Saturday, February 28, 2004
Eels make it three on the trot
The Parramatta Eels have made it three trial wins out of three, beating the Tigers by a point in their 9 to 8 victory at Campbelltown.
According to AAP Parra scored first after Adam Dykes managed a try from a John Morris grubber in the tenth minute.
However in the 32nd minute, the Tigers struck back through a long range try to John Wilson.
AAP said that Luke Burt was the victim of a "tough call" when he had a try disallowed and the teams went to half time locked at six all.
Describing the second half as a "slug fest", AAP said that Morris potten a field goal in the 62nd minute, before the Tigers went ahead though a Brett Hodgson penalty goal. However Burt would later slot through the winner late in the game to put the Eels in front by a point.
Another AAP report quoted Parramatta assistant coach Alan Wilson as saying: "I thought the game was very physical, very intense, and we're just happy to finish off our three week trial period with three wins," Wilson said.
"Both teams were playing to win and everybody was just trying to push themselves in their last little hit-out, and test their match conditioning.
"We'd had a few knocks (by the end of the game) ... so the blokes that were out there had to stay and they were a little tired, but that's what trial games are all about."
David Vaeliki and Michael Vella had a few "bumps and bruises" but would in all likelihood be right for Parra's first round clash against the under-siege Doggies.
Parramatta went into the game without Nathan Hindmarsh, Eric Grothe who had a sternum injury and Daniel Wagon whose elbow is still going him trouble.
The Sun-Herald named Matt Peterson as a "standout" saying he "was constantly willing to run the ball out of dummy-half and was involved in support play around the rucks".
The story said that Parramtta's forwards had been dominant and subsequently the Eels enjoyed a healthy teritorial advantage.
"Eels coach Brian Smith had worked hard to beef up his pack in the off-season and it paid results yesterday. Parramatta often got numbers into the tackles, slowing down the Tigers' play-the-balls, and gaining big yards up the middle of the ruck," the Sun-Herald piece said.
It also said Adam Dykes and John Morris have developed a good understanding around the rucks, while the AAP said both teams "showed early season rust, especially in the first half" and named former Parra fullback Brett Hodgson as the Tiger's star.
The Parramatta Eels have made it three trial wins out of three, beating the Tigers by a point in their 9 to 8 victory at Campbelltown.
According to AAP Parra scored first after Adam Dykes managed a try from a John Morris grubber in the tenth minute.
However in the 32nd minute, the Tigers struck back through a long range try to John Wilson.
AAP said that Luke Burt was the victim of a "tough call" when he had a try disallowed and the teams went to half time locked at six all.
Describing the second half as a "slug fest", AAP said that Morris potten a field goal in the 62nd minute, before the Tigers went ahead though a Brett Hodgson penalty goal. However Burt would later slot through the winner late in the game to put the Eels in front by a point.
Another AAP report quoted Parramatta assistant coach Alan Wilson as saying: "I thought the game was very physical, very intense, and we're just happy to finish off our three week trial period with three wins," Wilson said.
"Both teams were playing to win and everybody was just trying to push themselves in their last little hit-out, and test their match conditioning.
"We'd had a few knocks (by the end of the game) ... so the blokes that were out there had to stay and they were a little tired, but that's what trial games are all about."
David Vaeliki and Michael Vella had a few "bumps and bruises" but would in all likelihood be right for Parra's first round clash against the under-siege Doggies.
Parramatta went into the game without Nathan Hindmarsh, Eric Grothe who had a sternum injury and Daniel Wagon whose elbow is still going him trouble.
The Sun-Herald named Matt Peterson as a "standout" saying he "was constantly willing to run the ball out of dummy-half and was involved in support play around the rucks".
The story said that Parramtta's forwards had been dominant and subsequently the Eels enjoyed a healthy teritorial advantage.
"Eels coach Brian Smith had worked hard to beef up his pack in the off-season and it paid results yesterday. Parramatta often got numbers into the tackles, slowing down the Tigers' play-the-balls, and gaining big yards up the middle of the ruck," the Sun-Herald piece said.
It also said Adam Dykes and John Morris have developed a good understanding around the rucks, while the AAP said both teams "showed early season rust, especially in the first half" and named former Parra fullback Brett Hodgson as the Tiger's star.
Dykes primed for big 2004
Adam Dykes is coming into the 2004 NRL season like a "starry-eyed rookie" according to an article today in The Australian.
Admitting his first two seasons with the Eels had been a "horror story", Dykes said that this season was going to be about "fun and enjoyment".
"I've really enjoyed the pre-season. I've done every session and I feel better for it. I played in the sevens, which was tiring but great fun," he told The Australian.
Brian Smith was quoted as saying: ""I can't fault Adam's attitude during the pre-season. He has been one of our best and hasn't missed a session.
"He had a lot of problems over the past two seasons but has fought back tremendously.
"He will be important for us because he knows the ropes and can get the best out of the rest of the players on the field."
Adam Dykes is coming into the 2004 NRL season like a "starry-eyed rookie" according to an article today in The Australian.
Admitting his first two seasons with the Eels had been a "horror story", Dykes said that this season was going to be about "fun and enjoyment".
"I've really enjoyed the pre-season. I've done every session and I feel better for it. I played in the sevens, which was tiring but great fun," he told The Australian.
Brian Smith was quoted as saying: ""I can't fault Adam's attitude during the pre-season. He has been one of our best and hasn't missed a session.
"He had a lot of problems over the past two seasons but has fought back tremendously.
"He will be important for us because he knows the ropes and can get the best out of the rest of the players on the field."
Friday, February 27, 2004
Hindy out of Challenge
Nathan Hindmarh has been ruled out of this weekend's Charity Challenge, after suffering a "slight groin injury which medical staff recommended required a couple of days rest", said the Official Parra Eels site.
Lee Hopkins will take his place at lock.
Nathan Hindmarh has been ruled out of this weekend's Charity Challenge, after suffering a "slight groin injury which medical staff recommended required a couple of days rest", said the Official Parra Eels site.
Lee Hopkins will take his place at lock.
Thursday, February 26, 2004
Witt gets kick up the backside
The 1Eyed Eels sources suggest that the reason Michael Witt missed the last trial against the Warriors and has not been named in the upcoming trial against the Tigers had nothing to do with Brian Smith wanting to protect or shield the youngster and everything to do with Witt getting a firm kick up the backside.
It appears Aaron Cannings is not the only Parra player who has not impressed the coach with pre-season drinking. As well as Witt, we've been told that while most of Parra's new recruits have been given the chance to show what they are made of during the pre-season games, Shane Muspratt has been cooling his heels for similiar disciplinary reasons.
Smith is not the type of coach who will tolerate his players rocking up to training under the weather.
Assuming our sources haven't had one too many themselves, we fully expect to see Witt play this weekend against the Tigers. Both Cannings and Muspratt have been named in the 21 and it would seem unlikely that Smith will go into the first round without giving Witt a hit out in this trial. It will certainly not have hurt the youngster to know that not only will he have Chris Thorman breathing down his neck all year, but that Smith considers Adam Dykes an option at half as well.
The 1Eyed Eels sources suggest that the reason Michael Witt missed the last trial against the Warriors and has not been named in the upcoming trial against the Tigers had nothing to do with Brian Smith wanting to protect or shield the youngster and everything to do with Witt getting a firm kick up the backside.
It appears Aaron Cannings is not the only Parra player who has not impressed the coach with pre-season drinking. As well as Witt, we've been told that while most of Parra's new recruits have been given the chance to show what they are made of during the pre-season games, Shane Muspratt has been cooling his heels for similiar disciplinary reasons.
Smith is not the type of coach who will tolerate his players rocking up to training under the weather.
Assuming our sources haven't had one too many themselves, we fully expect to see Witt play this weekend against the Tigers. Both Cannings and Muspratt have been named in the 21 and it would seem unlikely that Smith will go into the first round without giving Witt a hit out in this trial. It will certainly not have hurt the youngster to know that not only will he have Chris Thorman breathing down his neck all year, but that Smith considers Adam Dykes an option at half as well.
Eels will face understrength Bulldogs
Bulldog Matt Utai has become the first player to be suspended by the NRL judiciary this year and will miss Canterybury's opening round clash against the Eels.
The 1Eyed Eel understands, but has been unable to confirm that upon leaving the judiciary hearing, the vertically-challenged Utai was heard to mutter: "Thank God, that means I won't have to face up to Eric Grothe Junior. Have you seen the size of that guy this year. He'd squash me like a pancake and God knows I can't afford to lose any more inches." ;-)
With up to six players all under investigation over the Coffs Harbour rape scandal and facing suspension or bans if found guilty, the Bulldogs may go into the clash against the in-form Eels understrength and with other issues weighing on their minds.
Bulldog Matt Utai has become the first player to be suspended by the NRL judiciary this year and will miss Canterybury's opening round clash against the Eels.
The 1Eyed Eel understands, but has been unable to confirm that upon leaving the judiciary hearing, the vertically-challenged Utai was heard to mutter: "Thank God, that means I won't have to face up to Eric Grothe Junior. Have you seen the size of that guy this year. He'd squash me like a pancake and God knows I can't afford to lose any more inches." ;-)
With up to six players all under investigation over the Coffs Harbour rape scandal and facing suspension or bans if found guilty, the Bulldogs may go into the clash against the in-form Eels understrength and with other issues weighing on their minds.
Moodie out of retirement
Pat Richard's broken leg has seen another former Eel get another shot at the NRL this year, with Jason Moodie signing a one-year deal with the Tigers, according to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Moodie was going to play in the Newcastle club competition but has returned to Sydney and is now training with the Tigers, following yet another horrific injury suffered by Pat Richards. The Tigers reportedly had spoken to Moodie last year before opting to sign Richards instead.
Moodie told The Herald that: ""I'm excited about playing with Wests Tigers. Tim Sheens has a great reputation as a coach and I'm looking forward to playing with a young and exciting team that a lot of people are talking about".
Pat Richard's broken leg has seen another former Eel get another shot at the NRL this year, with Jason Moodie signing a one-year deal with the Tigers, according to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Moodie was going to play in the Newcastle club competition but has returned to Sydney and is now training with the Tigers, following yet another horrific injury suffered by Pat Richards. The Tigers reportedly had spoken to Moodie last year before opting to sign Richards instead.
Moodie told The Herald that: ""I'm excited about playing with Wests Tigers. Tim Sheens has a great reputation as a coach and I'm looking forward to playing with a young and exciting team that a lot of people are talking about".
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
Parra to get a Super 12 team?
The Eels could have a new sister club, with it emerging that Parra Leagues could back a proposed Pacific Island Super 12 team.
Warriors owner Eric Watson had previously put his hand up to fund a Pacific Island team and base them in Auckland, however Parramatta Leagues, which has previously spoken to the ARU about a fourth Sydney club said the large population of Islanders in West and South Western Sydney meant it would be well placed to host a team, if it decides not to play out of Fiji, Tonga or Samoa, said a report in The Australian on Monday.
The Eels could have a new sister club, with it emerging that Parra Leagues could back a proposed Pacific Island Super 12 team.
Warriors owner Eric Watson had previously put his hand up to fund a Pacific Island team and base them in Auckland, however Parramatta Leagues, which has previously spoken to the ARU about a fourth Sydney club said the large population of Islanders in West and South Western Sydney meant it would be well placed to host a team, if it decides not to play out of Fiji, Tonga or Samoa, said a report in The Australian on Monday.
Cannings escapes lightly
Aaron Cannings has escaped with just a $200 fine and an official warning letter, according to a report in The Australian on Tuesday.
"Aaron was contrite over the incident and now fully understands the standards we expect," Parra's general manager Greg Mitchell was quoted as saying.
"He has spoken with coach Brian Smith and we believe being sent home from camp and missing the trial is sufficient punishment. But he has been issued a stern warning letter by the club."
With newspaper headlines full of more Doggies scandal, following the relevation that up to six Canterbury players are the subject of rape allegations, Cannings misdemeanour was certainly minor. However, it also demonstrates how important it is for a club to ensure its players stay on their best behaviour.
Aaron Cannings has escaped with just a $200 fine and an official warning letter, according to a report in The Australian on Tuesday.
"Aaron was contrite over the incident and now fully understands the standards we expect," Parra's general manager Greg Mitchell was quoted as saying.
"He has spoken with coach Brian Smith and we believe being sent home from camp and missing the trial is sufficient punishment. But he has been issued a stern warning letter by the club."
With newspaper headlines full of more Doggies scandal, following the relevation that up to six Canterbury players are the subject of rape allegations, Cannings misdemeanour was certainly minor. However, it also demonstrates how important it is for a club to ensure its players stay on their best behaviour.
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Eels name final trial squad
The Eels have named a 21-man side to meet the West Tigers in their final hitout before the NRL season kicks off proper.
1 – Luke Burt
2 – Matt Petersen
3 – Jamie Lyon
4 – David Vaealiki
5 – Eric Grothe
6 – Daniel Wagon
7 – Adam Dykes
8 – Corey Pearson
9 – John Morris
10 – Michael Vella
11 – Craig Stapleton
12 – Nathan Cayless ©
13 – Nathan Hindmarsh
14 – Lee Hopkins
15 – Brett Delaney
16 – Justin Tsoulos
17 – Aaron Cannings
18 – Chris Thorman
19 – Jeremiah Pai
20 - Chris Armit
21 – Shane Muspratt
Of interest is Nathan Hindmarsh being named at lock, while Wagon plays five-eighth. It's probably foolhardy to read too much into a trial side, but we can see a scenario where Wagon is used in that position during the opening salvos and then a more creative player like Witt or Thorman comes on, once the game has settle down and hopefully our forward pack has established dominance.
Young Brett Delaney who last year won the Jersey Flegg coaches award has also been named in the team but Michael Witt is a conspicous absence.
The Eels have named a 21-man side to meet the West Tigers in their final hitout before the NRL season kicks off proper.
1 – Luke Burt
2 – Matt Petersen
3 – Jamie Lyon
4 – David Vaealiki
5 – Eric Grothe
6 – Daniel Wagon
7 – Adam Dykes
8 – Corey Pearson
9 – John Morris
10 – Michael Vella
11 – Craig Stapleton
12 – Nathan Cayless ©
13 – Nathan Hindmarsh
14 – Lee Hopkins
15 – Brett Delaney
16 – Justin Tsoulos
17 – Aaron Cannings
18 – Chris Thorman
19 – Jeremiah Pai
20 - Chris Armit
21 – Shane Muspratt
Of interest is Nathan Hindmarsh being named at lock, while Wagon plays five-eighth. It's probably foolhardy to read too much into a trial side, but we can see a scenario where Wagon is used in that position during the opening salvos and then a more creative player like Witt or Thorman comes on, once the game has settle down and hopefully our forward pack has established dominance.
Young Brett Delaney who last year won the Jersey Flegg coaches award has also been named in the team but Michael Witt is a conspicous absence.
Sunday, February 22, 2004
Pat Richards just as injury plagued as ever
Following the devastating form that former Parramatta player Pat Richards displayed at the Sevens for his new club Wests Tigers, some Eels fans were questioning whether the club should have let go the player who in 2001 looked like he was on his way to being one of the real stars of the game.
However, Richards is already off the park, having suffered a suspected broken leg during the Tigers 20 to 10 loss to Souths on Saturday night. According to a report in The Herald Richards is expected to miss the first eight weeks of the premiership.
1Eyed Eel would have liked to have seen Richards have a cracker year with his new club, but even had he not suffered this latest devastating injury we certainly wouldn't have been swapping him for Eric Grothe any time soon.
Parramatta suffered only one injury from our trial, with Chris Muckert due to have X-rays to ascertain how serious a cheekbone injury is. Daniel Wagon has a swollen elbow caused by an infection and has returned to Sydney to be put on an ambiotic drip, while Adam Peek has had an MRI scan on his ankle after "going over on it at training," a Sun Herald report said.
Meanwhile, the Tigers are going to have to put on a vastly different performance unless they expect to be walloped by the in-form Eels next weekend.
Following the devastating form that former Parramatta player Pat Richards displayed at the Sevens for his new club Wests Tigers, some Eels fans were questioning whether the club should have let go the player who in 2001 looked like he was on his way to being one of the real stars of the game.
However, Richards is already off the park, having suffered a suspected broken leg during the Tigers 20 to 10 loss to Souths on Saturday night. According to a report in The Herald Richards is expected to miss the first eight weeks of the premiership.
1Eyed Eel would have liked to have seen Richards have a cracker year with his new club, but even had he not suffered this latest devastating injury we certainly wouldn't have been swapping him for Eric Grothe any time soon.
Parramatta suffered only one injury from our trial, with Chris Muckert due to have X-rays to ascertain how serious a cheekbone injury is. Daniel Wagon has a swollen elbow caused by an infection and has returned to Sydney to be put on an ambiotic drip, while Adam Peek has had an MRI scan on his ankle after "going over on it at training," a Sun Herald report said.
Meanwhile, the Tigers are going to have to put on a vastly different performance unless they expect to be walloped by the in-form Eels next weekend.
O'Dwyer to claim contract
Following his superb performance at last night's trial, young Gold Coast talent Luke O'Dwyer has almost certainly claimed a contract for himself wearing the Blue and Gold in 2004.
O'Dwyer, who was trialling for a contract, almost scored two tries before delivering the super pass that led to Jamie Lyon scoring.
The Sun Herald in a report titled "Seagull O'Dwyer stakes claim for position at Eels" quoted Brian Smith as saying: "We'll be talking to him tomorrow. We want him to come down but we have to find out what it will take for him to give up his wonderful life on the Gold Coast".
"I might be premature, but he's pretty keen so we're confident we will come to an agreement in the next couple of days".
Meanwhile, following the embarrassing alcohol-related incident in Byron Bay, Aaron Cannings was stood down from last nights trial with his spot taken by Michael Vella. The Eels are to investigate the matter further and decide if any further action is necessary.
Parra's GM Greg Mitchell told The Herald that: "Aaron is new to the club and he has to understand the club's culture and the club's attitude towards these sorts of incidents".
The Eels pride themselves on their clean-cut image.
Following his superb performance at last night's trial, young Gold Coast talent Luke O'Dwyer has almost certainly claimed a contract for himself wearing the Blue and Gold in 2004.
O'Dwyer, who was trialling for a contract, almost scored two tries before delivering the super pass that led to Jamie Lyon scoring.
The Sun Herald in a report titled "Seagull O'Dwyer stakes claim for position at Eels" quoted Brian Smith as saying: "We'll be talking to him tomorrow. We want him to come down but we have to find out what it will take for him to give up his wonderful life on the Gold Coast".
"I might be premature, but he's pretty keen so we're confident we will come to an agreement in the next couple of days".
Meanwhile, following the embarrassing alcohol-related incident in Byron Bay, Aaron Cannings was stood down from last nights trial with his spot taken by Michael Vella. The Eels are to investigate the matter further and decide if any further action is necessary.
Parra's GM Greg Mitchell told The Herald that: "Aaron is new to the club and he has to understand the club's culture and the club's attitude towards these sorts of incidents".
The Eels pride themselves on their clean-cut image.
Dykes shows hot stuff
Adam Dykes stunning return to form in 2004 has continued with the Parramatta playmaker laying on one try as well as scoring a superb solo try.
After trailing eight nil, Matt Peterson scored after some David Vaeliki delivered a "perfect pass", said the AAP report on the game.
Dykes then managed to slide a grubber in-goal past the Warrior defence which was dived on by Vaeliki. Luke Burt was unable to land either conversion, leaving the Eels two points behind at quarter time.
However, soon after resuming, Dykes displayed the skill that will have Parra fans salivating over the prospect of going into the 2004 season with a red-hot playmaker.
According to the official Parra Eels website Dykes scored "a superb solo effort that saw him beat more than 4 defenders on his way to the line", while the AAP said that Dykes showed "some deft footwork and surprising speed " in scoring the try.
Big winger Eric Grothe then "muscled his way" over, said AAP, after picking up a loose ball.
In the second half, Luke O'Dwyer who was trialling for a contract, "poked between a couple of defenders and served up a heady offload for centre Jame Lyon to score the matchwinner in the 59th minute", the Sun Herald reported.
That newspaper quoted Smith as saying: "I'm pretty happy with the way we muscled up in the physical aspects of the game and the we forced some errors out of them".
"It was like no one told the players it was a pre-season game".
Smith said, in a quote posted to the office Parra Eels site that the Warrors "are a tough physical side and we more than matched them in that department tonight, in fact I think we got on top of them. We played some good footy and there is some enthusiasm in what we did, but we have to crank it up to face the Tigers".
Adam Dykes stunning return to form in 2004 has continued with the Parramatta playmaker laying on one try as well as scoring a superb solo try.
After trailing eight nil, Matt Peterson scored after some David Vaeliki delivered a "perfect pass", said the AAP report on the game.
Dykes then managed to slide a grubber in-goal past the Warrior defence which was dived on by Vaeliki. Luke Burt was unable to land either conversion, leaving the Eels two points behind at quarter time.
However, soon after resuming, Dykes displayed the skill that will have Parra fans salivating over the prospect of going into the 2004 season with a red-hot playmaker.
According to the official Parra Eels website Dykes scored "a superb solo effort that saw him beat more than 4 defenders on his way to the line", while the AAP said that Dykes showed "some deft footwork and surprising speed " in scoring the try.
Big winger Eric Grothe then "muscled his way" over, said AAP, after picking up a loose ball.
In the second half, Luke O'Dwyer who was trialling for a contract, "poked between a couple of defenders and served up a heady offload for centre Jame Lyon to score the matchwinner in the 59th minute", the Sun Herald reported.
That newspaper quoted Smith as saying: "I'm pretty happy with the way we muscled up in the physical aspects of the game and the we forced some errors out of them".
"It was like no one told the players it was a pre-season game".
Smith said, in a quote posted to the office Parra Eels site that the Warrors "are a tough physical side and we more than matched them in that department tonight, in fact I think we got on top of them. We played some good footy and there is some enthusiasm in what we did, but we have to crank it up to face the Tigers".
Saturday, February 21, 2004
Two for two
The Eels racked up their second consecutive win of the season, beating the New Zealand Warrior 24 to 22 in a trial match on the Gold Coast tonight.
The Eels scored five tries, all coming from the backs with Matthew Peterson, David Vaeliki, Adam Dykes, Eric Grothe and Jame Lyons all going over for four pointers. Luke Burt could only manage two goals.
The Eels racked up their second consecutive win of the season, beating the New Zealand Warrior 24 to 22 in a trial match on the Gold Coast tonight.
The Eels scored five tries, all coming from the backs with Matthew Peterson, David Vaeliki, Adam Dykes, Eric Grothe and Jame Lyons all going over for four pointers. Luke Burt could only manage two goals.
Cannings in trouble
The Parramatta team has become embroiled in its first bit of scandal for the year with new recruit Aaron Cannings "arrested and fined over an alcohol-related incident at Byron Bay early yesterday".
The Sydney Morning Herald reported the news Saturday morning, quoting Eels general manager Greg Mitchell as saying he was "dissapointed" by the incident.
"It's extremely disappointing for this to have occurred at a pre-season camp in between two trial matches. We've been doing a lot of promotional and development work in the area and something like this does not reflect well on the club's image," The Herald article said.
According to the piece, police asked Cannings to move on after an incident, however he refused and was then taken to Byron Bay police station and issued an infringement notice for breaching the peace.
Hate to have been one of the coppers trying to cuff the big fella.
The Parramatta team has become embroiled in its first bit of scandal for the year with new recruit Aaron Cannings "arrested and fined over an alcohol-related incident at Byron Bay early yesterday".
The Sydney Morning Herald reported the news Saturday morning, quoting Eels general manager Greg Mitchell as saying he was "dissapointed" by the incident.
"It's extremely disappointing for this to have occurred at a pre-season camp in between two trial matches. We've been doing a lot of promotional and development work in the area and something like this does not reflect well on the club's image," The Herald article said.
According to the piece, police asked Cannings to move on after an incident, however he refused and was then taken to Byron Bay police station and issued an infringement notice for breaching the peace.
Hate to have been one of the coppers trying to cuff the big fella.
Friday, February 20, 2004
Injuries hit trial squad.. so what?
Daniel Wagon, Michael Vella and Adam Peak have all withdrawn from Saturday's trial game against the Warriors, citing injuries.
In years gone by that would have been cause for massive concern for the Eels. However, with those players out, Aaron Cannings, Corey Pearson and Jeremiah Pai all come into the starting team.
Rule out just about anyone of our likely starters and there are two or three experienced first graders licking their lips waiting for a chance to get a shot at the top grade.
In other Parra news, the Telegraph had a story today on the new hi-tech, super cool jersey the Eels will be wearing in 2004.
Daniel Wagon, Michael Vella and Adam Peak have all withdrawn from Saturday's trial game against the Warriors, citing injuries.
In years gone by that would have been cause for massive concern for the Eels. However, with those players out, Aaron Cannings, Corey Pearson and Jeremiah Pai all come into the starting team.
Rule out just about anyone of our likely starters and there are two or three experienced first graders licking their lips waiting for a chance to get a shot at the top grade.
In other Parra news, the Telegraph had a story today on the new hi-tech, super cool jersey the Eels will be wearing in 2004.
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
Ballina Trial Report
Unfortunately, 1EyedEel was not able to get to the Ballina trial but I almost feel like I was there after "True Eel" gave members of the Parra Eels official Bulletin Board an extensive run down on how the team and many of the individual players went. Here's a run down of what True Eel thought, including his rating on every player on the night. (My obversations in brackets)
Luke Burt: Looked dangerous in attack, was safe and was often seen "barking orders" from the back. Rating 7. (Would appear will start the season as first choice fullback).
Wade McKinnon: True Eel said he "played very, very well" and in fact rated him higher than Burt on the night. Rating 8 (I think McKinnon is going to pressure for a first-grade position all year.)
Matthew Gruska: "Safe, without being flashy". Rating 6
Wise Kativerata: : Rating 6
Eric Grothe: Had a boomer of a game. "If he can keep his mind on the job and his body in tact, he will become one of the most damaging and potent wingers or players in general in the game this year. He was simply that good - power, strength, speed and even maturity - an awesome combination" Rating 9 (Isn't every Eel fan wearing an ear-to-ear smile right now!)
Jamie Lyon: Killer had limited time. Rating 6
Junior Langi: Rating 6
Luke O'Dywer: Was listed to play at second row but played most of the game in the centres. Not overly big, says True Eel but showed "no fear at all and made aggressive runs and was effective and aggressive in defence". Rating 7
Daniel Wagon: Also had limited minutes. Rating 6
Adam Dykes: Looked good, his "speed and fitness [were] back and was a leading light when training and when on the field. Rating 8
Michael Witt: Looked confident and willing to try things. Rating 7
Chris Thorman: "Played OK", but missed some tackles and took some poor options in attack. (Did lay on a try for Burt with a short grubber) Rating 6
James Webster Played "really, really well" at hooker, scording a try, helping to put on another, while was in enthusiastic and tackled well in defence. Rating 8. (Smith seems to really like Webster's attitude. May play in a lot more first grade games as interchange hooker than people think this year. He is certainly very nippy in a PJ Marsh kind of way).
John Morris: Rating 6.
Jeremy Pai: Played lock, looked out of place and missed too many tackles. Rating 5.
Nathan Cayless: True Eel was impressed with his leadership and said he played "great" in his first game as a second-rower, despite not having an awful lot of minutes. "Was committed to Parra winning throughout the whole game like it was a final"> Rating 7
Michael Vella: True Eel didn't say much about Vella but rated him highly. (Won the Parra "strong man" competition earlier this year, suggesting he's work hard in pre-season training and may return to the kind of form that saw him represent Australia this year) Rating 8
Adam Peek: Rating 6
Craig Stapleton: Really solid and reliable, said True Eel, making good runs and good hits. Rating 7
Corey Pearson: Impressed 1 True Eel in his first run in the Blue and Gold, who rated him as one of the best three Parra players on the field. Rating 9.
Fui Fui Moi Moi: Describe as a "rock ape", who made good yardage and put on some big hits.
Mal Kafusi: Like Moi Moi, big and made great yards. True Eel said "these two could be great, really giving Parra the size and raw power they have been lacking for some years".
Cannings: A big unit who runs like a bull and was about the best forward on the park. Rating 9. (This guy is going to be a star no doubt about it, made a bust and then sprinted 40m to score a try.)
Justin Tsoulos: (The big boy copped a minor shoulder injury). Rating 6
Chris Armit: Rating 6. (Was given a rap in other circles for some of the big hits he made.)
True Eel said Parra "dwarfed Cronulla all over the park", especially with the big forward pack who hit and ran hard. A lot of dropped ball and too many missed tackles. Gave away too many penalties and lacked some execution in attack but given the chopping and changing that can probably be excused. And quite obviously, we have amazing depth this year.
What a great start to the year and once again big thank you to True Eel for taking the time to give such a detailed report.
Unfortunately, 1EyedEel was not able to get to the Ballina trial but I almost feel like I was there after "True Eel" gave members of the Parra Eels official Bulletin Board an extensive run down on how the team and many of the individual players went. Here's a run down of what True Eel thought, including his rating on every player on the night. (My obversations in brackets)
Luke Burt: Looked dangerous in attack, was safe and was often seen "barking orders" from the back. Rating 7. (Would appear will start the season as first choice fullback).
Wade McKinnon: True Eel said he "played very, very well" and in fact rated him higher than Burt on the night. Rating 8 (I think McKinnon is going to pressure for a first-grade position all year.)
Matthew Gruska: "Safe, without being flashy". Rating 6
Wise Kativerata: : Rating 6
Eric Grothe: Had a boomer of a game. "If he can keep his mind on the job and his body in tact, he will become one of the most damaging and potent wingers or players in general in the game this year. He was simply that good - power, strength, speed and even maturity - an awesome combination" Rating 9 (Isn't every Eel fan wearing an ear-to-ear smile right now!)
Jamie Lyon: Killer had limited time. Rating 6
Junior Langi: Rating 6
Luke O'Dywer: Was listed to play at second row but played most of the game in the centres. Not overly big, says True Eel but showed "no fear at all and made aggressive runs and was effective and aggressive in defence". Rating 7
Daniel Wagon: Also had limited minutes. Rating 6
Adam Dykes: Looked good, his "speed and fitness [were] back and was a leading light when training and when on the field. Rating 8
Michael Witt: Looked confident and willing to try things. Rating 7
Chris Thorman: "Played OK", but missed some tackles and took some poor options in attack. (Did lay on a try for Burt with a short grubber) Rating 6
James Webster Played "really, really well" at hooker, scording a try, helping to put on another, while was in enthusiastic and tackled well in defence. Rating 8. (Smith seems to really like Webster's attitude. May play in a lot more first grade games as interchange hooker than people think this year. He is certainly very nippy in a PJ Marsh kind of way).
John Morris: Rating 6.
Jeremy Pai: Played lock, looked out of place and missed too many tackles. Rating 5.
Nathan Cayless: True Eel was impressed with his leadership and said he played "great" in his first game as a second-rower, despite not having an awful lot of minutes. "Was committed to Parra winning throughout the whole game like it was a final"> Rating 7
Michael Vella: True Eel didn't say much about Vella but rated him highly. (Won the Parra "strong man" competition earlier this year, suggesting he's work hard in pre-season training and may return to the kind of form that saw him represent Australia this year) Rating 8
Adam Peek: Rating 6
Craig Stapleton: Really solid and reliable, said True Eel, making good runs and good hits. Rating 7
Corey Pearson: Impressed 1 True Eel in his first run in the Blue and Gold, who rated him as one of the best three Parra players on the field. Rating 9.
Fui Fui Moi Moi: Describe as a "rock ape", who made good yardage and put on some big hits.
Mal Kafusi: Like Moi Moi, big and made great yards. True Eel said "these two could be great, really giving Parra the size and raw power they have been lacking for some years".
Cannings: A big unit who runs like a bull and was about the best forward on the park. Rating 9. (This guy is going to be a star no doubt about it, made a bust and then sprinted 40m to score a try.)
Justin Tsoulos: (The big boy copped a minor shoulder injury). Rating 6
Chris Armit: Rating 6. (Was given a rap in other circles for some of the big hits he made.)
True Eel said Parra "dwarfed Cronulla all over the park", especially with the big forward pack who hit and ran hard. A lot of dropped ball and too many missed tackles. Gave away too many penalties and lacked some execution in attack but given the chopping and changing that can probably be excused. And quite obviously, we have amazing depth this year.
What a great start to the year and once again big thank you to True Eel for taking the time to give such a detailed report.
Warriors take Parra trial seriously
The New Zealand Warriors will give the Eels a stern test this week, naming a senior side to face Parramatta in this weekend's trial. Unlike their previous trial when they lined up against St. George with a team of rookies, all of the starting team have first grade experience, as do four of the seven bench players. There's no Stacey Jones, but internationals like Clinton Toopi, Francis Meli, Monty Betham, Ali Lauiti'iti and Richard Villasanti are all in the team.
Former Parra cult hero, 'Tooks' who was one of the few senior players to line-up against the Dragons has been give a rest. The big fella must have pulled up blowing hard and needing the run, as they would say in racing parlance.
Warriors: 1. Brent Webb, 2. Justin Murphy, 3. Vince Mellars, 4. Clinton Toopi, 5. Francis Meli, 6. Jerome Ropati, 7. Thomas Leuluai, 8. Jerry Seuseu, 9. Monty Betham (capt.), 10. Iafeta Palea'aesina, 11. Ali Lauiti'iti, 12. Karl Temata, 13. Wairangi Koopu. Interchange: Evarn Tuimavave, Richard Villasanti, Sione Faumuina, Marcus Perenara, Loius Anderson, Vinnie Anderson, Epalahame Lauaki.
The New Zealand Warriors will give the Eels a stern test this week, naming a senior side to face Parramatta in this weekend's trial. Unlike their previous trial when they lined up against St. George with a team of rookies, all of the starting team have first grade experience, as do four of the seven bench players. There's no Stacey Jones, but internationals like Clinton Toopi, Francis Meli, Monty Betham, Ali Lauiti'iti and Richard Villasanti are all in the team.
Former Parra cult hero, 'Tooks' who was one of the few senior players to line-up against the Dragons has been give a rest. The big fella must have pulled up blowing hard and needing the run, as they would say in racing parlance.
Warriors: 1. Brent Webb, 2. Justin Murphy, 3. Vince Mellars, 4. Clinton Toopi, 5. Francis Meli, 6. Jerome Ropati, 7. Thomas Leuluai, 8. Jerry Seuseu, 9. Monty Betham (capt.), 10. Iafeta Palea'aesina, 11. Ali Lauiti'iti, 12. Karl Temata, 13. Wairangi Koopu. Interchange: Evarn Tuimavave, Richard Villasanti, Sione Faumuina, Marcus Perenara, Loius Anderson, Vinnie Anderson, Epalahame Lauaki.
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
Who is Luke Dwyer?
The Eels named young forward Luke Dwyer at lock for the upcoming trial which might prompt some to ask "Who the hell is Luke Dwyer?"
Dwyer comes from the Eels feeder club Tweed Heads and make rapid progress last year to end the season as one of its star performers. Played on the wing in early games, before being moved into the forward pack where he played with distinction, eventually earning a place in the Qld Country versus Qld City game. The game included some high-quality players like Tigers and former North Queensland and Broncos half Scott Prince. Scored two tries and was named man of the match and subsequently was chosen on the interchange bench for the Queensland Residents team.
Dwyer obviously has plenty of talent and it's great to have young players like this coming through the ranks. Parramatta has some great depth at lock, as they do with positions all over the park, this year. Incumbent Daniel Wagon will need to rediscover the form that led to his elevation to the National team if he is going to hold off challenges from the likes of Lee Hopkins, Chris Muckert, Shane Muspratt, Jeremy Pai and Luke Dwyer. With Nathan Cayless moving into the second row and Dean Widders being one of our best last year as a smaller, skillful forward coming off the bench, one would have to suggest that at most two of these back row forwards are going to get a run in any game.
Thanks to TKBK for providing links to information on Luke Dwyer.
The Eels named young forward Luke Dwyer at lock for the upcoming trial which might prompt some to ask "Who the hell is Luke Dwyer?"
Dwyer comes from the Eels feeder club Tweed Heads and make rapid progress last year to end the season as one of its star performers. Played on the wing in early games, before being moved into the forward pack where he played with distinction, eventually earning a place in the Qld Country versus Qld City game. The game included some high-quality players like Tigers and former North Queensland and Broncos half Scott Prince. Scored two tries and was named man of the match and subsequently was chosen on the interchange bench for the Queensland Residents team.
Dwyer obviously has plenty of talent and it's great to have young players like this coming through the ranks. Parramatta has some great depth at lock, as they do with positions all over the park, this year. Incumbent Daniel Wagon will need to rediscover the form that led to his elevation to the National team if he is going to hold off challenges from the likes of Lee Hopkins, Chris Muckert, Shane Muspratt, Jeremy Pai and Luke Dwyer. With Nathan Cayless moving into the second row and Dean Widders being one of our best last year as a smaller, skillful forward coming off the bench, one would have to suggest that at most two of these back row forwards are going to get a run in any game.
Thanks to TKBK for providing links to information on Luke Dwyer.
The Eels have named a 20 man squad to take on the Warriors at the Gold Coast on Saturday.
Eels name big side again
The team is:
1 - Luke Burt
2 - Wise Kativerata
3 - Jamie Lyon
4 - David Vaealiki
5 - Eric Grothe
6 - Daniel Wagon
7 - Adam Dykes
8 - Adam Peek
9 - John Morris
10 - Michael Vella
11 - Nathan Hindmarsh
12 - Nathan Cayless
13 - Luke O'Dwyer
14 - Wade McKinnon
15 - Craig Stapleton
16 - Corey Pearson
17- Aaron Cannings
18 - James Webster
19 - Jeremiah Pai
20 - Junior Langi
Don't read too much into that, though. Last trial, Brian Smith basically rotated his entire squad of 30 plus players and in all likelihood will do the same again, before having a more serious hitout against the Tigers in the Charity Challenge.
Eels name big side again
The team is:
1 - Luke Burt
2 - Wise Kativerata
3 - Jamie Lyon
4 - David Vaealiki
5 - Eric Grothe
6 - Daniel Wagon
7 - Adam Dykes
8 - Adam Peek
9 - John Morris
10 - Michael Vella
11 - Nathan Hindmarsh
12 - Nathan Cayless
13 - Luke O'Dwyer
14 - Wade McKinnon
15 - Craig Stapleton
16 - Corey Pearson
17- Aaron Cannings
18 - James Webster
19 - Jeremiah Pai
20 - Junior Langi
Don't read too much into that, though. Last trial, Brian Smith basically rotated his entire squad of 30 plus players and in all likelihood will do the same again, before having a more serious hitout against the Tigers in the Charity Challenge.
Monday, February 16, 2004
Battle of the halves
At this stage the most interesting part of the Parramatta season is going to be what halves combination we end up with for the majority of the year. We really haven't had a great half/five-eight combination since Kenny and Sterling and while no-one is suggesting our halves are going to reach that standard this year, it could be the best since then.
Adam Dykes should have been one piece of the puzzle, since we signed him a couple of years back. But he just hasn't managed to stay on the park and when he was on the park last year he was slow and lacked the kind of timing that made him one of the best pivots in the comp when playing for Cronulla. However, the form he showed at the sevens suggest he is ready to finally show his best in the blue and gold.
1Eyed Eel must admit we've not had any time for Dykes since moving to the Eels. We were very excited, then, when we heard Smith had signed one of the UK's brightest stars, Chris Thorman. We figured a Thorman/Michael Witt combination might just be the halves answer we've been looking for.
However, I was interested to read that Thorman has been recruited squarely as a half back. "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 told The Sydney Morning Herald.
Meanwhile, coach Brian Smith appears very keen to have Dykes on the park. In another Herald article he said: "[Dykes] is a high-quality player and if he has even luck he's going to be very good for us. He knows the ropes and he brings out the best in other players. They love being around him on the field."
This suggests as long as Dykes stays fit, it's going to be a battle between Witt and Thorman for the half back spot. While Witt was hailed as Parramatta's great white hope last year, he is only 20 and has not yet played a full season in the top grade, whereas Thorman has already represented England A with distinction against Australia.
That said, Witt has been signed for four years, so the Eels do see him as our future starting half-back. His fine running game will also complement Adam Dykes passing game superbly and while Dykes is best recognised for his tactical kicking, Witt has a longer boot.
That probably leaves Thorman coming off the bench. Smith likes to have a half-back/hooker kind of player coming off the bench and while James Webster was coming along well in that role last year, Thorman probably appears to be a classier player at this stage. With Lee Hopkins also representing an alternative option to John Morris at hooker, Parramatta will have that ability to move players around the park again that they had during 2001 when they were almost impossible to defence against.
This all assumes no injuries and as we've seen during the past two years, injuries do happen. The difference this year seems to be we have alternatives all over the past. Certainly with a line-up that includes Dykes, Witt, Morris, Thorman, Webster, Wagon and Hopkins, not to menion a player like former Warriors utility Jeremy Pai, we appear to have the depth to cover the halves and hooking positions.
At this stage the most interesting part of the Parramatta season is going to be what halves combination we end up with for the majority of the year. We really haven't had a great half/five-eight combination since Kenny and Sterling and while no-one is suggesting our halves are going to reach that standard this year, it could be the best since then.
Adam Dykes should have been one piece of the puzzle, since we signed him a couple of years back. But he just hasn't managed to stay on the park and when he was on the park last year he was slow and lacked the kind of timing that made him one of the best pivots in the comp when playing for Cronulla. However, the form he showed at the sevens suggest he is ready to finally show his best in the blue and gold.
1Eyed Eel must admit we've not had any time for Dykes since moving to the Eels. We were very excited, then, when we heard Smith had signed one of the UK's brightest stars, Chris Thorman. We figured a Thorman/Michael Witt combination might just be the halves answer we've been looking for.
However, I was interested to read that Thorman has been recruited squarely as a half back. "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 told The Sydney Morning Herald.
Meanwhile, coach Brian Smith appears very keen to have Dykes on the park. In another Herald article he said: "[Dykes] is a high-quality player and if he has even luck he's going to be very good for us. He knows the ropes and he brings out the best in other players. They love being around him on the field."
This suggests as long as Dykes stays fit, it's going to be a battle between Witt and Thorman for the half back spot. While Witt was hailed as Parramatta's great white hope last year, he is only 20 and has not yet played a full season in the top grade, whereas Thorman has already represented England A with distinction against Australia.
That said, Witt has been signed for four years, so the Eels do see him as our future starting half-back. His fine running game will also complement Adam Dykes passing game superbly and while Dykes is best recognised for his tactical kicking, Witt has a longer boot.
That probably leaves Thorman coming off the bench. Smith likes to have a half-back/hooker kind of player coming off the bench and while James Webster was coming along well in that role last year, Thorman probably appears to be a classier player at this stage. With Lee Hopkins also representing an alternative option to John Morris at hooker, Parramatta will have that ability to move players around the park again that they had during 2001 when they were almost impossible to defence against.
This all assumes no injuries and as we've seen during the past two years, injuries do happen. The difference this year seems to be we have alternatives all over the past. Certainly with a line-up that includes Dykes, Witt, Morris, Thorman, Webster, Wagon and Hopkins, not to menion a player like former Warriors utility Jeremy Pai, we appear to have the depth to cover the halves and hooking positions.
There's a Monster in my pack...
In The Sun Herald today, Brian Smith "reveals" what was already blatantly obvious to any Eels fan keeping a close tabs on Parramatta's recruitment strategy. That is, that the Eels have muscled up.
"[Smith] said his side would switch the emphasis from a skill-based game to a power-based game built around huge forwards to fall into line with what he regarded as a critical shift in the refereeing style that has allowed the teams with bulk to grab top billing," wrote Greg Prichard.
Smith was quoted as saying: "We looked for quality players who were big and now we've got 10 props and a lot of them are in the 115-120kg range.
"Skill will still be important, of course, but we've increased our size and I'm sure it will increase our intimidation factor."
As part of the strategy, Nathan Cayless is being shifted into the second row, a move that will allow Aaron Cannings, a start in the making to start at prop.
Cannings has already showed what he is capable of. In the trial game against the sharks he burst through the defence and ran 40 metres to score.
"His try showed what he can do," Smith said in a Sun Herald report. "He's about 116 kilos, and when he makes a break like that no one can run him down. He's got good leg speed for his size."
Also notable from the trial was a mention on the Eels official site of "some very big hits, including some bone rattlers by Fui Fui Moi Moi and Chris Armit".
Fui Fui Moi Moi is huge and according to some fans he's going to be a cult interchange player, in the same mould as "Tooks" was before he deserted for the Warriors.
In The Sun Herald today, Brian Smith "reveals" what was already blatantly obvious to any Eels fan keeping a close tabs on Parramatta's recruitment strategy. That is, that the Eels have muscled up.
"[Smith] said his side would switch the emphasis from a skill-based game to a power-based game built around huge forwards to fall into line with what he regarded as a critical shift in the refereeing style that has allowed the teams with bulk to grab top billing," wrote Greg Prichard.
Smith was quoted as saying: "We looked for quality players who were big and now we've got 10 props and a lot of them are in the 115-120kg range.
"Skill will still be important, of course, but we've increased our size and I'm sure it will increase our intimidation factor."
As part of the strategy, Nathan Cayless is being shifted into the second row, a move that will allow Aaron Cannings, a start in the making to start at prop.
Cannings has already showed what he is capable of. In the trial game against the sharks he burst through the defence and ran 40 metres to score.
"His try showed what he can do," Smith said in a Sun Herald report. "He's about 116 kilos, and when he makes a break like that no one can run him down. He's got good leg speed for his size."
Also notable from the trial was a mention on the Eels official site of "some very big hits, including some bone rattlers by Fui Fui Moi Moi and Chris Armit".
Fui Fui Moi Moi is huge and according to some fans he's going to be a cult interchange player, in the same mould as "Tooks" was before he deserted for the Warriors.
Sunday, February 15, 2004
Parra one for one in '04..
Parramatta has won its first game of the year, beating the Cronulla Sharks 28 to 24 in a trial game in Ballina.
According to a report on the official Eels website, Brian Smith singled out new recruit Eric Grothe as being a star performer.
"Guru was awesome tonight, and showed us exactly what he can do," Smith was quoted as saying.
Parra had named a curious line-up, but ended up showcasing many more players than the official seventeen, rotating through a good proportion of the squad during the four quarter match.
Smith told AAP that the game was a good, tough hit-out: "All up I thought it was a pretty good game - nice and hard and no-one lost their season because of it."
Althought there were no major injuries, Justin Tsoulos was replaced with a shoulder injury and David Vaeliki (minor ankle injurt) and Lee Hopkins (broken nose) didn't start because of injuries.
Parramatta has won its first game of the year, beating the Cronulla Sharks 28 to 24 in a trial game in Ballina.
According to a report on the official Eels website, Brian Smith singled out new recruit Eric Grothe as being a star performer.
"Guru was awesome tonight, and showed us exactly what he can do," Smith was quoted as saying.
Parra had named a curious line-up, but ended up showcasing many more players than the official seventeen, rotating through a good proportion of the squad during the four quarter match.
Smith told AAP that the game was a good, tough hit-out: "All up I thought it was a pretty good game - nice and hard and no-one lost their season because of it."
Althought there were no major injuries, Justin Tsoulos was replaced with a shoulder injury and David Vaeliki (minor ankle injurt) and Lee Hopkins (broken nose) didn't start because of injuries.
Thursday, February 12, 2004
Welcome to what I believe is the world's first blog devoted to the mighty Parramatta Eels. I am the 1eyed Eel - an unabashed, unadulterated Parramatta tragic. I spend a lot of my time watching, reading and talking about the Eels so I thought I'd share my passion via this Blog. I hope you find it worthwhile.
