Monday, March 15, 2004
Frilingos attacks Parra's commitment
Peter Frilingos has launched a scathing attack on the Parramatta Eels, questioning their commitment and attitude.
He said the Eels "went missing in defence" just as they did in the 2001 grand final when an opening blitz from Newcastle put the game beyond their grasp even before half time. This "indicated there is something seriously amiss in the commitment department", Frilingos wrote.
Parra fans may have "grudgingly" accepted a 20 point loss but "to have their players waving something suspiciously resembling a white flag before some of them had settled in their seats was asking far too much of even the seasoned masochists in their ranks".
While the game's emphasis on gang tackling has made it the preserve of "gorillas" the "Eel’s big game safari went hunting in the wrong jungle".
"Aaron Cannings at 118kg continually ran out of petrol which meant he couldn't catch the ball on a couple of occasions and had next to no lateral movement.
"Fellow newcomers Corey Pearson and Craig Stapleton were equally ineffective and incumbents Nathan Hindmarsh and Vella were not much better.
"With the massacre going on up front it was hardly surprising the backs were never in the game and unless something is done to staunch the haemorrhaging up front they will be wasting their time.
He said the Eels "went missing in defence" just as they did in the 2001 grand final when an opening blitz from Newcastle put the game beyond their grasp even before half time. This "indicated there is something seriously amiss in the commitment department", Frilingos wrote.
Parra fans may have "grudgingly" accepted a 20 point loss but "to have their players waving something suspiciously resembling a white flag before some of them had settled in their seats was asking far too much of even the seasoned masochists in their ranks".
While the game's emphasis on gang tackling has made it the preserve of "gorillas" the "Eel’s big game safari went hunting in the wrong jungle".
"Aaron Cannings at 118kg continually ran out of petrol which meant he couldn't catch the ball on a couple of occasions and had next to no lateral movement.
"Fellow newcomers Corey Pearson and Craig Stapleton were equally ineffective and incumbents Nathan Hindmarsh and Vella were not much better.
"With the massacre going on up front it was hardly surprising the backs were never in the game and unless something is done to staunch the haemorrhaging up front they will be wasting their time.
