Eels in the media

[T.S Quint]

Anyone else feel dirty at that Beetroot headed Merkin giving our club a wrap???

Now I know how Sharks fans feel.

Great, now I have to hate the Eels.
Thanks a lot Rothfield.

 

[Gronk]

The man behind Moses's defensive steel

Eels halfback Mitch Moses has improved defensively. Credit: Robb Cox. Copyright: NRL Photos.
One-time Storm hard-man Brett 'Bump' O'Farrell is the secret weapon behind the Eels' current defensive steel and the key man who has turned around one-time speed bump Mitch Moses.

‌The former Wests Tigers half joined the Eels mid-season and his recruitment has been more that timely given senior half Corey Norman was injured at the time Moses joined and key playmaker Clint Gutherson has since been rubbed out for the season with a knee injury.

The Eels have won seven from nine games since Moses joined and while there were never any questions over his boundless talent, fans have been buoyed by the steep improvement in his once-leaky defence.

In 10 games for Wests Tigers this year, Moses missed 49 tackles at 4.9 per game, in a team leaking 25.4 points per game. In the Eels system under 'Bump', Moses missed 20 tackles in his first four games at five per game (on par with his Tigers form) before the improvement really took hold.

In the past five rounds Moses has missed just 13 tackles at 2.6 per game in team conceding just 58 points at 11.6 per game; crucially, the Eels have won all five of those games to move to sixth on the ladder.

For comparison, looking at other halves who are regarded as solid defenders in their past five games, Nathan Cleary and Kieran Foran (both 11 misses at 2.2 per game), Daly Cherry-Evans (16 at 3.2 per game), Michael Morgan (17 at 3.4 per game) and Mitchell Pearce (18 at 3.6 per game) have all missed similar or greater numbers of tackles than Moses.

Eels back-rower Tepai Moeroa – a noted defender who spends much of his time on field helping out Moses on the Eels right edge – praised the improvement in Moses's defensive work since he joined Parramatta.

"Before he came to Parra he wasn't known for his defensive abilities but now he makes his one-on-one tackles and even puts on a couple of shots now and again," Moeroa smiled at Eels training on Monday.

"He's brave, he's not afraid of the contact."

Moeroa spoke of the Eels "contact room" where "contact technician" O'Farrell – who played 20 games for Melbourne from 1999 to 2001 – hardens up the players ready for battle.

"We've got our contact technician 'Bump'. He's been working one-on-one with [Moses]. Tackle technique, wrestle and stuff like that," Moeroa said.

"It's more technique, teaching him how to tackle properly and build his confidence.

"I guess he's just been working hard on his defence in our contact room. He's not afraid to put a couple of shots on in there so I guess it's taking that confidence out on the field."

Moses recently told NRL.com about the work he had done one-on-one with the man they call 'Bump', who is in his second year of doing a few sessions a week at Parramatta along, with working across several other clubs and football codes.

"I've been working pretty close with our tackle tech coach 'Bump'. He's been massive for me, always gets me in before training to do a few extra tackles," Moses said after the 13-12 win over the Bulldogs a month ago.

"I felt pretty comfortable. It was just about me getting more comfortable week by week, new defensive structures, getting used to what Parra do and I'm definitely feeling more comfortable now."

http://www.nrl.com/the-man-behind-mosess-defensive-steel/tabid/10874/newsid/110605/default.aspx

 

[eel01s]

The extra work is paying off. Moses looks more confident as well.

 

[strider]

"contact technician" ... lol

 

[Johnny88]

B.A. Speaks before Bulldogs game.

 

[Eelpout]

NRL: Phil Gould says Parramatta Eels are playing like a side destined for finals success

Forget about who they were playing. Forget about whether or not the Parramatta Eels will qualify for the top eight, or even the top four, when it comes the time for September football.

If the Eels continue to play with the same intent, physicality, patience and control they displayed in easily accounting for the Bulldogs on Thursday night, they might not lose another game this season. This year could end with them belting out their team song on the victory podium on grand final day.

I did not rate Parramatta as a genuine premiership contender at the start of the season. I didn't rate them a serious title threat a month ago.

However, we have witnessed many times over the years how momentum through the months of July and August can produce amazing results in September.

The Eels have gone to another level with their football, especially over the past fortnight. The big wins over the Broncos and Bulldogs have displayed a finals-football quality and mentality.

This is a team on a roll at the right time of the year.

In atrocious conditions against Canterbury, the Eels produced a wonderfully-controlled exhibition of pressure football. I have often said that playing wet weather football, is very similar to playing big match football. Simplicity, power and control are the key ingredients. Parramatta were awesome in these areas.

They were so much better than their opponents in all facets of the game. They dominated field position and possession. They rolled through their sets with a minimum of fuss. Their kicking game was simply outstanding. Halves Corey Norman and Mitchell Moses had the ball on a string, forcing line-dropout restarts on the Bulldogs time and time again. I lost count. Maybe a dozen in the end.

Even on the few occasions they had to work the ball out of their own end of the field, the long-kicking game of these two playmakers was also superb.

Consistently winning big games though, starts in the engine room. Forwards win matches. Even the best playmakers in history will agree to that fact. This rough and tumble lot at Parramatta are doing a wonderful job at the moment.

The thing about the Parramatta forwards is that they are all happy to be forwards. They don't try to be something they are not. They roll their sleeves up and inspire each other with their strong charges and brutal defensive efforts.

Their running game is almost foolproof. Every run has power and purpose. Last night seven of their forwards ran for over 100 meters.

Siosaia Vave 152, Tim Mannah 115, Kenny Edwards 151, Manu Ma'u 120, Nathan Brown 187, Daniel Alvaro 125, Suaia Matagi 149. All outstanding.

Mind you, they don't just stick the ball up the jumper and run as hard as they can. They can all find a pass or an offload if it's on.

Remember too, that Tepai Moeroa didn't play last night. Big Frank Pritchard is also making his way back from a long-term injury and once he has a few more miles in his legs, his experience will be very handy in the big games ahead.

The Parramatta forwards are obviously well supported by brilliant halves and slick outside backs. But to be honest, any backline worth its salt would be having plenty of joy playing off the back of these big boys.

The Bulldogs?

Look, it wasn't good. I'd say pride and embarrassment probably motivated them to show some resilience in the second half. Unfortunately, it appears they couldn't find anything to inspire themselves in the first half.

Parramatta's first try pretty much summed up the Bulldog's 2017 season. From a tap kick, ten metres out from the Bulldog's line, on tackle one, young Eels forward Daniel Alvaro pushed his way through the middle of the Bulldog's forwards to plant the ball down under the posts. The game was as good as over from that point. That never happens to the Bulldogs. Why is it happening now?

It has nothing to do with talent. Something is missing in the kennel at the moment. I'm sure the coach is looking for it. I'm not so sure the players are contributing to the search.

Their football is slow, hesitant and unconvincing. They don't look like they believe they can score a try, let alone win a game.

It's a lonely and frustrating place for the coach. We've all been there at one time or another. If you are around this game long enough, you will undoubtedly go through periods like these. You honestly can't see where your next win will come.

My only advice to coaches who are experiencing such a poor run, is to stop worrying about trying to win a game. Start working on trying to find positives and improvement in all individuals on a daily basis.

Start winning every day from Monday to Friday. If you can get back into the grind of self-improvement, no matter how small, the results on the weekends will eventually look after themselves. But you need every individual in the building to buy into this mentality.

Sadly, these days, clubs try to look for quicker solutions.

Anyway, the big story here is the Parramatta Eels. They now have everyone's attention.

Their fans have good cause to be excited about the next couple of months.

http://wwos.nine.com.au/2017/08/04/...matta-eels-on-track-for-success-in-nrl-finals

 

[Poupou Escobar]

I also loved Gould's article about Kenny Edwards the other day: http://wwos.nine.com.au/2017/08/02/...-dog-shot-on-broncos-jonus-pearson-phil-gould

Choice quotes:

When the video referee looked at replays of the incident, even they realised that Kenny Edwards had not broken any rules. He had not performed an illegal tackle. He was neither penalised, cautioned, nor put on report as a result of this tackle.

Claims by the keyboard warriors on social media that Edwards hit Pearson in the head are totally incorrect. Claims that the tackle resembled a shoulder charge, are again, incorrect. Edwards did not lash out with his elbows or knees. He did not attack a man who was not in possession of the ball.

There is no doubt Edwards hit Pearson as hard as you could. Why would he do this? Well, let’s be honest; he did it to hurt him. Maybe he was hoping to put him out of the game. That would be an advantage to his team. Maybe he was hoping he could get him to release his grip on the ball and regain possession for his team. That would be a good result.

Whether you love or hate, like or despise, Kenny Edwards, there is no doubt he plays to win, and he takes no prisoners in the process. I’m sure his teammates love playing with him. I would say his opponents hate playing against him.

I repeat, Kenny Edwards didn’t break any rules with his tackle on Jonus Pearson. What he did do was send the message to the Broncos, and to his teammates, there was only going to be one winner of this match. And, so it was.

 

[I'm a loser baby...]

Just ignore that merkin. He never says anything good about us.

 

[Gronk]

Gus is on the Bandwagon.

 

[Gazzamatta]

Loved the Gould article. I just wish he would have mentioned the Blair incidents where he shoulder charged Moses, where he launched himself at Jennings legs, again no arms involved and the Maguire stomp on Mannahs ankle.

 

[Gronk]

Maguire stomp on Mannahs ankle.

Maguire exonerated himself after he declared himself legally blind. Try and keep up.

 

[Gronk]

Wayne Bennett says Brisbane caught on the hop by Eels as they prepare for Titans

Wayne Bennett concedes Brisbane were caught on the hop by a highly motivated Parramatta side and must get their finals face on if they wish to climb back into the NRL top four.

Brisbane were leapfrogged by the Eels on Thursday night and find themselves sitting fifth as they head down the M1 to meet the Titans in the Saturday twilight at Robina.

The Parramatta Eels continue their impressive form with a 20-4 win over the Canterbury Bulldogs.
But a superior for-and-against means they can reclaim the prized spot in the top four should they continue their dominance over the Gold Coast, who are out of finals contention and in the midst of negotiations to try and secure prized half Ash Taylor.

Taylor (hip) has been cleared to take on the Broncos but Kevin Proctor (hamstring) won't be suiting up for the home side, while Brisbane welcome back winger Corey Oates, who has recovered from a staph infection of his knee.

Brisbane were outplayed by the Eels last week in a 28-14 loss. It was a high-quality game and Bennett said it should act as a wake-up call for Brisbane, with virtually every team now playing a high-stakes game as the finals approach.

While the Eels took their intensity to the next level, Brisbane couldn't move through the gears. That's a mistake they are unlikely to make against the Titans, who are tricky to beat at home and have flashing lights all over them in what shapes as a potential finals trip for the Broncos.

"No doubt about that. Parramatta were on their game and played really well and we weren't that bad. The intensity they were playing at, we need to pick our intensity up a bit because the next five weeks, every one of those games is going to be important. It's just that time of the year," Bennett said.

The Eels are one of the in-form teams and anything close to what Brisbane showed last week, particularly in the early stages of the match, should see them get past the Titans.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...itans-20170804-gxpcfd.html?platform=hootsuite

 

[Gronk]

Parramatta were on their game and played really well and we weren't that bad.

Wayne Bennett is on the bandwagon.

 

[Gazzamatta]

Prediction re next weeks team.
Obvious concerns over French and also that weird tourquinet on Normans leg.
Im predicting Will Smith will ride the pine pony if both are listed to play. Sayonara Big Frank.

 

[Gronk]

Set of Six: Why we're witnessing the rise and rise of the Parramatta Eels

1. Mitchell Moses has gone to another level

He can't tackle. He can't grind out a game. He takes bad options. All criticisms of Mitchell Moses as he tried to find some form at the Tigers. In truth, you wonder how many of their fans were sad to see him walk out the door. Turns out the kid can play. And then some. After an understandable period of finding his feet after a mid-season switch of club, Moses has turned it on as Parramatta make a hard run at the finals. And it's not just the attack either. Moses' kicking game has improved and he's clearly thriving under Brad Arthur, who always had faith that Moses would flourish sooner rather than later. You need a gun half to win a premiership. Looks like the Eels have their man. Corey Norman ain't bad either.

2. The (no) Commitments

It's nice to have stars and all. But the cool kids are making sure they have players that are really good - but not good enough to get picked by either NSW and Queensland during the Origin blackout. While teams like the Storm (who the Eels beat ahead of game three earlier in the month) were missing as many as six regular starters, the Eels managed to escape without a single player in sky blue and maroon. It's difficult to overstate how important that could be in the wash-up for Parramatta, especially with new signings in key positions trying to learn the ropes. They've managed to bound into the final rounds of the season on a six-game streak, rather than having to reset and find momentum with players resting, missing or injured.

Making waves: Mitch Moses has had a massive impact since a mid-season switch from Wests Tigers to Parramatta. Photo: AAP

3. Good weekends at Bernie's

They say a fish rots from the head. Is that true? Aside from leaving a few whiting out in the sun for a couple of days, let's leave that to the experts. What we do know is that the Eels have been a far better football side with a decent administration and the absence of boardroom madness and salary cap scandals. It's hardly rocket surgery to know that players perform better when they aren't worrying about when the next pay might lob into their Dollarmite accounts, or whether they are likely to be shipped out to free up cap space. Gurr, a veteran administrator and former Roosters boss, was given the CEO's job in September last year. He's pulled all the right strings since and the Eels are now making headlines for all the right reasons, while just a handful of players remain unsigned for next season.

One that got away: Souths fans will be pained to see Nathan Brown having a stellar season after leaving. Photo: AAP

4. Paint the town Brown

It pains South Sydney fans to see Nathan Brown turning into and out-and-out star since moving west to the Eels. You could easily make a case that Brown has been the buy of the year, with the blue-collar lock turning in big numbers ( 133 av run metres, 15 carries, 30 tackles) in his 18 appearances for the Eels. He's been at the heart of a no-nonsense forward pack that is doing far more than just getting the job done, as they say in the classics. Veteran prop Tim Mannah has been in decent nick, while the likes of Kenny Edwards, Manu Ma'u and Suaia Matagi have been giving their halves every chance of getting the Steeden on the front foot.

5. Arthurian legend

Not has Brad Arthur put himself in the running to coach rugby league's ever-evolving first-name last-name fantasy squad (always captained by Shane Rodney, however), he's turning out to be a pretty handy mentor back on Planet Earth. Even in the midst of the 2016 chaos and as the Eels came out the other side, Arthur showed patience, calm and persistence. Now he's free to do what he does best, he's proving exactly why he's so highly regarded in the coaching ranks. His game plans are rock solid, it's clear players respond to him and crucially, he's becoming one of those guys players want to go and work for. Whatever else transpires for them this season, it's clear they have the right man at the top.

Patience and persistence: Brad Arthur is enjoying his best season with the Eels. Photo: AAP

6. They aren't Souths. Or the Bulldogs.

We don't want to be mean. Alright, only a little bit. But the point is, while teams with better rosters on paper are struggling to get performances to match, the Eels are getting every last drop of effort and talent out of their squad, plus a bit more. While some of the Rabbitohs forwards could drop a ball surgically attached to their hands and the Dogs go through the motions (very slowly), the Eels are playing energetic, upbeat, positive rugby league without any of the reputations to weigh them down. They went play-for-play with the Broncos (a team that can make the grand final) before getting away from them, before taking care of business against the Dogs in a match they know they should have won. The good news is they have a soft draw to end the year, with Knights, Titans and Rabbits all at home, as well as an away trip to Brisbane.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...-eels-20170804-gxpfw2.html?platform=hootsuite

 

[Twizzle]

3. Good weekends at Bernie's

says it all

 

[Chipmunk]

Set of Six: Why we're witnessing the rise and rise of the Parramatta Eels

1. Mitchell Moses has gone to another level

He can't tackle. He can't grind out a game. He takes bad options. All criticisms of Mitchell Moses as he tried to find some form at the Tigers. In truth, you wonder how many of their fans were sad to see him walk out the door. Turns out the kid can play. And then some. After an understandable period of finding his feet after a mid-season switch of club, Moses has turned it on as Parramatta make a hard run at the finals. And it's not just the attack either. Moses' kicking game has improved and he's clearly thriving under Brad Arthur, who always had faith that Moses would flourish sooner rather than later. You need a gun half to win a premiership. Looks like the Eels have their man. Corey Norman ain't bad either.

2. The (no) Commitments

It's nice to have stars and all. But the cool kids are making sure they have players that are really good - but not good enough to get picked by either NSW and Queensland during the Origin blackout. While teams like the Storm (who the Eels beat ahead of game three earlier in the month) were missing as many as six regular starters, the Eels managed to escape without a single player in sky blue and maroon. It's difficult to overstate how important that could be in the wash-up for Parramatta, especially with new signings in key positions trying to learn the ropes. They've managed to bound into the final rounds of the season on a six-game streak, rather than having to reset and find momentum with players resting, missing or injured.

Making waves: Mitch Moses has had a massive impact since a mid-season switch from Wests Tigers to Parramatta. Photo: AAP

3. Good weekends at Bernie's

They say a fish rots from the head. Is that true? Aside from leaving a few whiting out in the sun for a couple of days, let's leave that to the experts. What we do know is that the Eels have been a far better football side with a decent administration and the absence of boardroom madness and salary cap scandals. It's hardly rocket surgery to know that players perform better when they aren't worrying about when the next pay might lob into their Dollarmite accounts, or whether they are likely to be shipped out to free up cap space. Gurr, a veteran administrator and former Roosters boss, was given the CEO's job in September last year. He's pulled all the right strings since and the Eels are now making headlines for all the right reasons, while just a handful of players remain unsigned for next season.

One that got away: Souths fans will be pained to see Nathan Brown having a stellar season after leaving. Photo: AAP

4. Paint the town Brown

It pains South Sydney fans to see Nathan Brown turning into and out-and-out star since moving west to the Eels. You could easily make a case that Brown has been the buy of the year, with the blue-collar lock turning in big numbers ( 133 av run metres, 15 carries, 30 tackles) in his 18 appearances for the Eels. He's been at the heart of a no-nonsense forward pack that is doing far more than just getting the job done, as they say in the classics. Veteran prop Tim Mannah has been in decent nick, while the likes of Kenny Edwards, Manu Ma'u and Suaia Matagi have been giving their halves every chance of getting the Steeden on the front foot.

5. Arthurian legend

Not has Brad Arthur put himself in the running to coach rugby league's ever-evolving first-name last-name fantasy squad (always captained by Shane Rodney, however), he's turning out to be a pretty handy mentor back on Planet Earth. Even in the midst of the 2016 chaos and as the Eels came out the other side, Arthur showed patience, calm and persistence. Now he's free to do what he does best, he's proving exactly why he's so highly regarded in the coaching ranks. His game plans are rock solid, it's clear players respond to him and crucially, he's becoming one of those guys players want to go and work for. Whatever else transpires for them this season, it's clear they have the right man at the top.

Patience and persistence: Brad Arthur is enjoying his best season with the Eels. Photo: AAP

6. They aren't Souths. Or the Bulldogs.

We don't want to be mean. Alright, only a little bit. But the point is, while teams with better rosters on paper are struggling to get performances to match, the Eels are getting every last drop of effort and talent out of their squad, plus a bit more. While some of the Rabbitohs forwards could drop a ball surgically attached to their hands and the Dogs go through the motions (very slowly), the Eels are playing energetic, upbeat, positive rugby league without any of the reputations to weigh them down. They went play-for-play with the Broncos (a team that can make the grand final) before getting away from them, before taking care of business against the Dogs in a match they know they should have won. The good news is they have a soft draw to end the year, with Knights, Titans and Rabbits all at home, as well as an away trip to Brisbane.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...-eels-20170804-gxpfw2.html?platform=hootsuite

Rocket Surgery??? I think he meant Brain Science!

 

[Poupou Escobar]

They say a fish rots from the head. Is that true?

It's not. Cell corruption is non-hierarchical.

 

[Gronk]

Parramatta hooker Cameron King lived a privileged rugby league life before luck turned for the worse
Nick Walshaw, The Daily Telegraph

HE was still a kid the first time Sonny Bill Williams knocked at his door.

Unannounced, and carrying free shoes.

“Couldn’t believe it,’’ Parramatta hooker Cameron King recalls. “My family was living in Caringbah and Mum, she’d always go walking early each morning.

“Anyway, one day she realises Sonny Bill’s house is just up the street.

“I was 14, a massive fan. So mum wrote him a letter, just saying thanks for being a terrific role model.

“She finished it with my name, our phone number, then dropped it in his letterbox.”

And guess what?

“I’m home later and Sonny phones,’’ King laughs. “I was shocked, shitting myself.

“Then within the hour, he’s at my house. Arrives with a box of shoes, clothes, all sorts of stuff.

“We sat around talking for ages.”

Cameron King is finally having a run of good luck on the footy field. Picture: Brett Costello
Which is some yarn.

Yet not altogether surprising.

At least not for King.

Back then, he was an NRL Next Big Thing whose fortunate life included family barbecues with Mark Geyer, training sessions alongside Brad Fittler, even shared Christmas lunch with Greg Alexander.

So meeting SBW?

Yep, just another day for this gun schoolboy who, in 2009 alone, was MVP for NSW Combined High Schools, captained NSW Under-18s to Origin glory, led Australian Schoolboys against Great Britain — in both games, man of the match — and, finally, won the prestigious Val Lembit Memorial Trophy.

A gong, previously gifted to Ian Thorpe, for the state’s most outstanding athlete.

“So, yeah, great year,’’ the Eels No. 9 grins. “Plus, I played about 50 games and never got a scratch.”

Better, he had role models everywhere.

Cameron King (second from right) pictured at a NSW State of Origin 'Blues in Waiting' camp with (L-R) Josh Jackson, Aidan Sezer, Tariq Sims, Aaron Woods, King, and Boyd Cordner.
“My older sister Tanya, she’s married to Greg Alexander,’’ the rake, now 25, explains. “And Brandy’s got sisters married to MG and Peter Shiels.

“So as a kid, the family barbecues were incredible.

“Freddy used to be there, too. Even helped me train one summer.

“And I’m so lucky to have been supported by those guys ... especially given the little setbacks I’ve had since.”

Little setbacks?

In eight years of NRL footy, King has played just 27 games.

Six of those this year.

A rare reprieve from the ugliest of runs which resulted in this son of a Wagga car salesman wrecking two shoulders and one knee, tearing a pectoral muscle, playing park footy in Cairns, Wollongong and Wentworthville, calling on three different psychiatrists, even going vegan in a bid to get his body right.

All up, a darkness defined by that inkwork covering his right arm.

“What’s the meaning?’’ King shrugs when quizzed on the tattoo sleeve. “Ah, it means lot of free time.”

More than that, too.

For if life had gone as it was meant to, King would now be NSW’s No.9.

An Origin mainstay just like so many other 2011 Emerging Blues, including Boyd Cordner, Josh Jackson and Aaron Woods.

But King, he isn’t there.

Likely never will be.

Which leaves this unlucky Eel feeling what?

Cameron King suffered an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament in just his second game with the Cowboys. Picture: Fiona Harding
“Um ... not sure,’’ he says honestly. “But I have seen a lot of opportunities disappear.

“There have been times where chances arrived for me but my body, it wouldn’t let me take them. Instead, you watch on as someone else does.”

Like 2010, his first NRL pre-season with St George Illawarra.

“Round one, Nathan Fien breaks his ankle,’’ King recalls. “But I can’t come in because I’ve already done my shoulder in a trial and undergone surgery.

“Eventually I debuted in round 26; then watched the boys win a premiership from the grandstand.”

Next year, it got no better.

“World Club Challenge, I tore my pec,” he says. “Mitch Rein came in and played every game.

“So then when I did my other shoulder in 2013, that’s when I knew I needed a fresh start.”

Specifically, the North Queensland Cowboys.

“That was my chance to leave the past behind,’’ King recalls. “But second game, my ACL went.”

And so in came a kid named Jake Granville. Within 16 months, an NRL premiership winner.

“Which has meant some dark days,’’ King concedes. “Days where I wouldn’t want to talk with anyone, or even be around people.

“I’d just sort of float.

“Get to the end of a day and it’d all be a blur ... I wasn’t even sure what I’d done.”

So you sought professional help?

“Multiple times,’’ King reveals. “I was seeing someone in Townsville, and have seen two more people here in Sydney.

King injured during his stint with the Dragons.

King playing for the Northern Pride in the QRL Intrust Super Cup. Picture: Brendan Radke
“Because while it never got to the point of me walking away, there were days where I wouldn’t want to train, or even get out of bed.

“It’s almost like you lose your social skills.

“And my situation, it did starting costing me relationships, friendships. That’s when I thought ‘it can’t keep going like this’. I knew I needed help.”

And this, remember, is only part of the fight.

One piece in a puzzle which, through eight years and counting, has caused King to seek out new stretching regimes, try smoothie diets, even find inspiration from the writing on his wrist.

“Before every game, I write Kyle Stanley’s name on my strapping,’’ he says in reference to the former Dragons teammate who retired in 2015 after five knee reconstructions. “Sometimes in games, you’ll catch me looking at it.

“Apart from dedicating all my games to him, it also helps me push through.”

Not that King has ever needed much pushing.

“Oh, if the surgeon says six months recovery,’’ he says, “I’ll try to make it five.”

And still, coming into this year, King was an NRL third stringer.

But then Isaac De Gois was sidelined with concussion. And Kaysa Pritchard, he busted a knee.

All of which left only this fighter and his NRL absence of 733 days.

“So it’s been challenging,’’ King admits. “And over the years, I have sometimes caught myself thinking about what could’ve been.

“Which is when I bring myself back. Because what’s the point of doing that?

“Whatever the cards you’re dealt, play them.

“That’s it.

“Just refuse to give in.”

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...e/news-story/251a81ac2cf529397eefb43d32301ecd

 

[Gronk]

Left to Right Top Row: Peter Sterling, ????, Geoff Gerard, Neil Hunt, John Kolc
Middle Row: Steve Edge, Ron Hilditch, Neville Glover, Peter Wynn
Bottom Row: ????, Brett Kenny, Steve Sharp