monster pack that should set a platform for the Eels young stars.

With Ferguson, Gutherson and Jennings (x2) at their disposal, the young play-makers should have plenty of weapons at their disposal too.

It’s not a side likely to challenge the Roosters, Bunnies or Storm, but there are some real positives here to be focused upon.

I wouldn’t be throwing that away for a one-season quick fix.

Whether or not the Eels have the guile and bravery to back their youngsters is another question altogether.

Bevan French burst onto the scene and looked like the game’s next superstar only to be shifted around the back line to the point he no longer makes the run on side.

I don’t want to see that happen to the three current Eels youngsters.

Don’t me wrong, if a player of real quality comes on the market, the Eels should pounce, but not at the expense of their future stars.

Brown looks to have a huge future, Mahoney has looked the goods, and Salmon has plenty of talent despite his off-field mistake.

Once the suspension is served I really hope to see all three of these kids running out for the Eels for the foreseeable future.

There’s plenty to like about the 2019 Eels but perhaps its worth looking to the future rather than going for a quick fix.

https://www.nospam21.com/generation-next-the-key-at-parra-40840/

Obviously (or obliviously) spends too much time reading the Parra forums

 

[Joshuatheeel]

Pretty poor article.

French was not blocked by hayne

Salmon never had the edge over brown

Jennings won’t be dropped for Salmon (does the author even know about our depth at centre)

Luke or who ever we may sign won’t block mahoney

 

[IFR33K]

King of all stretches to theorise BA instructed Bevan to not take any runs. Especially considering after one of those games he was dropped

King of all stretches? You obviously didn’t see the question marks and my comments “who knows”. IIRC French was getting ragdolled into touch on numerous occasions. Who the f**k knows what the game plan was.

 

[forward pass]

I don't think your link is working Gronk. Who wrote that article?

 

[84 Baby]

King of all stretches? You obviously didn’t see the question marks and my comments “who knows”. IIRC French was getting ragdolled into touch on numerous occasions. Who the f**k knows what the game plan was.

You're trying to shoehorn in a BAbash (or BAsh?) for Bevan not taking any runs when all evidence suggests it was on Bevan. You're right no one outside the team knows, but it's still a massive stretch to suggest BA specifically told Bevan to not under any circumstances run the ball. It's not like Bevan is in the team for his defensive prowess

 

[Joshuatheeel]

In the 2019 NRL season Parramatta will go as far as their halves can take them
A new halves combination, a representative outside back duo reuniting and some up-and-coming forwards ready to support a bolstered forward pack.

The Parramatta Eels have made some significant changes to the side that managed just six victories last season on the way to the wooden spoon.

As a result, the Eels need to start the season well.

It doesn’t matter who or where they play, they must hit the ground running. Early wins will create momentum and confidence.

Then they can move into their brand new stadium in round six and continue to build a successful season.

Their forwards and outside backs are good enough to compete with the top-eight sides. The big question is whether the playmaker group can do the same.

Mitchell Moses must own the playmaking duties at Parramatta in 2019. Picture: Brett Costello
NEW HALVES

With Corey Norman’s departure to St George Illawarra, there will be no confusion who the playmaker leader is — Mitchell Moses.

This is officially his team.

The Eels have two very talented youngsters to partner with him in Dylan Brown and Jaeman Salmon, although the latter will miss the opening round due to suspension over a drink driving charge.

There is a lot of hype surrounding teen five-eighth Brown.

The 18-year-old has impressed in the Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup and is being touted as a future star.

(L-R) Dylan Brown and new recruit Shaun Lane are expected to be key members of the 2019 roster. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts
He is a running half who can take a back seat and allow Moses to direct the play. This will simplify things for him initially, which is important.

Brown can leave the organising and kicking to his halfback and pick his times to run some standard plays or take on the line.

At some stage Salmon, a Cronulla junior who made his NRL debut with the Eels in round 21 last year, will earn an opportunity either as a starter or from the bench.

They are both only kids but Parramatta might have a couple of playmakers to rebuild around.

Clint Gutherson and star new recruit Blake Ferguson. Picture: Brett Costello
THE SPINE

Recently re-signed hooker Reed Mahoney, who is only 20, will start in the No.9 jersey for the opening rounds with Kaysa Pritchard on leave to deal with ongoing injury issues.

Fullback Clint Gutherson is a sensational player and will be an important member of this new look playmaker group.

His talk and leadership will be a huge help to Brown and Mahoney. Gutherson can also slip into the halves if needed.

Bevan French, Josh Hoffman and Blake Ferguson have all played fullback during their careers and could cover this move.

Mahoney is expected to start at hooker this season. AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts.
FORWARD MARCH

The Eels have an experienced pack with plenty of depth.

The return of Junior Paulo from Canberra gives them some good punch upfront.

They have a choice of starting either Tim Manah or Daniel Alvaro beside him. They’re consistent hard workers who both averaged more than 100 metres a game in 2018.

Nathan Brown gives them lot of impact at lock. He led the Eels with 135 running metres per game last year.

Brown is so difficult to defend because of his speed and late offload. This starting middle unit shapes up well.

Paulo can transform Parramatta’s pack. Picture by Brett Costello.
On the edges Manu Ma’u continues to build his game on the Eels’ left side. Former Manly back-rower Shaun Lane should slot in on the right side. He’s an unassuming attacking force, having scored nine tries and created 11 linebreaks in 2018.

There are no problems with depth from the bench. Manah or Alvaro will be joined by Tepai Moeroa, Kane Evans, Peni Terepo and David Gower.

There’s plenty of experience and ability in this group. Moeroa has a lot of upside in him and can play in the middle or edge.

YOUNG PACK

The Eels’ young forwards are exciting — Marata Niukore, Ray Stone, Oregon Kaufusi and Stefano Utoikamanu. The depth of this forward group is very good.

What’s important now is that they roll there sleeves up and play for each other. Getting off the bottom of the ladder will start with them.

OUTSIDE BACKS

Blake Ferguson’s arrival adds to the size and strike of the outside backs. The former Sydney Rooster last year became just the third player in the NRL to run for an astonishing 5000m.

If he plays on the right wing he will form a dangerous combination with former teammate Michael Jennings.

Both of theses guys have achieved everything in the game — premierships, Origin, Tests — now they have a chance to be great leaders. This could be the most important challenge of their careers.


Blake Ferguson gets a hug from coach Brad Arthur. Picture: Brett Costello
If they can give themselves to the team and make that their primary focus everything else will fall into place.

On the left, Brad Takairangi spent some time there last year and looks a good option with George Jennings.

Again, they are big men who have plenty to offer. For these guys the defensive challenge of handling more fluent right-side attacking raids will be key.

Otherwise, it’s a very capable starting group. Former starters French and Hoffman will create plenty of competition for spots.

ROOKIE TO WATCH

At 18, Dylan Brown looks very talented. He has progressed very quickly and could make his debut in round 1. It is always exciting to watch a young half begin his NRL career.

STAT ATTACK

The Eels didn’t win a game when trailing at halftime last year. Thirteen times they failed to overhaul the opposition in the second half.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...m/news-story/73e63559ca90efd2e750c64f9eb2d2a8

It’s by Anthony Griffiths

 

[IFR33K]

You're trying to shoehorn in a BAbash (or BAsh?) for Bevan not taking any runs when all evidence suggests it was on Bevan. You're right no one outside the team knows, but it's still a massive stretch to suggest BA specifically told Bevan to not under any circumstances run the ball. It's not like Bevan is in the team for his defensive prowess

Ffs it’s one thing to not agree but it’s another to totally make shit up.

It wasn’t a BA bash nor was I attempting to entice one.

But whatever floats your boat

 

[84 Baby]

Ffs it’s one thing to not agree but it’s another to totally make shit up.

It wasn’t a BA bash nor was I attempting to entice one.

But whatever floats your boat

So this:

But who knows, it could’ve been the instructions from the coach?????

Isn't blaming the coach?

 

[I'm a loser baby...]

In the 2019 NRL season Parramatta will go as far as their halves can take them
A new halves combination, a representative outside back duo reuniting and some up-and-coming forwards ready to support a bolstered forward pack.

The Parramatta Eels have made some significant changes to the side that managed just six victories last season on the way to the wooden spoon.

As a result, the Eels need to start the season well.

It doesn’t matter who or where they play, they must hit the ground running. Early wins will create momentum and confidence.

Then they can move into their brand new stadium in round six and continue to build a successful season.

Their forwards and outside backs are good enough to compete with the top-eight sides. The big question is whether the playmaker group can do the same.

Mitchell Moses must own the playmaking duties at Parramatta in 2019. Picture: Brett Costello
NEW HALVES

With Corey Norman’s departure to St George Illawarra, there will be no confusion who the playmaker leader is — Mitchell Moses.

This is officially his team.

The Eels have two very talented youngsters to partner with him in Dylan Brown and Jaeman Salmon, although the latter will miss the opening round due to suspension over a drink driving charge.

There is a lot of hype surrounding teen five-eighth Brown.

The 18-year-old has impressed in the Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup and is being touted as a future star.

(L-R) Dylan Brown and new recruit Shaun Lane are expected to be key members of the 2019 roster. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts
He is a running half who can take a back seat and allow Moses to direct the play. This will simplify things for him initially, which is important.

Brown can leave the organising and kicking to his halfback and pick his times to run some standard plays or take on the line.

At some stage Salmon, a Cronulla junior who made his NRL debut with the Eels in round 21 last year, will earn an opportunity either as a starter or from the bench.

They are both only kids but Parramatta might have a couple of playmakers to rebuild around.

Clint Gutherson and star new recruit Blake Ferguson. Picture: Brett Costello
THE SPINE

Recently re-signed hooker Reed Mahoney, who is only 20, will start in the No.9 jersey for the opening rounds with Kaysa Pritchard on leave to deal with ongoing injury issues.

Fullback Clint Gutherson is a sensational player and will be an important member of this new look playmaker group.

His talk and leadership will be a huge help to Brown and Mahoney. Gutherson can also slip into the halves if needed.

Bevan French, Josh Hoffman and Blake Ferguson have all played fullback during their careers and could cover this move.

Mahoney is expected to start at hooker this season. AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts.
FORWARD MARCH

The Eels have an experienced pack with plenty of depth.

The return of Junior Paulo from Canberra gives them some good punch upfront.

They have a choice of starting either Tim Manah or Daniel Alvaro beside him. They’re consistent hard workers who both averaged more than 100 metres a game in 2018.

Nathan Brown gives them lot of impact at lock. He led the Eels with 135 running metres per game last year.

Brown is so difficult to defend because of his speed and late offload. This starting middle unit shapes up well.

Paulo can transform Parramatta’s pack. Picture by Brett Costello.
On the edges Manu Ma’u continues to build his game on the Eels’ left side. Former Manly back-rower Shaun Lane should slot in on the right side. He’s an unassuming attacking force, having scored nine tries and created 11 linebreaks in 2018.

There are no problems with depth from the bench. Manah or Alvaro will be joined by Tepai Moeroa, Kane Evans, Peni Terepo and David Gower.

There’s plenty of experience and ability in this group. Moeroa has a lot of upside in him and can play in the middle or edge.

YOUNG PACK

The Eels’ young forwards are exciting — Marata Niukore, Ray Stone, Oregon Kaufusi and Stefano Utoikamanu. The depth of this forward group is very good.

What’s important now is that they roll there sleeves up and play for each other. Getting off the bottom of the ladder will start with them.

OUTSIDE BACKS

Blake Ferguson’s arrival adds to the size and strike of the outside backs. The former Sydney Rooster last year became just the third player in the NRL to run for an astonishing 5000m.

If he plays on the right wing he will form a dangerous combination with former teammate Michael Jennings.

Both of theses guys have achieved everything in the game — premierships, Origin, Tests — now they have a chance to be great leaders. This could be the most important challenge of their careers.


Blake Ferguson gets a hug from coach Brad Arthur. Picture: Brett Costello
If they can give themselves to the team and make that their primary focus everything else will fall into place.

On the left, Brad Takairangi spent some time there last year and looks a good option with George Jennings.

Again, they are big men who have plenty to offer. For these guys the defensive challenge of handling more fluent right-side attacking raids will be key.

Otherwise, it’s a very capable starting group. Former starters French and Hoffman will create plenty of competition for spots.

ROOKIE TO WATCH

At 18, Dylan Brown looks very talented. He has progressed very quickly and could make his debut in round 1. It is always exciting to watch a young half begin his NRL career.

STAT ATTACK

The Eels didn’t win a game when trailing at halftime last year. Thirteen times they failed to overhaul the opposition in the second half.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...m/news-story/73e63559ca90efd2e750c64f9eb2d2a8

It’s by Anthony Griffiths

Looks like Hook has found his niche.

 

[Gronk]

Ffs it’s one thing to not agree but it’s another to totally make shit up.

It wasn’t a BA bash nor was I attempting to entice one.

But whatever floats your boat

What you did was from the Trump playbook.

"Some people have said < > , who knows if it's true ? I don't know. "

He does that so he can make an allegation, but distance himself from it. He plants the seed, then can deny that he made any such claim.

 

[IFR33K]

So this:

Isn't blaming the coach?

No I’m not blaming anyone. Maybe french’s confidence was down and BA told him to limit his involvement or stay on the wing waiting for an oppunity. Hence the ???? In my previous post.

 

[IFR33K]

What you did was from the Trump playbook.

"Some people have said < > , who knows if it's true ? I don't know. "

He does that so he can make an allegation, but distance himself from it. He plants the seed, then can deny that he made any such claim.

If I thought it was BA’s fault I would of said it. Like I said above, no one knows what transpired and what was said. Nor does anyone know the game plan for Bev. What is a given thou, is merkins just looking for an argument on a forum. ‍

 

[Incorrect]

Looks like Hook has found his niche.

Yep, he might not know how to coach (according to Gus) but he certainly writes a good article ...

 

[Joshuatheeel]

BA interview on BSB today:

http://media.skyracing.com.au/POD/1/KuApyJ.mp3

 

[Gronk]

BA interview on BSB today:

http://media.skyracing.com.au/POD/1/KuApyJ.mp3

Laurie Daley is a nuthugger.