By Michael Cockerill
February 16, 2004
Can do better. Parramatta's new English recruit Chris Thorman was brutal in his assessment of his own performance during the Eels' rugged 28-24 win over Cronulla in their trial match at Ballina on Saturday night.
"Disappointing," he said. "I suppose I can't expect too much too early, but my kicking wasn't too flash and I could have done more with the ball. It was a bit patchy, to be honest. But I'm just going to have to work harder."
Thorman, 23, was recommended to Parramatta coach Brian by his brother, Tony, and the London Broncos halfback had no hesitation in making the trip across the world to join the Eels early last month.
"The NRL is the pinnacle - I had a lot of offers in England, I could have gone to a lot of clubs, but I knew I wanted to play in Australia sometime," Thorman said. "I spoke to a lot of people, and they said give it a go.
"It's been what I expected. The competition for places is immense, the intensity is that much more, you don't have the same time to make decisions that you do back home.
"Tonight was a little bit difficult for me, playing in quarters takes a bit of getting used to. As soon as you feel you're getting into it, the ref blows up for time.
"But it was just good to get a jersey on and get stuck in. You can train all you like, but nothing can simulate a match. Tonight wasn't about me scoring tries, it was about finding my feet. It's just the start."
Smith waited until half-time against the Sharks to bring Thorman off the bench. He was the Eels' third halfback of the match. Adam Dykes and Michael Witt managed to score tries, but Thorman couldn't repeat the feat, although his grubber kick from close to the posts laid on a late try for fullback Luke Burt. On the flip side, his clearing kick a few minutes earlier was charged down and quick hands had Sharks halfback Brett Kimmorley cross in the corner.
"We had a bit of a look at all of them [halfbacks], but then we did that right across the board," Smith said. "He [Thorman] had a few moments both ways. He missed a tackle early on, which led to a try, which was disappointing. But he moved around quite nicely, he kicked the ball pretty well. Not a bad start, especially when you sit there for two quarters and watch everyone else play."
Whether Thorman will triumph in the battle for the halfback role remains to be seen, but if determination counts for anything he has a chance.
"They signed me as a halfback, that's where I'm training, but if there's someone better than me, then I'll play anywhere," he said. "It's a big squad, but I'm here to play first grade every week. I'll adapt, I'll play hooker or whatever, as long as I'm in the side."
After last season's disappointments, Saturday night's narrow win over the Sharks was a tonic for the Eels in their first serious hit-out of the pre-season.
Both sides scored five tries in a match played before a ground record of 8000 fans at the Kingsford Smith Oval, but more accuracy from the boot got Parramatta home in steamy conditions.
Having deliberately recruited bigger forwards to add muscle to his pack, Smith was delighted with the outcome, especially the effort from former Manly prop Aaron Cannings, whose 40-metre burst through the middle for a try was a highlight.
The decision to shift skipper Nathan Cayless back to the second row also paid off, although Smith made the point that Cayless would have to get used to more time on the park if the move was to be judged a success.
For the Sharks, the performance eclipsed the result, and coach Stuart Raper had few complaints. David Peachey showed no ill-effects from his controversial recent absence - his open-field running was a constant spark - while Kimmorley's kicking game and general play were hugely influential.
With forwards Phil Bailey, Chris Beattie and Jason Stevens absent through injury and illness, Raper singled out his underrated pack for mention.
"I thought Paul Gallen was very strong, and Andrew Lomu and Danny Nutley really took us forward," he said.
