Parramatta Eels Juniors

[Poupou Escobar]

Cheers mate. Deadset felt like Frank Hyde was posting the updates.

 

[Gronk]

 

[Poupou Escobar]

I think it raises a fair point. Some people think junior development means the strength of your local league and Harold Matts team. Others think it refers to poaching the best 16-18 year olds for your SG Ball and older teams. Nobody is right or wrong. It's just a vague term. Personally I prefer Gould's definition. It is certainly the key to success. I'd say most clubs don't give a f**k about Harold Matthews. The exception is Manly, who are suddenly a Harold Matts powerhouse.

 

[Obscene Assassin]

I think it raises a fair point. Some people think junior development means the strength of your local league and Harold Matts team. Others think it refers to poaching the best 16-18 year olds for your SG Ball and older teams. Nobody is right or wrong. It's just a vague term. Personally I prefer Gould's definition. It is certainly the key to success. I'd say most clubs don't give a f**k about Harold Matthews. The exception is Manly, who are suddenly a Harold Matts powerhouse.

If you go back to the last time we played manly in the Harold Matthews Grand Final (2018) of that 17 we have 3 playing NSW cup (Russell, Penisini, Arthur), 6 playing Flegg (Tuipulotu, Komolafe, Kalache, Taateo, Tohi, Loizou) and of those 9, 7 trained with the first grade squad.

I'd say we care more about winning Matts, given most of our players in that grade are 17, than we do winning SG Ball or Flegg though where the most capable players move on after a season in each. At the end of the day, if you win a comp who cares where or who developed the players?

 

[Twizzle]

So Gus's idea of developing juniors is picking the eyes out of all the good juniors that other teams develop ?

Then coach them for a year or two and say that he developed them ?

No wonder I never agree with anything this bloke says.

 

[Gazzamatta]

Gus is the law and the law says my way is the best way. Besides he hates Parramatta. I thought he closed his social media accounts again for the 10th time. The jerk is addicted.

 

[hindy111]

So Gus's idea of developing juniors is picking the eyes out of all the good juniors that other teams develop ?

Then coach them for a year or two and say that he developed them ?

No wonder I never agree with anything this bloke says.

No. What Phil means is winning Harold Matt's is achievable by just getting the biggest strongest kids. I doubt players like Papnehauzen stood out then.
But a lot of kids develop later and have more skill that is suited to the transition of NRL footy

 

[Twizzle]

No. What Phil means is winning Harold Matt's is achievable by just getting the biggest strongest kids. I doubt players like Papnehauzen stood out then.
But a lot of kids develop later and have more skill that is suited to the transition of NRL footy

I know what he means and I don't agree with him

 

[Poupou Escobar]

If you go back to the last time we played manly in the Harold Matthews Grand Final (2018) of that 17 we have 3 playing NSW cup (Russell, Penisini, Arthur), 6 playing Flegg (Tuipulotu, Komolafe, Kalache, Taateo, Tohi, Loizou) and of those 9, 7 trained with the first grade squad.

I'd say we care more about winning Matts, given most of our players in that grade are 17, than we do winning SG Ball or Flegg though where the most capable players move on after a season in each. At the end of the day, if you win a comp who cares where or who developed the players?

I think Gould's point is that none of these junior rep premierships matter, but rather, developing NRL players is what counts. Winning SG Ball and Flegg is just a by-product of that.

But you're right, we do seem to be developing NRL players now, given how many quality youngsters are in our full time squad. As for SG Ball, our last premiership was in 2017 and here's what's happened to that team since:

1. Nohra (???)
2. Lea'aetoa (???)
3. Dunster (Eels top 30)
4. Aukafolau (Eels NSW Cup)
5. Parry (Formerly Eels top 30)
6. Taipari (Wests NSW Cup)
7. Brown (Eels top 30)
8. Harris (Eels Jersey Flegg)
9. Schneider (Eels Jersey Flegg)
10. Tepu-Smith (Eels Jersey Flegg)
11. Doorey (Bulldogs top 30)
12. Tasipale (Eels NSW Cup)
13. Cronin (Knights NSW Cup)
14. Tapa'atoutai (Sea Eagles NSW Cup)
15. Cassel (???)
16. Duggan (???)
17. King (???)
18. Seve (Sea Eagles NSW Cup)
19. Mataia (???)
20. Kei (Tigers development squad)
21. Aliva (???)

Four out of 21 have picked up top 30 contracts, while another two have made it onto development lists. It's not a lot, and only two of them are currently in our top 30. But as you know, an SG Ball premiership doesn't necessarily represent the best 18/19 year olds anyway. How many are playing Flegg or reserve grade? Two SG Ball-eligible players have already made their NRL debuts this year. I believe this is what Gus is talking about.

 

[Obscene Assassin]

Harold Matthews GF team

1. Patrick Spence
2. Suliasi Ago
3. Charlie Guymer
4. Declan Murray
5. Josh Lealaiaulotu
6. Blaize Talagi
7. Ethan Sanders
8. Sam Tuivaiti
9. Yehya Ayache
10. Aufag Mino
11. Dom De Stradis
12. Saxon Pryke
13. Myles Martin
14. Terrence Lafai
15. Josh Alhazim
16. Jacob John
17. Raffaele De Stradis
18. Genesis Talagi Seuala

Playing manly at Leichhardt 1pm. Stream via NSWRL TV

 

[T-Boon]

I think Gould's point is that none of these junior rep premierships matter, but rather, developing NRL players is what counts. Winning SG Ball and Flegg is just a by-product of that.

Thats true and why the game should get rid of SG ball and HMs or at least make it a much shorter season.

 

[Delboy]

Thats true and why the game should get rid of SG ball and HMs or at least make it a much shorter season.

They only play 9 rounds and finals, then they go back to their junior clubs to finish the season. Not sure what your point is ?

 

[T.S Quint]

Does @T-Boon ever have a point?

 

[T-Boon]

They only play 9 rounds and finals, then they go back to their junior clubs to finish the season. Not sure what your point is ?

I'll get back to you shortly. You arent going to agree with me, but I do have a point.

Essentially, I'd make it 3 rounds then finals.

 

[Twizzle]

They only play 9 rounds and finals, then they go back to their junior clubs to finish the season. Not sure what your point is ?

he very rarely has one

 

[Gazzamatta]

Interesting Schnider played 7 in The JF last week and has been selected there again this week. They had a big win last week. Any update on his form?

 

[parrathruandthru]

Interesting Schnider played 7 in The JF last week and has been selected there again this week. They had a big win last week. Any update on his form?

Played there almost every game

 

[Gazzamatta]

Ho

Played there almost every game

How is he going mate? Was he moved because the other 9 is better?

 

[parrathruandthru]

I think he was moved there because the coach needed so experience running the team around
He's going OK, holding his own

 

[Gronk]

Interesting Schnider played 7 in The JF last week and has been selected there again this week. They had a big win last week. Any update on his form?

Is slotting the gks at 90%ish too.