Eels in the media

[Gronk]

https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/10/14/nrl-congratulates-award-winners/

David Gower won the Dennis Tutty Award at the RLPA Awards. Looks like an Award for contribution to the player’s union.

Sivo made their Dream Team.

Alvaro made the Academic Team of the Year.


The 2019 RLPA & NRL Awards full list of winners are:
NRL Players' Champion: James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters)

NRLW Players' Champion: Jessica Sergis (St George Illawarra Dragons)

The Dennis Tutty Award: David Gower (Parramatta Eels)

Rookie of the Year: Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos)

The Players' 13 Dream Team:

1. James Tedesco
2. Maika Sivo
3. Latrell Mitchell
4. Will Hopoate
5. Daniel Tupou
6. Cameron Munster
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Payne Haas
9. Cameron Smith
10. Josh Papalii
11. John Bateman
12. Kenny Bromwich
13. Jake Trbojevic

Male Academic Player of the Year: Russell Packer (Wests Tigers)

Female Academic Player of the Year: Vanessa Foliaki (Sydney Roosters)

Indigenous Academic Excellence Award: Josh Addo-Carr (Melbourne Storm)

Pasifika Academic Excellence Awards: Jayson Bukuya (Cronulla Sharks)

Academic Team of the Year:
Vanessa Foliaki (Currently completing a Bachelor of Psychology, Massey University)

Matthew Lodge (Completed a Diploma of Business and currently completing a Bachelor of Business, Swinburne University)

James Tamou (Currently completing a Cert III in Carpentry and Cert III & IV in fitness and completed small Business, EABS)

Will Hopoate (Completed a Diploma of Community Services and Cert IV in Community, Granville TAFE)

Brett Morris (Currently completing a Cert III in Carpentry and Completed cert iv in small business, Gymea TAFE)

Daniel Alvaro (Currently completing a Cert III in Carpentry, Meadowbank TAFE)

Toafofoa Sipley (Completed a Bachelor of Education in High School teaching, University of Auckland)

Jamie Buhrer (Currently completing a Bachelor in Sports Business Management, ACPE)

Coen Hess (Currently doing Master of Business Administration and completed a Diploma of Hospitality and Diploma of Business Management, CQU)

Chanel Harris-Tavita (Currently completing a Bachelor of Business, Auckland University of Technology)

Keegan Hipgrave (Currently completing a Bachelor of Business, QUT)

Russell Packer (Currently completing a Masters Business Administration, UNSW)

Robbie Rochow (Currently completing a Bachelor of Engineering, UNSW)

 

[Joshuatheeel]

“EELS SNARE HIGHLY-RATED ASSISTANT

Parramatta are set for a major boost, with the appointment of Ryan Carr as an assistant coach for next season.

Carr will take over from former Wests Tigers head coach Mick Potter, who will leave the club after just one season.

Carr has an impressive coaching resume, having been head coach at English club Featherstone and Raiders feeder club Mounties.

He also did some work with Ricky Stuart's top squad at Canberra last season and is a first-grade coach in waiting.”

https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/the-mo...t-merrin/4dae6f1d-744e-4d50-9058-564fde1c83a2

 

[Poupou Escobar]

I wonder how many MBA holders have a conviction for kerb stomping some poor merkin outside a nightclub.

 

[TheRam]

You could say that about every club with players off contract.

Here's a non-exhaustive list of off-contract players:

Brisbane
Bird (player option)
Boyd (player option)
Fifita
Flegler
McCullough (player option)
Milford (player option)
Oates (uncontracted for 2020)
Segeyaro (uncontracted for 2020)
Shibasaki
Staggs
Turpin (player option)

Canberra
Cotric
Croker
Havili (player option)
Leilua
Sezer
Soliola

Canterbury
Elliot
Foran
Hopoate
Jackson
Lewis
Smith
Tolman
Watene-Zelezniak

Cronulla
Capewell (uncontracted for 2020)
Morris
Prior
Townsend

Gold Coast
Arrow
Brimson
Copley
James
Latu
Peats
Proctor
Roberts
Sami

Manly
Suli
Taupau
Thompson
Jrbojevic
Trbojevic
Walker (uncontracted for 2020)

Melbourne
Jromwich (player option)
Kromwich
Kata
Kamikamica
Kaufusi (player option)
Olam
Papenhuyzen
Smith
Vunivalu
Welch

New Zealand
Blair (player option)
Green
Harris-Tavita
Hiku
Luke (uncontracted for 2020)
Papalii

Newcastle
Barnett
Ese'ese
Guerra
Moga
Ramien
Daifiti
Jaifiti
Watson

North Queensland
Asiata
Bolton (uncontracted for 2020)
Clifford
Cooper
Feldt
Martin (uncontracted for 2020)
McLean (player option)
Scott (uncontracted for 2020)

Parramatta
Drown
Nrown (player option)
Evans
Mennings (uncontracted for 2020)
Lane
Mahoney
Niukore
Sivo
Takairangi (uncontracted for 2020)

Penrith
Edwards
Tamou
To'o

Souths
Johnston
Knight
Walker

St George
Aitken
de Belin
Frizell
Graham
Lafai
Leilua
Lomax

Roosters
Aubusson
Butcher
Cronk (uncontracted for 2020)
Friend
Manu
Mitchell
Morris
Taukeiaho
Tetevano (uncontracted for 2020)
Waerea-Hargreaves

Wests
Eisenhuth
Jennings
Lawrence (uncontracted for 2020)
Marshall
Marsters
Matulino
McQueen
Taylor
Twal

Just a quick assessment of that list and any 2 or 3 of the following players at the right price would be great acquisitions for our team.

Fifita
Staggs
Havili
Elliot
Jackson
Arrow
James
Proctor
Kaufusi
Asiata
Frizell
Taukeiaho
Tetevano
Waerea-Hargreaves
Twal

 

[T.S Quint]

I wonder how many MBA holders have a conviction for kerb stomping some poor merkin outside a nightclub.

It’s probably a course requirement.

 

[Happy MEel]

I wonder how many MBA holders have a conviction for kerb stomping some poor merkin outside a nightclub.

 

[strider]

“EELS SNARE HIGHLY-RATED ASSISTANT

Parramatta are set for a major boost, with the appointment of Ryan Carr as an assistant coach for next season.

Carr will take over from former Wests Tigers head coach Mick Potter, who will leave the club after just one season.

Carr has an impressive coaching resume, having been head coach at English club Featherstone and Raiders feeder club Mounties.

He also did some work with Ricky Stuart's top squad at Canberra last season and is a first-grade coach in waiting.”

https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/the-mo...t-merrin/4dae6f1d-744e-4d50-9058-564fde1c83a2

Get f**ked ... I thought we were gonna hire some useless crap coach with zero knowledge

 

[Joshuatheeel]

We apparently met with Matterson today:

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/ma...rs-about-possible-return-20191015-p530y6.html

https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/6b5192e678a0ca852da19cf5b36c09f7

https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/10/15/matterson-meets-with-eels-over-potential-switch/

 

[Joshuatheeel]

 

[T.S Quint]

Give em some money. We’ve got shitloads of it.

Or they can have Will Smith. We can even throw in Taka if that’s not enough.

 

[Joshuatheeel]

Good read from TCT:

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the silly season.

That first day in November, when players contracted until the end of the following season are suddenly permitted to negotiate with clubs twelve months in advance, is soon to arrive.

Of course, the average footy punter has as much faith in the honesty of the system as coaches believe that they have the full support of the board for the duration of their contract. But, for the purposes of continuing the NRL soap opera into the off season, ticking this date on the calendar means that agents can openly play some of their negotiation picture cards with bidding clubs and the media.

Who holds the best hand?...................”

https://thecumberlandthrow.com/2019/10/15/the-spotlight-selling-the-eels-to-the-player-market/

 

[parra pete]

Good read from TCT:

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the silly season.

That first day in November, when players contracted until the end of the following season are suddenly permitted to negotiate with clubs twelve months in advance, is soon to arrive.

Of course, the average footy punter has as much faith in the honesty of the system as coaches believe that they have the full support of the board for the duration of their contract. But, for the purposes of continuing the NRL soap opera into the off season, ticking this date on the calendar means that agents can openly play some of their negotiation picture cards with bidding clubs and the media.

Who holds the best hand?...................”

https://thecumberlandthrow.com/2019/10/15/the-spotlight-selling-the-eels-to-the-player-market/

Best fan page on Internet

 

[Avenger]

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw...ta-economy-on-match-days-20191015-p530zf.html

 

[Joshuatheeel]

What constitutes good leadership?

In the world of the NRL, it’s historically been a metric commonly associated with the team captain. “Strong” captains were celebrated as being important components of successful teams. Leaders like Arthur Beetson, Steve Mortimer and Wally Lewis have become rugby league folklore as much for their leadership as their talent.

However, over the last ten years, titles such as “team captains” or “leadership group” have become the term du jour.

Why the shift?

Traditionally, footballing skill was a key attribute when it came to selecting the captain. One of the best players would be given the honour of reinforcing the coach’s message on the field and the reasoning would be simple – they’d often have the admiration of their team mates and, given their form, they’d be less likely to be dropped.

Today, there is an increasing value placed on empowering the players. By taking on more responsibility, the expectation is that the footballers will maximise their performance and drive team culture.

Michael Maguire and Nathan Cleary are two coaches who have gone down the path of naming multiple (read 5 or 6) team captains.

In 2019, Cleary explained his decision:

“We are confident it will see every Panthers player contribute in their own way and help create real ownership of this team in 2019.”

The key word there is obviously ownership.

Whether they’re called team captains or a leadership group, every team has them.

And this is where one of the most important evolutions of the Parramatta team appears to be taking shape.

Since 2013, the pater familias of the Parramatta team has been Tim Mannah. And what he brought to the squad was important.

A proud moment for Tim from the Johnny Mannah Cup.

The league world knew him as a fine ambassador for his club and the code. A tireless community and charity worker, he brought the same ethic to his training and preparation. He made it his responsibility to welcome and get to know new members of the full time squad, and he was one of the first to run alongside those who were struggling with the demands of pre-season training. As a role model, there were few better qualified.

But far too often, Tim seemed to be the lone voice. A leadership group might have been in place, but to my eyes few seemed ready to fulfil the role expected. David Gower would fit the bill, but he could never be guaranteed of consistent top grade selection.

You need leaders in your spine, as they handle the ball more than others. You need them in your forwards as they carry the heaviest workload.

You need people capable of selfless ambition – they set a priority of team success ahead of personal success. Impressively, when this is done well, a great captain’s personal form thrives in such a team environment.

Gutho at training,

Over the last two years, Parramatta’s leadership has been in a state of transition. Arthur has been looking for a core group of players to take on the role. Gutherson was appointed co-captain and more was expected of the senior players. In 2018, this did not play out well.

I have a theory about this, and how it changed in 2019.

Good leaders require emotional intelligence (EQ). Over the last quarter century there have been numerous studies about the role or relative importance of emotional intelligence in leadership. It’s most often been applied to business/organisation contexts, but it also has relevance to professional sports teams.

Put simply, a person with high EQ has an understanding of themselves – including their own strengths and weaknesses, they have good self-regulation of their emotions, they possess empathy and social skills and are motivated and capable of understanding what motivates others.

I’ll also throw in another criteria – consistency. An effective leader, with a high EQ, will also be consistent in their own standards. And consistency creates credibility – an essential quality when leading others in challenging times.

Let’s consider the Eels of 2018. Apart from Mannah, there were no leaders to be found in the forwards. Team selections were impacted by injury and poor form, meaning there was nobody stepping up at a time when leadership was needed the most.

In the spine, what was present was literally the antithesis of emotional intelligence. Mitch Moses has openly discussed his flaws during that tumultuous year, looking to blame others instead of understanding his individual accountability. The weekly frustrations were written on the faces of Gutherson and Norman.

An environment which had “leaders” looking frustrated and confused was never going to produce success.

Ultimately, the horrors of the season would turn out to be the catalyst for change.

It would come from up-skilling the current squad and adding leadership via recruitment.

The blunt reviews with BA would be a starting point. They were soon followed by the well-documented honesty sessions for the entire group.Kurt Wrigley, a facilitator with Leading Teams, was added as a leadership resource.

The impact on Mitch Moses has been astonishing.

Mitch Moses at Eels training

Though he’s only beginning to scratch the surface of what being a leader means, Moses’ growth in game management was exponential. His stellar season saw him top the premiership for try assists, claim Aussie 9s and Prime Ministers XIII representation, as well as being named Dally M half of the year and the Ken Thornett medallist.

Clint Gutherson has also grown as a captain. He has always set the standard in team preparations whilst walking that fine line between team joker and leader. Under his leadership, captain’s runs are now just that – Arthur looks on as Gutherson leads the squad through its final run of the week.

On that note, Nathan Brown has become a stronger voice. It’s not unusual to see the Eels enforcer offer advice to the younger forwards or address the playing group at training.

And the new recruits had an immediate impact.

From his first session, Ferguson was a powerful voice. He took young backs under his wing, offering advice about positioning and reading the play.

Junior Paulo became an important senior player for the young Pasifika boys in the squad, but he didn’t limit his influence to them. Throughout the pre-season, he made Ethan Parry’s development a personal mission, ensuring that every hit up made by the young back was full of purpose.

And, as the season has unfolded, Shaun Lane was praised for his leadership qualities. His role in the development of Dylan Brown and the Eels left side attack received the recognition it deserved.

While we’re talking left side, Michael Jennings became an important mentor for Maika Sivo. The rookie Fijian speaks glowingly Jenko’s communication during matches and the confidence it gives him. It’s probably something which has not received enough acknowledgement this year.

Are there any future leaders in the young players?

There are, and importantly they are all found in the spine.

Few would argue that Reed Mahoney possesses the qualities to be a successful leader. He’s intelligent, articulate, dedicated, community minded and composed under pressure.

Interestingly, the player following behind Reed in the dummy half role, Kyle Schneider, is also a leader. Though he’s yet to experience senior footy, the talented young rake has been captain in both Eels and representative age teams.

Dylan Brown

The other player I’d nominate as a leader of the future, Dylan Brown, seems unflappable during the heat of battle. His confidence and composure this year belied his youth and inexperience. He’s also someone who understands the importance of his team mates, and can often be found helping out or watching the lower grades on his days off.

Moving into 2020, what was once a justified area of concern for Brad Arthur could potentially become a strength for the Eels.

Players such as Gutherson, Moses, Nathan Brown, Paulo and Lane are becoming mature leaders, in what should be the most productive times of their careers. Ferguson and Jennings have the experience and wisdom to mentor their younger charges. Mahoney and Brown could be nurtured as future captains.

Though only twelve months have passed, it seems a far cry from 2018.

Eels forever!

Sixties


Sent from my iPhone

 

[TheParraboy]

“EELS SNARE HIGHLY-RATED ASSISTANT

Parramatta are set for a major boost, with the appointment of Ryan Carr as an assistant coach for next season.

Carr will take over from former Wests Tigers head coach Mick Potter, who will leave the club after just one season.

Carr has an impressive coaching resume, having been head coach at English club Featherstone and Raiders feeder club Mounties.

He also did some work with Ricky Stuart's top squad at Canberra last season and is a first-grade coach in waiting.”

https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/the-mo...t-merrin/4dae6f1d-744e-4d50-9058-564fde1c83a2

Stephen Kearney came highly rated....

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Well he's never been without a job.

 

[TheParraboy]

do I need to repeat myself?

 

[84 Baby]

do I need to repeat myself?

Depends on what you said

 

[Gronk]

do I need to repeat myself?

If you did, @Poupou Escobar would respond tangentially.

 

[Eelementary]

What constitutes good leadership?

In the world of the NRL, it’s historically been a metric commonly associated with the team captain. “Strong” captains were celebrated as being important components of successful teams. Leaders like Arthur Beetson, Steve Mortimer and Wally Lewis have become rugby league folklore as much for their leadership as their talent.

However, over the last ten years, titles such as “team captains” or “leadership group” have become the term du jour.

Why the shift?

Traditionally, footballing skill was a key attribute when it came to selecting the captain. One of the best players would be given the honour of reinforcing the coach’s message on the field and the reasoning would be simple – they’d often have the admiration of their team mates and, given their form, they’d be less likely to be dropped.

Today, there is an increasing value placed on empowering the players. By taking on more responsibility, the expectation is that the footballers will maximise their performance and drive team culture.

Michael Maguire and Nathan Cleary are two coaches who have gone down the path of naming multiple (read 5 or 6) team captains.

In 2019, Cleary explained his decision:

“We are confident it will see every Panthers player contribute in their own way and help create real ownership of this team in 2019.”

The key word there is obviously ownership.

Whether they’re called team captains or a leadership group, every team has them.

And this is where one of the most important evolutions of the Parramatta team appears to be taking shape.

Since 2013, the pater familias of the Parramatta team has been Tim Mannah. And what he brought to the squad was important.

A proud moment for Tim from the Johnny Mannah Cup.

The league world knew him as a fine ambassador for his club and the code. A tireless community and charity worker, he brought the same ethic to his training and preparation. He made it his responsibility to welcome and get to know new members of the full time squad, and he was one of the first to run alongside those who were struggling with the demands of pre-season training. As a role model, there were few better qualified.

But far too often, Tim seemed to be the lone voice. A leadership group might have been in place, but to my eyes few seemed ready to fulfil the role expected. David Gower would fit the bill, but he could never be guaranteed of consistent top grade selection.

You need leaders in your spine, as they handle the ball more than others. You need them in your forwards as they carry the heaviest workload.

You need people capable of selfless ambition – they set a priority of team success ahead of personal success. Impressively, when this is done well, a great captain’s personal form thrives in such a team environment.

Gutho at training,

Over the last two years, Parramatta’s leadership has been in a state of transition. Arthur has been looking for a core group of players to take on the role. Gutherson was appointed co-captain and more was expected of the senior players. In 2018, this did not play out well.

I have a theory about this, and how it changed in 2019.

Good leaders require emotional intelligence (EQ). Over the last quarter century there have been numerous studies about the role or relative importance of emotional intelligence in leadership. It’s most often been applied to business/organisation contexts, but it also has relevance to professional sports teams.

Put simply, a person with high EQ has an understanding of themselves – including their own strengths and weaknesses, they have good self-regulation of their emotions, they possess empathy and social skills and are motivated and capable of understanding what motivates others.

I’ll also throw in another criteria – consistency. An effective leader, with a high EQ, will also be consistent in their own standards. And consistency creates credibility – an essential quality when leading others in challenging times.

Let’s consider the Eels of 2018. Apart from Mannah, there were no leaders to be found in the forwards. Team selections were impacted by injury and poor form, meaning there was nobody stepping up at a time when leadership was needed the most.

In the spine, what was present was literally the antithesis of emotional intelligence. Mitch Moses has openly discussed his flaws during that tumultuous year, looking to blame others instead of understanding his individual accountability. The weekly frustrations were written on the faces of Gutherson and Norman.

An environment which had “leaders” looking frustrated and confused was never going to produce success.

Ultimately, the horrors of the season would turn out to be the catalyst for change.

It would come from up-skilling the current squad and adding leadership via recruitment.

The blunt reviews with BA would be a starting point. They were soon followed by the well-documented honesty sessions for the entire group.Kurt Wrigley, a facilitator with Leading Teams, was added as a leadership resource.

The impact on Mitch Moses has been astonishing.

Mitch Moses at Eels training

Though he’s only beginning to scratch the surface of what being a leader means, Moses’ growth in game management was exponential. His stellar season saw him top the premiership for try assists, claim Aussie 9s and Prime Ministers XIII representation, as well as being named Dally M half of the year and the Ken Thornett medallist.

Clint Gutherson has also grown as a captain. He has always set the standard in team preparations whilst walking that fine line between team joker and leader. Under his leadership, captain’s runs are now just that – Arthur looks on as Gutherson leads the squad through its final run of the week.

On that note, Nathan Brown has become a stronger voice. It’s not unusual to see the Eels enforcer offer advice to the younger forwards or address the playing group at training.

And the new recruits had an immediate impact.

From his first session, Ferguson was a powerful voice. He took young backs under his wing, offering advice about positioning and reading the play.

Junior Paulo became an important senior player for the young Pasifika boys in the squad, but he didn’t limit his influence to them. Throughout the pre-season, he made Ethan Parry’s development a personal mission, ensuring that every hit up made by the young back was full of purpose.

And, as the season has unfolded, Shaun Lane was praised for his leadership qualities. His role in the development of Dylan Brown and the Eels left side attack received the recognition it deserved.

While we’re talking left side, Michael Jennings became an important mentor for Maika Sivo. The rookie Fijian speaks glowingly Jenko’s communication during matches and the confidence it gives him. It’s probably something which has not received enough acknowledgement this year.

Are there any future leaders in the young players?

There are, and importantly they are all found in the spine.

Few would argue that Reed Mahoney possesses the qualities to be a successful leader. He’s intelligent, articulate, dedicated, community minded and composed under pressure.

Interestingly, the player following behind Reed in the dummy half role, Kyle Schneider, is also a leader. Though he’s yet to experience senior footy, the talented young rake has been captain in both Eels and representative age teams.

Dylan Brown

The other player I’d nominate as a leader of the future, Dylan Brown, seems unflappable during the heat of battle. His confidence and composure this year belied his youth and inexperience. He’s also someone who understands the importance of his team mates, and can often be found helping out or watching the lower grades on his days off.

Moving into 2020, what was once a justified area of concern for Brad Arthur could potentially become a strength for the Eels.

Players such as Gutherson, Moses, Nathan Brown, Paulo and Lane are becoming mature leaders, in what should be the most productive times of their careers. Ferguson and Jennings have the experience and wisdom to mentor their younger charges. Mahoney and Brown could be nurtured as future captains.

Though only twelve months have passed, it seems a far cry from 2018.

Eels forever!

Sixties


Sent from my iPhone

Great article....

But the coach is Ivan Cleary, not Nathan.