Eels in the media

[Gary Gutful]

If only Bert bought his house...would have sold at a premium.

Dont ask my how or why, but I have seen Bert’s ballbag.

It’s not pretty...

 

[I'm a loser baby...]

FFS Ernie!!

 

[Happy MEel]

Dont ask my how or why, but I have seen Bert’s ballbag.

It’s not pretty...

Pics or it didn’t happen

 

[Gronk]

On this day ...

In an unprecedented move at the time, a coach swap was arranged for two coaches, with Eels coach Brian Smith agreeing to join Newcastle in 2007 while Knights mentor Michael Hagan signed on to join Parramatta.

https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/03/07/march-7-a-coach-swap-and-sbw-returns/

 

[Gronk]

Season preview

Parramatta Eels

You can look at the Eels two ways: one – facing a difficult season with a youthful spine hoping they’ll cope with the rigorous demands of the NRL otherwise they’ll battle to win more than a handful of games, or two – a no-lose situation, where no one expects them to do well so have a free hit and may shock some sides. Brad Arthur is a very good coach and he’ll relish this challenge, he’s giving the youngsters a crack, instilling trust and faith in them and has wrapped around them a security blanket of hardened campaigners. After the wooden spoon the only way is up… unless they collect another one.

Key Buy: Blake Ferguson – the winger of the year last season, the ex-Rooster has joined an Eels side hoping he’ll mimic their old cult hero Semi Radradra getting their sets off to explosive starts setting the tone giving the Eels momentum and Mitch Moses time. A quality buy he can only improve Parramatta.

Key Player: Mitch Moses – now Corey Norman is gone and a rookie is beside him in Dylan Brown, it falls on Moses to become the boss. He talks the talk now has to walk it. Moses is a marvellous talent who will want to show fans that 2018 wasn’t who he really is. Can he handle the pressure cooker of the NRL?

Player Watch: Dylan Brown – massive wraps on this kid, so much so, the Warriors threw the bank at him only to be rejected. For the Eels to rise through the ranks, Brown must succeed, but fans require patience, give the young fella time to find his feet and the blue and gold army will be rewarded.

Predicted Finish: 16th


https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/nrl-2019-club-guide-key-players-predicted-league-table-19534/

 

[hineyrulz]

On this day ...

In an unprecedented move at the time, a coach swap was arranged for two coaches, with Eels coach Brian Smith agreeing to join Newcastle in 2007 while Knights mentor Michael Hagan signed on to join Parramatta.

https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/03/07/march-7-a-coach-swap-and-sbw-returns/

Good decision Fitzy, the club has struggled from that call ever since.

 

[Gronk]

2019 Spine Rankings

In rugby league, glory in September is near impossible without a strong playmakers.

So let’s crack on with the rankings for each club’s spine ahead of the 2019 season.

Coming in at 15th place is last year’s cellar-dwellers, Parramatta.

The Eels’ spine has managed to avoid last place over the Canberra Raiders due to more stability and player potential.

However, the departure of former marquee man Corey Norman, form slumps and a lack of experience leave Brad Arthur’s men on the back foot.

Fullback: Clinton Gutherson

A recent run of poor form from Bevan French sees Clinton Gutherson in the box seat to line-up at fullback in Round 1.

You always know what you are going to get from the club co-captain. One of the most whole-hearted players in the competition, Gutherson’s effort and competitiveness has seen him become one of the game’s most consistent players and a fan favourite.

However, Gutherson did not reach his best form last season after making his return from an ACL injury. He is yet to spend a full season in the custodian role after spending time at five-eighth, centre and wing.

Hence, doubt still remains as to whether he has the spark and ball-playing ability to kick-start the Eels’ struggling attack.

Clint Gutherson (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)

Five-eighth: Dylan Brown

Boom rookie Dylan Brown is set to be handed the 6 jersey vacated by Norman.

Only 18, Brown’s time in the lower grades over the past two seasons, as well as his recent trial form, have showcased his immense potential. He has a willingness to take on the defensive line, natural ball-playing instincts, and doesn’t shy away from physicality in defence.

While fans have reason to be excited about the rising star, it will be tough for Brown to maintain form on a consistent basis during his first NRL season.

This is particularly the case when coming into a side that has struggled for form and results. It will likely take Brown some time to find his feet.

Halfback: Mitchell Moses

The former Tiger has long been regarded as a player with immense talent, however with an inexperienced half outside him, Moses must deliver on that potential and take ownership if the Eels are to propel themselves out of the bottom half of the competition.

From all reports, Moses’ application over the off-season and his physical conditioning is at a career high.

Moses has proven that can do some brilliant things with ball in hand, however composure in key moments and defensive lapses plagued his 2018 campaign.

He can be the man to lead Parramatta, however improved control and consistency are essential.

Hooker: Reed Mahoney

Hooker has been an unsettled position for Arthur, however Mahoney could be the Eels’ long-term rake.

The 20-year-old burst onto the scene in Round 14 last season, showcasing his tenacity and aggression, particularly in defence.

However, this will be the first full season where the diminutive Queenslander will take on a starting role. As in the case with fellow youngster Dylan Brown, it remains to be seen how Mahoney will handle playing big minutes every week – particularly in such a demanding position in the middle of the park.

https://www.theroar.com.au/2019/03/06/the-eels-narrowly-avoid-the-wooden-spoon-in-spine-rankings/

 

[Gronk]

Good decision Fitzy, the club has struggled from that call ever since.

IIRC the majority of the fanbase was behind the dumping of Smith.

In that year of 2007 we played semi finals. We got beat by (cheating) Storm in the Preliminary Final.

However, we made the GF only two years later and only got dudded by the same merkins who were still over the cap. So really is was the decisions made after 2009 that really f**ked us over. It wasn’t until 2017 that we had coach, team and mindset to play semi final footy.

 

[Gary Gutful]

On this day ...

In an unprecedented move at the time, a coach swap was arranged for two coaches, with Eels coach Brian Smith agreeing to join Newcastle in 2007 while Knights mentor Michael Hagan signed on to join Parramatta.

https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/03/07/march-7-a-coach-swap-and-sbw-returns/

Your post should have also come with a swifty alert.

 

[Gary Gutful]

2019 Spine Rankings

In rugby league, glory in September is near impossible without a strong playmakers.

So let’s crack on with the rankings for each club’s spine ahead of the 2019 season.

Coming in at 15th place is last year’s cellar-dwellers, Parramatta.

The Eels’ spine has managed to avoid last place over the Canberra Raiders due to more stability and player potential.

However, the departure of former marquee man Corey Norman, form slumps and a lack of experience leave Brad Arthur’s men on the back foot.

Fullback: Clinton Gutherson

A recent run of poor form from Bevan French sees Clinton Gutherson in the box seat to line-up at fullback in Round 1.

You always know what you are going to get from the club co-captain. One of the most whole-hearted players in the competition, Gutherson’s effort and competitiveness has seen him become one of the game’s most consistent players and a fan favourite.

However, Gutherson did not reach his best form last season after making his return from an ACL injury. He is yet to spend a full season in the custodian role after spending time at five-eighth, centre and wing.

Hence, doubt still remains as to whether he has the spark and ball-playing ability to kick-start the Eels’ struggling attack.

Clint Gutherson (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)

Five-eighth: Dylan Brown

Boom rookie Dylan Brown is set to be handed the 6 jersey vacated by Norman.

Only 18, Brown’s time in the lower grades over the past two seasons, as well as his recent trial form, have showcased his immense potential. He has a willingness to take on the defensive line, natural ball-playing instincts, and doesn’t shy away from physicality in defence.

While fans have reason to be excited about the rising star, it will be tough for Brown to maintain form on a consistent basis during his first NRL season.

This is particularly the case when coming into a side that has struggled for form and results. It will likely take Brown some time to find his feet.

Halfback: Mitchell Moses

The former Tiger has long been regarded as a player with immense talent, however with an inexperienced half outside him, Moses must deliver on that potential and take ownership if the Eels are to propel themselves out of the bottom half of the competition.

From all reports, Moses’ application over the off-season and his physical conditioning is at a career high.

Moses has proven that can do some brilliant things with ball in hand, however composure in key moments and defensive lapses plagued his 2018 campaign.

He can be the man to lead Parramatta, however improved control and consistency are essential.

Hooker: Reed Mahoney

Hooker has been an unsettled position for Arthur, however Mahoney could be the Eels’ long-term rake.

The 20-year-old burst onto the scene in Round 14 last season, showcasing his tenacity and aggression, particularly in defence.

However, this will be the first full season where the diminutive Queenslander will take on a starting role. As in the case with fellow youngster Dylan Brown, it remains to be seen how Mahoney will handle playing big minutes every week – particularly in such a demanding position in the middle of the park.

https://www.theroar.com.au/2019/03/06/the-eels-narrowly-avoid-the-wooden-spoon-in-spine-rankings/

Hard to argue with much of that. I still hope they prove a few people wrong though.

 

[Obscene Assassin]

IIRC the majority of the fanbase was behind the dumping of Smith.

In that year of 2007 we played semi finals. We got beat by (cheating) Storm in the Preliminary Final.

However, we made the GF only two years later and only got dudded by the same merkins who were still over the cap. So really is was the decisions made after 2009 that really f**ked us over. It wasn’t until 2017 that we had coach, team and mindset to play semi final footy.

Goes to show what stability in high positions can do. After this we were changing our head coach every 2-3 pre-seasons and not only did our first grade team struggle, our recruiting of first graders struggled and our junior pathway struggled.

 

[Obscene Assassin]

Five-eighth: Dylan Brown

Boom rookie Dylan Brown is set to be handed the 6 jersey vacated by Norman.

Only 18, Brown’s time in the lower grades over the past two seasons, as well as his recent trial form, have showcased his immense potential. He has a willingness to take on the defensive line, natural ball-playing instincts, and doesn’t shy away from physicality in defence.

While fans have reason to be excited about the rising star, it will be tough for Brown to maintain form on a consistent basis during his first NRL season.

This is particularly the case when coming into a side that has struggled for form and results. It will likely take Brown some time to find his feet.
https://www.theroar.com.au/2019/03/06/the-eels-narrowly-avoid-the-wooden-spoon-in-spine-rankings/

Personally I have more faith in Dylan Brown being consistent than moses. So far Dyl has been at a consistent level in both trials, Moses has produced great moments but also shown terrible execution.

 

[84 Baby]

Personally I have more faith in Dylan Brown being consistent than moses. So far Dyl has been at a consistent level in both trials, Moses has produced great moments but also shown terrible execution.

I reckon the author nailed it here re Moses

however composure in key moments

90% of his 5th tackle options & field kicks he looks like he's shitting himself

 

[Bazal]

IIRC the majority of the fanbase was behind the dumping of Smith.

In that year of 2007 we played semi finals. We got beat by (cheating) Storm in the Preliminary Final.

However, we made the GF only two years later and only got dudded by the same merkins who were still over the cap. So really is was the decisions made after 2009 that really f**ked us over. It wasn’t until 2017 that we had coach, team and mindset to play semi final footy.

Smithy had gotten stale for sure.

Isse was more the guy they replaced him with had no clue. The rot started under Hagan, but it could have been fixed in the years after as well.

Instead we started sacking coaches at will, ignoring the junior systems, and spending more time pumping factions tyres than running a football club

 

[hineyrulz]

IIRC the majority of the fanbase was behind the dumping of Smith.

In that year of 2007 we played semi finals. We got beat by (cheating) Storm in the Preliminary Final.

However, we made the GF only two years later and only got dudded by the same merkins who were still over the cap. So really is was the decisions made after 2009 that really f**ked us over. It wasn’t until 2017 that we had coach, team and mindset to play semi final footy.

So hiring Hagan when he did with no consulting anyone including the board was a good call???

It torpedoed the 2006 season for starters, we had a squad that won the minor Premiership the year before. Our 2007 side with the emergence of Hayne, Inu and Mateo was even stronger.

You saying us going close had nothing to do with the squad and systems built up by Brian Smith??? Even in 2009 most of the players in the squad came through under Smith or through his systems. By 2010 all his good work was squandered and we have been struggling ever since.

But yeah all the bad decisions in 09 are too blame..........

 

[Gronk]

So hiring Hagan when he did with no consulting anyone including the board was a good call???

It torpedoed the 2006 season for starters, we had a squad that won the minor Premiership the year before. Our 2007 side with the emergence of Hayne, Inu and Mateo was even stronger.

You saying us going close had nothing to do with the squad and systems built up by Brian Smith??? Even in 2009 most of the players in the squad came through under Smith or through his systems. By 2010 all his good work was squandered and we have been struggling ever since.

But yeah all the bad decisions in 09 are too blame..........

We went deep into the semis in 2005.

We played in the semis in 2006. That was the year when JT took over from Smith.

Played in the semis in 2007.

Bog average in 2008 (Hagan chopped).

Played in GF in 2009.

What I said was from 2009 we did not have the team, coach or mindset to make the semis again until 2017 (finished 4th).

You are arguing with yourself merkin.

 

[Delboy]

Seems the media keep talking about our forwards, well have they looked at the packs of Tigers, Bulldogs, Knights and Raiders for instance. They certainly don’t look any better than ours, far from it.

Good to be under rated after last year, but do some homework

 

[Bazal]

Seems the media keep talking about our forwards, well have they looked at the packs of Tigers, Bulldogs, Knights and Raiders for instance. They certainly don’t look any better than ours, far from it.

Good to be under rated after last year, but do some homework

Given the media still talk about big, tired Warriors forwards about 12 years after that was actually a thing, I'm not surprised they're slow to catch on here

 

[Gronk]

Seems the media keep talking about our forwards, well have they looked at the packs of Tigers, Bulldogs, Knights and Raiders for instance. They certainly don’t look any better than ours, far from it.

Good to be under rated after last year, but do some homework

Agreed. I was looking through some of the predicted Rnd 1 teams on NRL.com and have seriously never heard of some of the merkins lining up for some teams. Some of the benches are weak as piss.

https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/03/06/nrl-round-1-predicted-line-ups/

 

[hineyrulz]

We went deep into the semis in 2005.

We played in the semis in 2006. That was the year when JT took over from Smith.

Played in the semis in 2007.

Bog average in 2008 (Hagan chopped).

Played in GF in 2009.

What I said was from 2009 we did not have the team, coach or mindset to make the semis again until 2017 (finished 4th).

You are arguing with yourself merkin.

Thanks for the history lesson, I had no idea what had happened.


So you still believe the timing of the appointment of Hagan was a good choice???

It was a poor call that started the rot, Smithy’s time had come but hiring that simpleton Hagan was not the answer.