Parramatta Eels Blog: The 1Eyed Eel

If the Eels are to make the semi-finals then, quite simply, they must win this weekend.

Parramatta do not have the easiest run home. They face the Roosters twice, a home game against Penrith, a tough away match against Melbourne and have only one bye remaining. To reach the magical 28 number that usually guarantees you a berth in the top eight Parramatta must win one of those games plus every other match (Warriors home and away, Sharks at home, Cowboys away and Tigers at home).

A loss against the bottom placed Warriors would almost put the finals out of reach.

While the Warriors were beaten easily last week, this does shape up as a danger game for the Eels. Parramatta will not only miss the presence of their main playmaker Adam Dykes, but they also go into this game without their strike forward Nathan Hindmarsh.

Once again, an enormous amount of responsibility will fall on the shoulders of young Michael Witt to guide the team around the park, not an easy job when your facing one of the game's most experienced halves, the seasoned Stacey Jones.

As such, John Morris needs to step up again and show leadership skills. This game is not dissimiliar to the Manly game. That day, the Eels were missing Hindmarsh and Dykes started slowly, but Morris was brilliant, constantly troubling the Sea Eagles with his dummy half running and setting up attacking raids. Parramatta does have strike players like Widders and Burt who can create tries if they have space to work in.

If Morris has a big game, the Eels should win. If he doesn't, Parramatta might struggle to score points as they did last week against Penrith. Admittedly, the Warriors defence is nowhere near the level that the Panthers play at, but still, the Eels attack cannot afford to break down as it did so often last week.

Fortunately, the Warriors don't look to have a lot of points in them. The decision to move Tony Martin to pivot looks almost like a move of desperation and Daniel Wagon should have his measure. Similiarly, Junior Langi is a good match up against Clinton Toopi, who can be lethal when on song. Probably even more so than Witt, Jones will be burdened with carrying his team and if the Eels successfully shut down the New Zealand number seven they will be well on their way to winning the match.

That will be even more so the case, if Parramatta's starting pack is able to outplay the Warriors large and often unpredictable forwards, just as they did in the opening stanza against Penrith. Certainly, the Warriors don't look nearly as strong up front as Penrith and they most definitately don't have bench players like Frank Pritchard or Robbie Ross.

But the thing about New Zealand is they can be woeful one week and brilliant the next. If they get their confidence they can still threaten even the best teams so Parramatta needs to ensure they dominate early.

The Warriors will experiment with a new halves combination as they seek to find a winning formula against the Eels this weekend in Auckland.

Lance Hohaia has been dropped to the bench and utility back Tony Martin, who played on the wing last week has moved into the pivot position, TVNZ said.

The Warriors team is:
1. Brent Webb, 2. Henry Fa'afili, 3. Jerome Ropati, 4. Clinton Toopi, 5. Justin Murphy, 6. Tony Martin, 7. Stacey Jones, 8. Iafeta Paleaaesina, 9. Monty Betham (capt.), 10. Richard Villasanti, 11. Epalahame Lauaki, 12. Awen Guttenbeil, 13. Vinnie Anderson. Interchange: Karl Temata, Evarn Tuimavave, Shannon Stowers, Lance Hohaia, Tevita Latu, Louis Anderson.

One Adam has come back, but the other is still out.

While Adam Peek returns from suspension this week, Adam Dykes has still not recovered from the chest injury that ruled him out last week and he has not been considered for this week's game against the Warriors.

The only change to the team beaten by Penrith last week is the inclusion of Lee Hopkins in the starting pack in place of Nathan Hindmarsh, who will be on State of Origin duty.

Peek comes onto a six man bench. Peek, Dean Widders, Jack Afamasaga and Justin Tsoulos hold the first four positions while Chris Thorman is eighteenth man again and Chris Armit, 19. Armit has presumably been named as cover for Justin Tsoulos, who is in doubt with a shoulder injury.

The rest of the team is unchanged with Michael Witt and Daniel Wagon again to line up in the halves and Chris Muckert playing lock.

The Eels Premier League and Jersey Flegg teams have the bye.

1 - Wade McKINNON
2 - Ashley GRAHAM
3 - Junior LANGI
4 - Luke BURT
5 - Matt PETERSEN
6 - Daniel WAGON ©
7 - Michael WITT
8 - Corey PEARSON
9 - John MORRIS
10 - Michael VELLA
11 - Lee HOPKINS
12 - Craig STAPLETON
13 - Chris MUCKERT
14 - Dean WIDDERS
15 - Jack AFAMASAGA
16 - Adam PEEK
17 - Justin TSOULOS
18 - Chris THORMAN
19 - Chris ARMIT

What do you think of the team? Post a comment.

The Parramatta Eels have slipped further behind the Sydney Roosters in the Club Championship after it lost both Jersey Flegg and Premier League games on the weekend again.

The Eels Jersey Flegg team had two players sent off in the first half during their 28 to 18 loss to Penrith, while Premier League was dissapointing, beaten soundly by the Penrith/St Mary's Cougars 34 to 18.

Meanwhile, the Roosters again won both lower grade matches to take a commanding seven point lead in the club championship.

If only the Eels forwards had kept going like they started.

Parramatta's starting pack put together their best opening 20 minutes of the year. Time and again, Penrith's renowned hard-running forwards Joel Clinton, Martin Lang and Trent Waterhouse charged at the likes of Vella, Pearson, Wagon, Stapleton and Muckert only to be stopped in their tracks.

Meanwhile, the Eels forwards were making good metres as well as completing most of their sets and subsequently Parramatta totally controlled the opening stanza and should have been more than ten points in front before the Panthers started to turn the game around.

Unfortunately, the Eels clearly missed the playmaking abilities of Adam Dykes. Michael Witt was solid in the first half and his longer kicking game was quite good, but once again Parramatta's fifth tackle options were poor and we lacked the attacking flair inside the opposition's quarter to put on quick points.

The game started to change complexion, noticeably, as both teams made interchanges. Unfortunately for Parramatta, it was the Penrith forwards who began altering the course of the game. Ben Ross and Frank Pritchard would be starting forwards in most other packs and they began to make big metres against Parramatta's smaller interchange forwards.

An analysis of the metres gained by the forwards showed that both Pearson and Vella were more successful in gaining metres than Clinton or Lang, but that Pritchard and Ross were significantly better than Parra's interchange players.

The dominance that Penrith started to gain at the back end of the first half continued into the second 40 minutes and Parramatta found themselves continually forced to work the ball out of their half. The Eels resorted to a lot of dummy half running by the backs and while this was reasonably effective in gaining metreage it didn't put the Panthers, who had regained the lead by this time, under any real pressure.

Michael Witt was placed under enormous pressure for this game. He has played very few games at half back this year, was returining from a two game suspension and he is still learning the ropes, but with Parra reverting to using Wagon at five-eighth, all the organisational responsibility fell on his inexperienced shoulders. With that in mind, he didn't do badly, but the Eels desperately needed someone in the second half to step up and change the point of the attack.

The Eels defence has improved markedly in recent weeks but there are still occasions where defenders are too slow to slide across and cover up the inside ball or the man stepping back into the centre of the field.

1. Wade McKinnon - 8 (67)
Stopped at least two tries again with faultless last man defence and continues to beat the first man when returning the ball. Made some good runs from dummy half and 1Eyed Eel would love to see more of that.

2. Ashley Graham - 6 (32)
Graham is an instinctive footballer and showed it with a spectacular "slips catch" to field a dangerous in-goal kick, and then showed the presence of mind to get back into the field of play. Did nothing wrong and is getting better every week.

3. Junior Langi - 6 (70)
Solid.

4. Luke Burt - 6 (80)
Didn't see a lot of ball but made some good runs out of dummy half and his defence has continued to improve.

5. Matt Peterson - 7 (63)
Great job to score his try and was good under the high ball.

6. Daniel Wagon - 6 (97)
A good first half performance and pulled off some good hits but like so many of the Eels players seemed to go missing in the second period.

7. Michael Witt - 5 (17)
Some aspects of his kicking game were excellent but others were ordinary. Went fairly well when Parramatta's forwards were dominating but lost control of the game in the second half. Was probably to blame defensively for the Whesser try, too.

8. Corey Pearson - 7 (25)
Did a lot of work hitting the ball up and made pretty good metres. Topped both hit-ups and metres gained for the Eels and worked particularly well in combination with Vella in first half. Also made 30 tackles but did start to run out of puff.

9. John Morris - 8 (84)
Another great game, constantly troubled the Panters from dummy half and did a heap of work in defence.

10. Michael Vella - 8 (85)
Was the dominant forward when he was on the park. Scored a great try, made a number of big runs, popped a couple of effective offloads as well as some damaging defence.

11. Nathan Hindmarsh - 8 (100)
The first Parra player to top the 100 points for the season! Once again showed how dangerous he is in broken play when he scored in the first half. Allowed the props to do the heavy work and as such he was more effective in attack.

12. Craig Stapleton - 6 (99)
Struggled to get over the advantage line this week, his 11 hit ups netting only 69 metres.

13. Chris Muckert - 5 (17)
Was good early making a couple of very solid tackles but went missing in the second half.

14. Dean Widders - 6 (88)
Didn't have the same impact as the past couple of weeks but he was busy in defence.

15. Lee Hopkins - 5 (43)
Had some good defensive moments but doesn't add a lot when he comes on.

16. Jack Afamasaga - 6 (33)
Limited game time, but showed how dangerous he can be when he made the late break which resulted in Petereson's try.

17. Justin Tsoulos - 4 (54)
Had no impact this week.

The Eels have blown a perfect opportunity to fight their way back into the top eight going down 26 to 16 after leading 12 to 10 at half time.

For the second week running, the Eels were basically beaten by a stunning individual performance. Last week it was Darren Lockyer, this week it was makeshift half Amos Roberts.

The Eels almost got off to the perfect start when a Matt Peterson leapt high for a Michael Witt cross field kick. Referee Hampstead went to the video ref but it was ruled that Parra knocked on.

The Eels defended with much venom early on, getting on top of the much vaunted Penrith pack and forced a number of turn overs. That resulted in plenty of ball and field position and the Penrith team finally cracked when Michael Vella brushed off Amos Roberts on the edge of the ruck to score. Michael Witt converted to give the Eels a six nil lead.

Despite continuing to dominate possession and made a number of breaks but were unable to turn that into points . Indeed Penrith looked like they would be next to score when exciting Panthers young second rower Frank Pritchard burst through the line. However, the Eels best player over the past two months, Wade McKinnon, came up with a try saving shoulder charge that knocked the ball loose.

The Eels then scored a spectacular try. Michael Witt for the third time in the game delivered a clever flick pass to Jack Afamasaga who took the ball to the line bumped off a defended then passed back to Hindmarsh. Hindmarsh did likewise getting the ball back to Wagon who sent the ball out to Luke Burt. Burt found Hindmarsh on the run around and the Australian second rower barged over the top of three Panthers defenders to score out wide. Michael Witt's conversion just missed to the left.

However, Penrith's pack came back strongly late in the second half and the Eels intensity seemed to lift and this time it was Parramatta under attack. Thankfully, Penrith looked disjointed without their playmakers Gower and Campbell but it only took a piece of individual brilliance from Amos Roberts to score under the post and put the Panthers right back into the game trailing by only four at the break.

Unfortunately, in the second half it was the Panthers who dominated the game. All year, Parramatta has been vulnerable on their line when the first receiver takes the ball back towards the post and this play once again saw the Eels concede a try. Dean Widders rushed out of the line but was stepped by Rhys Whesser. Michael Witt and Corey Pearson were too slow to slide across in cover and Whesser scored a soft try, converted by Roberts.

Roberts' kicking game got better and better in the second half and mid-way through the period he was able to thread a grubber into the in-goal, which Paul Whatuira jumped on ahead of Junior Langi to score next to the post. Roberts again had no problems converting and the Eels were looking forlorn at 24 to 12.

However, the Eels didn't lay down and a Jack Afamasaga break led to the ball being spun out wide against a short Penrith backline. Matt Peterson did a great job to stay in play and put the ball down, however, any hope of a miraculous Eels comeback ended when Witt again failed to convert from touch.

The Eels were well-served by Wade McKinnon, who again pulled out a number of try saving tackles, John Morris who was particularly good in the first half and Michael Vella who was dominant while he was on the field.

What did you think of the Eels performance. Post a comment.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Matt Peterson will be a late inclusion in tonight's clash against the Panthers.

The story said it is not known who will be left out of the side, but it seems likely that young winger Brett Anderson will make way for Peterson.

John Morris is not ready to give up his number nine jersey without a fight, he has told AAP.

"Mark is coming over, but I don't want to give up the number nine. My goal is to play hooker and I'll be doing whatever I can to be the starting hooker."

He told AAP that while he could switch to the halves, it was also an option for Riddell to play backrow.

""Mark has played a fair bit of back row with St George and is doing quite well, so that could be an option," Morris said.

"If (Parramatta coach Brian Smith) wants to play Mark at hooker and me at five-eighth, or me at hooker and him at second row, that's a couple of options we've got.I see his signing as a positive and I think we'll get some good combinations going."

Star Panthers half Craig Gower has reinjured his knee and will not only miss the Eels clash this weekend, but is also likely to be out for up to four weeks, accourding to AAP.

Parramatta's mantle as perrenial NSW club champion is under threat with the Sydney Rooster taking over Parramatta after last week's lower grade games.

Last weekend, the Eels Premier League team lost to the Magpies 30 to 26, while Jersey Flegg went down 34 to 24 against the 10th place Illawarra team.

Meanwhile, the Roosters flogged the injury-stricken Knights in both grades, winning 58 to 4 and 46 to 22 in Premier League and Jersey Flegg respectively.

And aren't the Roosters crowing about it. In a story on the official Roosters website it says: "For the first time since the Club Championship was revamped in 1997 to exclude first grade premiership points and include junior representative points, Parramatta are being seriously challenged".

"With seven successive club championships it had been thought that with all the vast resources available to the Eels, it would not be possible for an inner city club to compete with Parramatta, let alone a club with such contrasting resources available to them. It is therefore highly newsworthy to trumpet the performance of the Sydney Roosters, whose junior boundaries continue to reflect 1940's demographics."

The Club Championship totals points accrued in all four NSW Rugby League competitions - Harold Matthews, SG Ball, Jersey Flegg and Premier League.

Parramatta's undefeated Harold Matthews team (Under 16) were minor premiers and premiers on 17 points with the Roosters well back in the field, finishing 10th on 9 points.

However, in SG Ball, the Roosters were minor premiers and although they were knocked out before the grand final they contributed 16 points to Sydney City's Club Championship total. The Eels' SG Ball team finished fifth on 12 points.

The results of those two junior competitions left the Eels with a four point advantage over the Roosters with Jersey Flegg and Premier League left to play out.

Currently, the Roosters Flegg team, coached by former Parramatta player Shane Flanagan is undefeated on 30 points, while the Eels are second on 24 points.

Parramatta also dropped from the top of the competition in Premier League following their lost last week against the much lower-placed Wests, being passed by both St George and the Roosters. The Eels are on 22 points, while the Roosters are on 23.

That leaves the Roosters three points in front.

Harold Matthews
Eels - 17
Roosters - 9

SG Ball
Eels - 12 (29)
Roosters - 16 (25)

Jersey Flegg
Eels - 24 (43)
Roosters - 30 (45)

Premier League
Eels - 22 (65)
Roosters - 23 (68)

Club Championship
Eels - 65
Rooster - 68

The rest of the year is shaping as an epic battle made all the more interesting by the fact that the Eels face the Roosters in the final round of the year.

Hooker John Morris will be moved to five-eighth next year following the signing of Mark Riddell, the Daily Telegraph has reported.

The Telegraph story said that the Eels will target another three "top line players" and were going after outside backs and prop forwards.

"For the first time since I've been at the club we've actually got some space in our salary cap to bring some new blood in," coach Brian Smith said.

Certainly, Smith could hardly have been any more enthusiastic about Riddell's signing.

"I see Mark joining us as one of the best and biggest moments of my career because I think he's got so much to offer to our team and our club".

"Everybody knows what Mark brings to the table for us, everybody knows Mark's flamboyant and extroverted style. He's a guy with lots of strings to his bow."

Asked if Smith's emphasis on discipline would make it a problem to coach the free-spirited Riddell, Smith said he had coached all types of different players over the last 20 years and he couldn't foresee any problems.

Meanwhile, Riddell said he was looking forward to going to work for his coach.

"I'm looking forward to working with Brian [Smith]. I've got a few mates over here who I spoke to before I made my decision and I'm very happy with the decision I've made.

Riddell said that Parramatta was very "professional" and had a great core of players with the likes of Cayless, Hindmarsh, Vella and Wagon.

"With the addition of a few more players there are going to be plenty of good times ahead with the club."

Adam Dykes may still have fractured a rib which will keep him out of action for "several weeks", an AAP report said today.

Early report suggested Dykes may only have deep bruising, however further tests have shown the injury may be more serious than first thought.

The AAP report quoted a spokesperson as saying: "Initial x-rays said there was no fracture but he's had other scans which revealed it in more detail and perhaps there is a crack there - he will be checked in a week or two to see how he is healing."

Penrith are close to full strength for their encounter against the Eels with only Preston Campbell and Ryan Girdler missing.

The Penrith side is:
1. Rhys Wesser, 2. Brett Howland, 3. Luke Lewis, 4. Paul Whatuira, 5. Luke Rooney, 6. Amos Roberts, 7. Craig Gower (c), 8. Joel Clinton, 9. Luke Priddis, 10. Martin Lang, 11. Joe Galuvao, 12. Tony Puletua, 13. Trent Waterhouse, 14. Ben Ross, 15. Frank Pritchard, 16. Shane Rodney, 17. Danny Galea"

Meanwhile, the Eels still have 12 missing. The missing Eels side for this week is:
1. Ronald Prince, 2. Matt Peterson, 3. Jamie Lyon, 4. David Vaeliki, 5. Eric Grothe, 6. Luke O'Dwyer, 7. Adam Dykes, 8. Aaron Cannings, 9. Shane Muspratt, 10. Fuifui Moimoi, 11. Nathan Cayless, 12. Adam Peek, 13. [Thankfully Vacant]

Can we beat the Panthers? Post a comment!

Chris Muckert has made a surprise return from injury and has been named at lock in this week's clash against the Panthers.

The backline is unchanged with the exception of Witt coming into the team for Adam Dykes.

With the Eels facing the big Panthers pack, Brian Smith has gone for size. Last week, Brisbane's big forwards tended to get on top of the Eels at stages of the game so Smith has promoted Pearson to the starting line-up switched Stapleton to the second row and knocked back Afamasaga to the bench.

Chris Thorman is again 18th man.

1 – Wade McKINNON
2 - Ashley GRAHAM
3 - Junior LANGI
4 – Luke BURT
5 – Brett ANDERSON
6 – Daniel WAGON(C)
7 – Michael WITT
8 – Corey PEARSON
9 – John MORRIS
10 – Michael VELLA
11 – Nathan HINDMARSH
12 – Craig STAPLETON
13 – Chris MUCKERT
14 – Dean WIDDERS
15 – Lee HOPKINS
16 – Jack AFAMASAGA
17 – Justin TSOULOS
18 – Chris THORMAN

What do you think of this week's team? Post a comment?

Chris Muckert's surprise return to the NRL has seen Chris Armit dropped to Premier League.

Fuifui Moimoi is missing due to suspension and Mal Kaufusi has been named despite not playing last week.

Feleti Mateo who has impressed in recent weeks has again been named at five-eighth but will likely switch back to lock if NRL eighteenth man Chris Thorman drops back to reggies.

Chris Armith's brother Nathan has broken into the starting pack in Flegg.

Premier League

1 - Joel REDDY
2 - Matt GRUSZKA
3 - Ben SMITH
4 - Wise KATIVERATA
5 - Steve MOWBRAY
6 - Feleti MATEO
7 - Tim SMITH
8 - Josh CORDOBA
9 - James WEBSTER ©
10 - Mal KAUFUSI
11 - Fred PETERSEN
12 - Chris ARMIT
13 - Ryan HINCHCLIFFE
14 - Jeremiah PAI
15 - Jim CURTIS
16 - Peter ELLIS

Jersey Flegg

1 - Paul MARZELLA
2 - Jesse SHELLEY
3 - Matt LANTRY
4 - Michael BASAN
5 - Joel ASHER
6 - Brett DELANEY
7 - Blake GREEN
8 - Ben TAIA
9 - Scott JONES
10 - Dale BROCKBANK
11 - Nathan ARMIT
12 - Guy WILLIAMS
13 - Brendan HUNT
14 - Mat KEATING
15 - Nathan RUSSELL
16 - Mark HENDY
17 - Mark MURPHY
18 - Brad McLEVY

Did Armit deserve to be dropped? Post a comment?

Parramatta has confirmed that inspirational Dragons hooker Mark Riddell will join the Parramatta Eels for the next three seasons.

The Eels also announced the re-signing of Wade McKinnon and Feleti Mateo on two year deals, as well as Dean Widders and Luke O'Dwyer for the 2005 season only.

Parramatta announced the signings at a press conference today. AAP quoted Denis Fitzgerald as saying: "It is great that Mark accepted our proposal to further his career at Parramatta. He will be a fine acquisition with his strong forward play as well as his excellent goal kicking."

What do you think of the signings? Post a comment.

The 1Eyed Eel website broke through the 10,000 visitor mark this week. Hooray for us.

The Sydney Morning Herald this morning reported that Nathan Cayless, Aaron Cannings, Eric Grothe and Luke O'Dwyer "are all close to returns and may be available for Saturday night's clash with Penrith".

All were expected to be out for much longer periods of time.

The story also said Parramatta was interested in Cronulla's Paul Gallen.

Mark Riddell will sign a deal that could be worth nearly a million dollars, according to the media reports this morning.

The Herald said that the Eels are understood to have offered a three year, $330,000 deal per season deal to the St George hooker and backrower.

"Riddell yesterday confirmed the Parramatta offer was more lucrative but said 'many factors', not merely money, were involved in his decision," the Herald said.

The Australian and Daily Telegraph also confirmed the speculation.

Dean Ritchie wrote that: "Riddell, 23 and a representative hooker, is understood to be ready to announce he has accepted the Eels' offer but is yet to officially sign a contract. An announcement could be made tomorrow."

That story said the deal would be worth the significantly lower amount of $750,000 over the next three years.

Fears that Parra halfback Adam Dykes may have punctured a lung or fractured a rib have been allayed, but according to media reports, "deep bruising" will mean he will miss next week's match against Penrith.

Wade McKinnon - 7 (59)
Continued his great run of form, continually beating the first tackle and backup up brilliantly. Showed great hands and pace when he scored after taking the Junior Langi flick pass. Last line of defence was again good, and it took Karmichael Hunt for someone to finally beat him with a step. Unfortunately failed to defuse two bombs in the final ten minutes that saw Brisbane win the game.

Ashley Graham - 6 (26)
Signs were there last night that Graham is starting to regain his form and fitness. He stretched out nicely down the wing on a couple of occasions and also scored a try. Some of his defensive decisions were questionable but was definitely a sign that he is on the improve.

Junior Langi - 8 (64)
Great game by the big centre. Got around Darren Lockyer then threw a tremendous flick pass that put Wade McKinnon away. Got into dummy half and made a number of important runs when Parramatta was having trouble working their way out of trouble.

Luke Burt - 6 (74)
This game typified his season - up and down. Kicked brilliantly, scored a try and often looked dangerous but made some key mistakes, like not communicating with fullback Wade McKinnon when he spilt the bomb that led to Darren Smith's second try and mis-reading a backline movement that saw Michael De Vere stroll over.

Brett Anderson - 5 (17)
After a great game last week, he looked a little out of depth this week. Perhaps we're being harsh, but while he didn't make any obvious mistakes there were a couple of occasions where he just wasn't in the right place at the right time. A winger has got to want the ball and he just didn't seem to have that kind of confidence last night.

Daniel Wagon - 7 (91)
Played very much a five-eighth role last night and was given the job of keeping Darren Lockyer at bay. While he tried hard to do that, ultimately Lockyer was the victor. Threw some nice passes, but his limited experience at five-eighth showed when Dykes was off the park and he was called on to take more responsibility.

Adam Dykes - 5 (85)
Only played half a game and that was a mixed half. Took some poor options but was again always a threat and he created Luke Burt's try.

Craig Stapleton - 7 (93)
Typical game from Stapleton, worked hard in attack and defence while he was on the park.

John Morris - 7 (76)
Had to switch to half-back and did a fair job there, although his kicking is no match for Dykes and he didn't keep the Eels quite as fluid in attack. In the first half wasn't able to be as dominant from dummy half as the week prior but he did do a lot of defensive work making more than 40 tackles.

Michael Vella - 7 (77)
Wasn't quite as damaging as he was in the past weeks against the hulking Brisbane forwards but he did do a lot of work in defence and made 104 metres in his 12 hitups.

Nathan Hindmarsh - 8 (92)
Once again did a stack of work making 44 tackles and 15 hit ups but we still would like to see him doing less of the tough stuff and taking more advantageous of broken play. When he did that moving into dummy half and making a run down the blind side the Eels scored.

Jack Afamasaga - 6 (27)
Didn't get a lot of game time because Widders was performing well, but played well while he was on the park.

Lee Hopkins - 5 (38)
Got knocked around a bit and was pretty quiet.

Dean Widders - 8 (82)
Constantly troubled the Broncos with his powerful running out wide and was once again rewarded with a try.

Chris Armit - 6 (47)
Is slowly getting more time in NRL and he's getting better and better. Made some very solid tackles and his running was effective.

Corey Pearson - 6 (18)
Honest performance, getting strongly involved off the bench.

Justin Tsoulos - 7 (50)
Awesome performance from the bench. Was a constant handful with his damaging charges and his ability to slip a pass in traffic. Late in the game drifted wide and almost created a try.

The Eels may have lost to Brisbane but their tenacity in fight back on two separate occasions saw them given plenty of praise in post game match reports.

ABC Online described Parramatta as "gutsy" while AAP called the Eels "spirited" in their respective summaries.

Even the parochial Brisbane press was happy to give the Eels praise for their effort. The Sunday Mail said: "Parramatta refused to stop fighting and their valiant effort was more noteworthy considering they lost halfback Adam Dykes in the 42nd minute after he fell awkwardly in a tackle."

The Sun Herald's also report made special note of Adam Dykes' injury, saying it was a shoulder injury that would keep the playmaker out of the team for "several weeks". That report also noted fan's disenchantment with the forward pass from dummy half that led to Darren Smith's first try.

The Australian quoted the Eels as praising Darren Lockyer who was easily the dominant player on the park. Nathan Hindmarsh as saying: "To tell you truth I'm getting sick of the sight of him - we need someone to hurt him!"

"We thought we did have them at 24-all, but we let Lockyer kick too many times and he came up with the goods. He was the difference. A lot of their tries came from his kicks and his passing - I don't think we controlled him well enough. You've got to knock him down when he passes it, otherwise he just gets up and creates another hole for someone else to run into."

Sportal's report said that Brisbane "overcome a crippling injury toll" to win the game, but of course didn't note that Parramatta had 12 first graders out.

It said backrowers Nathan Hindmarsh and Dean Widders "were wreaking havoc on the fringes".

Eels playmaker Adam Dykes has been taken to hospital after suffering an injury in the Eels 34 to 24 loss to Brisbane.

The Dykes injury was a turning point in the match. The Eels looked to be coming home stronger than tiring a Brisbane outfit, however they struggled to maintain pressure once their primary playmaker was taken from the field early in the second half.

A Darren Lockyer inspired Broncos marched out to a 12-0 lead, however the Eels bravely returned fire after Junior Langi, in one of his best games in the Blue and Gold slipped a magnificant flick pass to Wade McKinnon who outpaced the covering defence to score.

Luke Burt then scored after he tapped back an ordinary John Morris kick to Adam Dykes who ran to the line before flicking the pass out for Burt to pick up and touch down.

However, the Eels suffered a blow with the end of the first half beckoning when Luke Burt misread a Brisbane attacking raid down the right send and Lockyer sent De Vere across untouched.

Parramatta needed to be the first team to score, but it was not to be with Darren Smith scoring for Brisbane.

However, the Eels again refused to lay down and Ashley Graham scored a controversial try in the corner with the video referee giving the Eels the benefit of the doubt. Less than ten minutes later, the Eels were back on evel terms after Dean Widders dummied to put the defence in two minds then barging over, continuing his try scoring run over the last couple of weeks.

However, with Dykes off the field the Eels got lost in attack and again Darren Lockyer stepped up for Brisbane. A huge towering bomb saw both Luke Burt and Wade McKinnon try to catch the ball only to see Burt drop the pill and Darren Smith pick up score a double.

The Broncos put the game beyond doubt with three minutes to go when Ashley Graham and Luke Burt failed to shut down an attack outwide from Karmichael Hunt and Craig Frawley that saw Frawley go over in the corner.

Brisbane's decision to bring veteran prop Darren Smith into the lock forward position and move Tonie Carroll to the centres, is likely to place a much bigger defensive workload on Darren Lockyer, a report in The Courier Mail said.

Brian Smith wanted to sack Dean Widders after the dynamic forward returned from the pre-season overweight again, The Australian has revealed.

Widders has been in sensational form in the last few weeks

"It was a matter of trying to find my feet and physically develop my body, so I was able to play.I needed to lose a few kilos and I finally did that this year. I've played lot of game time and I'm starting to get somewhere.

"I'm a lot fitter and fresher now and can get through more work, whereas before I was always under the pump and getting tired. As a result, my concentration would drop off."

Broncos star Darren Lockyer suffered a corked thigh and a cut under the eye but will play for the Broncos against Parramatta, the Courier Mail has reported.

Eels iron man Nathan Hindmarsh will back up after his phenomenal Origin performance.

Meanwhile, the Sydney Morning Herald reported that Parramatta's 18th man Chris Thorman is expected to be the player left out from the Eels five man bench.

Parramatta's Harold Matthew's fullback Jarrod Hyne scored four tries for NSW Under 17, who smashed Queensland 56 to 26 in the curtain raiser before State of Origin.

Hayne, who at 16 was a year younger than most of his team mates and opposition played on the wing for NSW and took full advantage of the opportunity to rack up four tries, all of which were scored before half time. Read the Sydney Morning Herald report here.

According to media reports Craig Stapleton has beaten the contrary conduct charge and is free to play for the Eels this weekend.

Shane Muspratt has joined the list of Parramatta’s injured brigade, with Brian Smith revealing he has a broken bone in his knuckle and doctors expect him to be out for six to eight weeks.

“However, Shane tell us he’s from North Queensland and he heels faster than everybody else so he’s hoping for a month,” Smith said, light-heartedly in an interview on the Parra Eels official site.

Chris Muckert has dislocated his shoulder. Doctors will see how his shoulder responds to physio over the next week or so, but are hopeful at this stage that surgery can be delayed until the end of the year, allowing him to play again this season.

Eric Grothe broke down at training again midway through last week. He returned to light training today but at this stage, it’s unknown when he might return. Meanwhile, Matt Peterson will be out for a month with a cheek fracture.

Chris Thorman has been rewarded with a great game in premier league last week, by being named 18th man for this Saturday’s clash against Brisbane.

The only other changes made to the team are forced ones with former Cowboys Chris Muckert and Shane Muspratt both ruled out with injuries.

Nathan Hindmarsh resumes his spot in the second row and Chris Armit is back on the bench.

1 – Wade McKINNON
2 - Ashley GRAHAM
3 - Junior LANGI
4 – Luke BURT
5 – Brett ANDERSON
6 – Daniel WAGON (c)
7 – Adam DYKES
8 – Craig STAPLETON
9 – John MORRIS
10 – Michael VELLA
11 – Nathan HINDMARSH
12 – Jack AFAMASAGA
13 – Lee HOPKINS
14 – Dean WIDDERS
15 – Chris ARMIT
16 – Corey PEARSON
17 – Justin TSOULOS
18 – Chris THORMAN

Talented young front rower Weller Huaraki has stepped up from Jersey Flegg being named on the bench of the Eels Premier League side.

With Chris Thorman named as 18th man, Feleti Mateo has been named at five-eighth for the Premier League clash against Wests. Steve Mowbray comes into the starting side on the wing.

Premier League

1 – Joel REDDY
2 – Matt GRUSZKA
3 – Ben SMITH
4 – Wise KATIVERATA
5 – Steve MOWBRAY
6 – Feleti MATEO
7 – Tim SMITH
8 – Josh CORDOBA
9 – James WEBSTER ©
10 – Mal KAUFUSI
11 – Fred PETERSEN
12 – Jim CURTIS
13 – Ryan HINCHCLIFFE
14 – Weller HAURAKI
15 – Jeremiah PAI
16 – Fuifui MOIMOI
17 – Peter ELLIS

Jersey Flegg

1 – David WILLIAMS
2 – Paul MARZELLA
3 – Matt LANTRY
4 – Thomas MacGougan
5 – Joel ASHER
6 – Brett DELANEY
7 – Blake GREEN
8 – Ben TAIA
9 – Scott JONES
10 – Dale BROCKBANK
11 – Brendan OAKE ©
12 – Guy WILLIAMS
13 – Brendan HUNT
14 – Mat KEATING
15 – Nathan RUSSELL
16 – Mark HENDY
17 – Pat INSKIP
18 – Nathan ARMIT
19 – Mark MURPHY

Parramatta forward Craig Stapleton has opted to defend himself against the grade one contrary conduct charge that arose as a result of his altercation with John Hopoate, AAP wrote.

Stapleton will miss two matches if he is found guilty.

What a game! The Eels bounced back to their best form against a hapless Manly outfit to record a record win.

First of all, the reality check. Manly were terrible. They dropped so much ball that they never had a chance to really mount any pressure on the Eels. Their defence at times was woeful and they were ill-disciplined, giving away far too many penalties.

If Parramatta hadn’t of won, there would have been reason for concern.

But there have been games this year where Parramatta have played against teams who performed as badly as Manly did and the Eels still have not been able to put them to the sword as they did this week. Indeed, last week, Brian Smith was lamenting that his team, at that time, seemed incapable of dominating the opposition and putting them away.

This week, Parramatta played with the same level of enthusiasm as they had last week (indeed possibly even more) but this time they backed it up with some skillful game play.

We have no doubt that John Morris was the impetus for Parramatta’s much-improved showing. He scored a try himself and created two more dashing from dummy half and then offloading perfectly timed passes to supports to create tries. He also made numerous darts from dummy half that kept the opposition backpeddling and created space for the rest of the team to attack. It was the kind of dominant performance that Danny Buderus is famous for and 1Eyed Eel has no doubt that Morris is talented enough to be just as effective as Buderus over the next couple of years. If he can dominate like this week in, week out, the Eels will quickly establish themselves as premiership contenders.

If Morris can take that next step we hope, like Buderus, he gets to do it for eighty minutes. Smith would then have three forwards capable of playing eighty minutes giving him great flexibility in rotating his big props and larger second rowers.

With Dykes regaining his form, the Eels look a lethal attacking outfit again.

It was great to see Luke Burt bounce back to form. Burt is immensely talented but has never quite delivered on his great promise. For the first time this year, he really looked comfortable in the centres and his defence early in the game was particularly impressive. A couple of weeks ago 1Eyed Eel said we doubted the Burt, Langi centre pairing but it is certainly holding up well at the moment.

Wagon, McKinnon, Vella, Afamasaga and Stapleton continue to excel. McKinnon’s last line of defence is simply outstanding. Corey Pearson was awesome second game back from injury and with injuries mounting his return is a blessing.

And how about Brett Anderson? Second game in the top grade and he looked like he’d been doing it for years. Despite the ferocity of the Manly defence, he never shirked his responsibility and he looks to be a tremendous athlete who may make one of the wing jumpers his own.

The Eels winning run in the lower grades continued last week against Manly.

Parramatta's Premier League team won 44 to 12 against a Manly team that was only two points behind them.

Jersey Flegg also got up 40 to 18. Across the three grades, Parramatta outpointed Manly 136 to 42.

The Eels are now leading Premier League, one point ahead of the Dragons, Roosters and Tigers. Jersey Flegg is running second, trailing only the undefeated Sydney Roosters outfit.

Parramatta will have an entire team of quality, first graders unavailable this week against Brisbane with more injuries and suspension likely to add to the toll of missing players.

Chris Muckert and Justin Tsoulos both injured shoulders. Muckert's shoulder is dislocated and he is expected to be out for a number of weeks - a shame as he was only just regaining fitness and form after an early season injury. Tsoulos' shoulder was not dislocated but he is likely to be out for at least a couple of weeks.

Craig Stapleton has been issued with a grade-one contrary conduct charge after his fisticuffs with John Hopoate and is also staring down the barrel of a week on the sidelines.

Reports also indicate that wingers Eric Grothe and Matt Peterson are unlikely to be back any time soon.

Parramatta is likely to have this "team" unavailable this weekend.

1. Ronald Prince
2. Matt Peterson
3. Jamie Lyon
4. David Vaeliki
5. Eric Grothe
6. Luke O'Dwyer
7. Michael Witt
8. Aaron Cannings
9. Nathan Cayless
10. Justin Tsoulos
11. Adam Peek
12. Craig Stapleton
13. Chris Muckert

Wade McKinnon - 9 (52)
Stunning performance. Last line of defence was brilliant, stopped three possible tries. On numerous occasions managed to get the ball out of his in-goal when a lesser fullback would have been pinned. Backed up the forwards all day, scored a try, was perfectly positioned for every kick through and was dangerous running the ball back.

Ashley Graham - 5 (20)
This wasn't the game that Graham recaptured his form. Made a blunder from the kick-off that saw the Eels under pressure. Dived too high when going for the corner was was subsequently taken into touch. Also made a couple of errors. Still regaining confidence.

Junior Langi - 7 (56)
Scored a try and looked capable of busting tackles. Is playing with much more confidence.

Luke Burt - 8 (68)
Started the game with great intensity, making some aggressive tackles. Created Chris Muckert's try with some evasive running then scored his own after he picked up a ball and outsprinted the defence. Still having a few problems with his handling which caused him to miss two intercept opportunities. Found his kicking boots, again, too.

Brett Anderson - 7 (12)
The young flyer is almost certain to hold down his first grade spot after this performance. Showed tremendous bravado hitting the ball up from dummy half when Manly were on a big hitting blitz. His tap back created a try for Langi and his kick chase was enthusiastic. Fantastic second game.

Daniel Wagon - 8 (84)
Nearly brought a tear to our one eye, when in the midst of Manly's big hitting blitz, he laid an absolute bone-rattler on Manly's Nathan Tutt. Stood up and said anything you boys can dish out, we can do better (except we'll do it legally). A true captain's knock. Chimed into the line nicely and it was his cross-field bomb that saw Langi score.

Adam Dykes - 7 (79)
Got better and more confident as the game went on. His long-kicking was great again, but he failed to keep the pressure on manly with some poor short kicking. Again, showed his ability to snaffle a try out of no where and his ability to create points will be critical to the Eels as they bid to nail down a place in the top eight.

Craig Stapleton - 8 (86)
Was the player who put his hand up to take over Nathan Hindmarsh's workload. Made 32 tackles and 17 hit ups. Bravo!

John Morris - 9 (69)
What was the difference between the Eels this week and in past weeks? Simple, John Morris. The hooker was absolutely outstanding. Constantly worried Manly with probing dummy half running and the ability to throw a short pass like the one that put Dean Widders over. Had Parramatta going forward all day and did a heap of defensive work as well. This was a performance Danny Buderus would have been proud of and was the extra dimension that the Eels have been missing, of late.

Michael Vella - 8 (70)
Vella was at his inspiration best. His runs were powerful, his defence effective and he showed great courage to take chase after Scott Donald. Just about back to his 2001 form.

Lee Hopkins - 7 (33)
Worked hard in defence and his enthusiasm was infectious as he pumped his team mates up all days.

Jack Afamasaga - 7 (21)
Has added a whole new dimension to the Eels forward pack. He is a dynamic running second-rower who is a constant threat to the opposition. Hugely enthusiastic and we have no doubt the Hindmarsh/Afamasaga second row combination will serve the Eels for many years to come.

Dean Widders - 8 (74)
At his explosive best today. Constantly worried Manly with his powerful running outwide and was rewarded with two tries. The Eels must re-sign Widders ASAP.

Corey Pearson - 8 (12)
Pearson topped the hit-ups with 18 and kept the Eels momentum rolling. Constantly threated to slip a pass, which he did, resulting in Wade McKinnon's try.

Justin Tsoulos - 6 (43)
Was playing tough, hard football until a shoulder injury saw him taken from the field.

Chris Muckert - 6 (12)
Scored a try and looked like he was on his way to cementing a first grade position until he also suffered a shoulder injury.

Shane Muspratt - 6
With Morris on fire, he didn't get a lot of time but managed to score a try in the time he was on the park.

Parramatta's big offer for Mark Riddell will not be enough to win him over, according to reports in both The Sunday Telegraph and Sun Herald. Both papers said that while he would like to stay with the Dragons, a switch to the Sharks was looking the likely option.

Nathan Cayless told Channel Nine during the telecast on Sunday that he would be out for a further eight weeks after having his arm re-operated on.

Parramatta's 52 to 12 flogging of the Manly goes down in the record books as the biggest win that the Eels have ever recorded over the Sea Eagles.

AAP's match report said the club was "revitalised", while Sportal said the Eels "finally produced the goods".

ABC Online quoted Brian Smith as saying: "How do you figure football, I couldn't have imagined this.

"It wasn't in my wildest dreams, I can tell you, that we would have put 50 past them today."

In another AAP report, Smith was quoted as saying: "I think today was the first time in a very long time that we've had a number of bounces of the ball go our way and they led to points."

The Eels led 18 to 6 at half time. A highly-involved Luke Burt set up the first try for Chris Muckert, a clever scamper from dummy half by John Morris saw Dean Widders put into a hole to score, and the Brent Anderson tapped back a Daniel Wagon cross field bomb which Junior Langi dived on for the half's final try. The only Sea Eagles try came against the run of play when former Eels Scott Donald picked up the ball and ran 90 metres to score.

The Daily Telegraph described the second half as "what will be one of the long-remembered halves in Parramatta history".

Adam Dykes scored yet another solo try from nothing minutes in the second stanza, and then Wade McKinnon, who backed up all day, took a brilliant Corey Pearson short pass and scored after the video referee ruled against a suspect double movement.

Manly got one back but that only saw the floodgates open with Widders, Luke Burt, Morris and Shane Muspratt all scoring.

Much was made of the "fiery" nature of the game. AAP's report said that the Eels saved their boos this week for Manly bad boy John Hopoate who was the centre of several controversial moments including a fight with Parra prop Craig Stapleton. Kylie Leuluai was also placed on report for a high shot of Michael Vella.

The other talking point was Des Hasler's cry after the game that Manly wuz robbed. The Australian quoted Hasler as saying "I don't believe we are that bad or ill-disciplined to be penalised 13-5" and complaining that Tim Mander was in the video referees booth rather than officiating as the match referree, after the NRL decided to give its leading whistle blowers a week off. Ironically, Hasler also had a whinge about the decision to award Wade McKinnon's try, a judgement made by Mander in the video ref's booth.

Dean Widder was quoted in yet another AAP report as saying that the Eels turnaround was a result of more passion and "showing more enjoyment out there on the field and that would bring an extra effort out on the field".

"It was just getting out on the field and showing everyone that our heart and soul was in it and that's what we have been doing the last few weeks."

The Sydney Morning Herald's Late Mail column today said that Matt Peterson "is awaiting the results of cheekbone scans before he is cleared to play against Manly on Sunday".

Last week, 1Eyed Eel worked our tail off keeping this website up to date. Day after day, media report after media report flowed in with Brian Smith and the players under intense scrutiny and a constant barrage or criticism.

Had Parramatta lost last week, this week probably would have presented more of the same.

Parramatta didn't lose, they got up in the last minute of the game after Newcastle made a crucial mistake throwing an intercept pass.

Suddenly, the media criticism dropped off - instantaneously. The attack dogs dropped off and reporters began asking warm and fuzzy questions in press conferences. "Brian, mate, buddy, you must be glad that this will ease the pressure on you?"

Throughout the week, there has not been a peep, except for continual references to the pressure being off. This despite the fact that a player's poll, once again showed Brian Smith was the coach players least wanted to play under. You can bet if Parramatta had of lost last week, that statistic would have been back page news - instead, if it got a mention, it was in the last paragraph in a story about Justin Hodges being overrated.

In today's Daily Telegraph, Dean Ritchie lauds the Eels boss Denis Fitzgerald for sticking by his coach. "Fitzgerald refused to buckle under intense pressure and has maintained a strong and unwavering stance in support of Smith. He has remained firm and did not panic while Souths and the Warriors plunged their clubs into crisis by sacking their coaches.

"And surprise, surprise, look what solidarity delivers. The Eels came from 10-0 down last weekend to topple the Newcastle Knights 18-16 in the dying moments.

The previous week, Ritchie's stories had run under headlines like: "Smith day's numbered?" and "Is it time?".

Had Parra lost, what would have been difference? Would the coach had suddenly been less capable had Luke Burt not managed to pluck that final ball from the air and score a try? Would the player's effort had been any poorer?

If the last couple of weeks have shown anything, it's that the media really is a circus.

Michael Witt has failed to ward off the grade one, dangerous throw charge levelled against him and has been suspended fot two matches.

Eric Grothe is running again and is some hope of playing this weekend.

"Eric has been running again over the last few days and it's possible he could be right by the weekend," Brian Smith said in an audio interview on the official Parramatta website.

If that is the case, the possibility of including Grothe in the team will certainly be discussed, Smith said.

"We haven't seen him train with the squad, he's been on limited duties, but he is running again.

"He's very close."

Parramatta's Michael Witt will contest the grade one, dangerous throw charge that has been levelled against him and coach Brian Smith said the Eels are very hopeful the pivot will be found not guilty.

"We're pretty confident about Michael's situation, we've looked at other level one, dangerous throw type tackles and we think Michael has got a very good chance," Smith said in this week's audio interview on the Official Eels website.

Corey Pearson has been rushed back into the Parramatta first grade team after his return from injury in last week's Premier League match.

Brian Smith has named almost an identical team to the one that beat Newcastle last week.

The only changes see:
- Lee Hopkins move from the bench to take the starting place of Nathan Hindmarsh, who is on origin duty
- Pearson's promotion to the bench
- Chris Muckert takes Feleti Mateo's position as the 18th man

In an audio interview on the Parramatta website, Smith said that Muckert "had been performing in premiere league during the last few weeks".

The Eels have named Michael Witt at five-eighth despite the fact that he is staring down the barrel of a two-week suspension, however Smith seemed confident the Eels could defence the charge (see related story).

1 - Wade McKINNON
2 - Ashley GRAHAM
3 - Junior LANGI
4 - Luke BURT
5 - Matt PETERSEN
6 - Michael WITT
7 - Adam DYKES
8 - Craig STAPLETON
9 - John MORRIS
10 - Michael VELLA
11 - Lee HOPKINS
12 - Jack AFAMASAGA
13 - Daniel WAGON ©
14 - Dean WIDDERS
15 - Chris ARMIT
16 - Corey PEARSON
17 - Justin TSOULOS
18 - Chris MUCKERT

Feleti Mateo looks like he will be waiting longer than he might of expected to make his first grade debut after the exciting young lock missing out on the 18th man position and was instead named in the Eels premier league team.

With few changes to the first grade team, the premier league team is also basically unchanged from the team that was named last week.

1 - Joel REDDY
2 - Matt GRUSZKA
3 - Ben SMITH
4 - Wise KATIVERATA
5 - Brett ANDERSON
6 - Tim SMITH
7 - Chris THORMAN
8 - Josh CORDOBA
9 - James WEBSTER ©
10 - Mal KAUFUSI
11 - Fred PETERSEN
12 - Shane MUSPRATT
13 - Feleti MATEO
14 - Steve MOWBRAY
15 - Ryan HINCHCLIFFE
16 - Fuifui MOIMOI
17 - Peter ELLIS
18 - Jeremiah PAI
19 - Jim CURTIS

The most pleasing aspect of Saturday night for 1Eyed Eel was not the superb job Wade McKinnon did at fullback, the second consecutive half century of tackles for Daniel Wagon or the impressive form of Michael Vella. Rather it was the scenes in the dressing shed after the game with all players singing, clapping and showing genuine passion after their return to the winner’s circle.

Fact is passion and enthusiasm is very hard to beat. It’s also very difficult to engender, especially when a team is in the midst of a losing streak.

Ironically, one has to suggest that the intense pressure that Parramatta was under leading up to that game was a major factor fueling the motivation that secured Parramatta that win. Brian Smith also gave a big wrap to Daniel Wagon, Nathan Hindmarsh and Corey Pearson who got the players together for a mid-week soul-searching session. He also thanked the “supporters” who got behind the players with phone calls, faxes and e-mails.

Whatever the formula that contributed to the attitude of the players, it worked. Certainly the team clicked last night at least at an emotional level. They will be a much closer outfit after this week and that’s as good a basis for a form turnaround as any.

Their actually match play wasn’t terrific, particularly in the first half, but it got better as the match went on. They still gave away too many penalties, still made silly mistakes and their goal-line defence, after holding solid for most of the match, gave way when it really mattered.

That said, the Eels defence was much, much better than it has been all year. It was enthusiastic, tough and committed for most parts of the game and although at times a couple of players got lost in the line, it was a very promising sign.

Wade McKinnon keeps getting better. He plays every game with heart and his kick return was the best it’s been all year, continually beating the first tackle. McKinnon's positional play in defending against kicks was also immaculate, perhaps the only part of his game that might have been subject to criticism over the past few weeks.

When Mick Vella decides to step up he really can be an inspirational player. Vella has added an offload to his array of tricks and until the Eels get Nathan Cayless back, we need a forward who is going to worry the defence with his offloading capabilities.
None of the Eels players were bad, but few were really good, either. The fact that Parra still got away with the game shows that the Eels can be a contender if the players keep believing in themselves and in each other and keep up the improvement. Bring on the Eagles!

Michael Witt has been charged with a grade one dangerous throw.

According to the The Sydney Morning Herald, the charge carries a two-week suspension due to carryover points.

Given that Witt will miss two weeks even if he takes a guilty plea, it would seem likely that Parramatta will contest the charge given that the tackle wasn't even penalised on the night.

Wade McKinnon - 8 (43)
McKinnon has played brilliantly since being promoted to the top side but this might just have been his best game of all. Positional play was first rate and routinely broke the first tackle bringing the ball back.

Ashley Graham - 6 (15)
Still feeling his way back into the top grade but took the intercept that won us the game. Brian Smith commented in the post-match press conference that he is only back to two-thirds of his top pace and this showed when he wasn't able to outsprint the oppositio backs. His defence was mixed and coming off his wing probably helped Newcastle score their second try.

Junior Langi - 7 (49)
Took his second chance with a vengeance. Awesome pass put Ash Graham over in the corner and basically acted as an extra backrower in defence and bringing the ball out of our own territory.

Luke Burt - 6 (60)
Awful decision to throw the ball back in field without knowing if anyone was there, but redeemed himself with the final try. Otherwise had a fair game without making too much of an impact.

Matt Peterson - 7 (56)
Was having a blinder until the final 15 minutes when his game lapsed. Make a corker tackle that may have saved a try, took a bomb under intense pressure and worked the ball out strongly from his own territory. However, in the final minutes he let a bomb bounce, missed a couple of critical tackles and threw a sloppy pass from dummy half that resulted in a key turnover. Take away the final 15 minutes and it was his best game of the year.

Michael Witt - 6 (12)
Great enthusiasm but made a couple of mistakes and wasn't able to have much of an impact. Was probably most responsible for the Kurt Gidley try. Still, his kicking won us the game and his spot was validated on that score alone.

Adam Dykes - 7 (72)
Patchy game but he was still Parramatta's most threatening players. Regularly shifted out to second reciever and he was probably more effective in that role. His long kicking was exceptional and his final grubber kick one the game.

Michael Vella - 8 (62)
Vella truly stood up to be counted. Was the dominant forward when he was on the park, running with passion and hitting with plenty of venom. In Cayless' absense he has also developed an offload and put Wade McKinnon into the clear with another brilliant short offload.

John Morris - 7 (62)
A solid game from Morris in his return to the NRL. Looked sharp on occasions out of dummy half and did a lot of work in defence.

Craig Stapleton - 7 (78)
Made a rare mistake in the opening ten minutes but that aside he was his usual reliable self, getting his hands dirty in both attack and defence.

Nathan Hindmarsh - 8 (84)
1Eyed Eel thinks that Hindmarsh may actually be doing too much work. He twice took the ball on the last tackle both times resulting in a turn over. Getting constantly involved in the tough stuff and is blunting his attacking ability and while his workload is mind-blowing he's not the threat he has been.

Jack Afamasaga - 7 (14)
His opening 20 minutes were a stand-out. Tremendous enthusiasm in kick-chases and attempting charge downs, defence was stinging and he ran hard and even showcased a Benji Marshall sidestep.

Daniel Wagon - 8 (76)
Unbelievable defensive effort, cracking 50 tackles two weeks running. Did start to get a little lax in the last 15, giving away a cheap penalty and being half-responsible for the Kurt Gidley try but given his workload it was to be expected.

Lee Hopkins - 6 (26)
Tackled resolutely and there was nothing wrong with his service from dummy half. That said, he's not a game breaker.

Chris Armit - 7 (41)
His best game in first grade this year. Got much more heavily involved off the bench than he has in any other game this year and he certainly didn't let anyone down.

Dean Widders - 8 (66)
Brilliant off the bench - added attacking thrust and made the break that got the Eels back into the game. His defence was excellent, too.

Justin Tsoulos - 7 (37)
Worked well interchanging with Vella, was difficult to pull down but still needs to make sure he offloads at the right time.

What did you think of the player's performances. Post a comment!

Jamie Lyon scored a try and kicked five goals in his return match for Wee Waa before refusing to rule out a return to Parramatta.

The Daily Telegraph today quoted Lyon as saying: "What Brian Smith does won't have any influence on what I do. I'm just glad to get out on the field and have a bit of a run."

Lyon played five-eighth for Wee Waa in their clash against competition leaders Coonabaraban and faced up against their star player Will Robinson. Robinson said: ""I'd like to see him back playing NRL".

"You can see that he has all the skills and once he blows out the cobwebs, he will find the holes out wide and will do great things."

Wee Waa won the game 50 to 22.

The Parramatta Eels have offered Mark Riddell a three-year contract at $270k per season, according to The Sun Herald today, and there have reportedly drawn up a hit-list of six big name players.

The offer tops the $250k that Cronulla has reportedly offered.

Riddell told The Sun Herald that: "The interest from Parramatta came from nowhere and I wasn't really thinking that I might end up there next year when I went out to meet them. But it was all good".

"The set-up at Parramatta Stadium is great and Brian Smith seemed like a really good bloke with good ideas. He said they were fair dinkum about buying some top players and I like that they've offered me".

Riddell is hoping to get a four-year deal and said both Cronulla and Parramatta "are flexible on that".

The story claimed that "Parramatta are understood to be impressed by Riddell's ability to use his size and strength to crack a game open" as well as his "growing maturity as an on-field leader".

Meanwhile, Parramatta will pursue Kurt Gidley, Timana Tahu, Frank Pritchard, Brent Kite and Matt Orford as well as Riddell, the same paper said.

It claimed Parramatta had $850,000 to spend and while particularly keen to sign a centre, a back-rower, "but if they can't get the right players in those positions they are prepared to be flexible and sign quality players in other positions".

The article said Parramatta see Tahu as a centre "which should appeal to him if gets serious about leaving the Knights".

The Eels have saved the job of their coach with their dramatic last minute win against the Knights.

Both the Sunday Telegraph and Sunday Mail reported today that Smith would have lost his job had the Eels been beaten by both Newcastle and Manly.

"Eels sources claim the Parramatta board had made the decision to intervene and move Smith sideways into a coaching director's role if he was unable to secure a win against either Newcastle last night or Manly next weekend," the Telegraph said.

At the press conference following last night's game Smith was asked if it would ease the pressure: "I don't know. It depends what mood you guys are in and some of the other people out there".

The Parramatta Eels have scored in the last minute to beat the Newcastle Knights 18 to 16.

Luke Burt plucked an Adam Dykes grubber out of the air to touch down in the dying seconds to give the Eels a well-deserved victory at Newcastle.

After trailing 10 nil at half time, the Eels fought back strongly in the second half and were the better team for the majority of the game.

The Eels scored two quick tries after half time through Adam Dykes and Ashley Graham and they held on to a 2 point lead for most of the second half, before Newcastle scored with eight minutes to go.

However, the Eels rallied strongly and scored a magnificent last minute victory when Luke Burt's try managed to level the score.

Michael Witt held his nerve and converted to give Parramatta a much needed victory and put their premiership aspirations back on track.

For other match reports see, Foxsports, ABC Online, TVNZ.

Steve Witt has been quoted by AAP as saying he "he won't be showing any mercy against his old NRL club" and that he's looking forward to matching up against brother Michael.

"There'll be a bit of chit-chat. We've rung each other up during the week to give a bit of stick. There'll be a few stiff arms."

"I don't know whether he's on the same side as me but no doubt we'll lock horns at some stage."

Witt said the Knights would not take the Eels lightly, according to the article. "They've got some quality players and if we don't turn up we'll get done," he said.

Another man of the match performance has seen former Eel Willie Tonga tipped for representative honours.

Willie Mason told tvnz.com.au that Tongaas "been the best centre in the NRL. Every centre he's played against this year he's played over."

Mason said Queensland selectors should be picking the 20 year old Tonga to play State of Origin this year.

Tonga was brought through the ranks of the Parramatta juniors before making a number of NRL appearances last year. However, having internationals David Vaeliki and Jamie Lyon in front of him, the centre defected to the Bulldogs where he thought he would have a better chance of playing in the top grade. Unfortunately for Parramatta Jamie Lyon walked out on his contract and David Vaeliki suffered a season-ending injury.

Had Tonga stayed he would have certainly have played a full year in first in Parramatta's NRL team.

Parramatta is a huge chance of signing Matt Orford and Mark Riddell, according to media reports today.

The Sydney Morning Herald has confirmed that St George hooker Mark Riddell has had talks with Parramatta.

The paper said Riddell held contract talks with Parramatta yesterday but that Cronulla was also interested.

Of Parramatta, he said: "They've got a very professional setup out there. I met Brian Smith, everyone was very friendly, and I spoke to Nathan Cayless and Nathan Hindmarsh for a while."

Meanwhile, the Daily Telegraph reported that Parramatta is one of seven clubs interested in the services of Matt Orford.

The Telegraph reported that "Parramatta appear to have the inside running, meaning the Storm, or anyone else, will have to come up with a minimum of $400,000 to get Orford's ear".

Jamie Lyon will line up for the Wee Waa Panthers after the Parramatta Eels granted him permission to play for the country side.

AAP reported that Lyon today "signed a supplemental agreement to his playing contract with the Eels that allows him to play for the Panthers until the end of 2006 when his deal with his former NRL club expires". However, he is not allowed to play for any other club.

In a media release, Parra CEO Denis Fitzgerald said: "Under the agreement, Jamie has the availability to return to the Parramatta Eels at any time should he wish to resume his career in the NRL.

"The Parramatta Eels will assist the Wee Waa Panthers in expediting a clearance for Jamie that may allow him to play as early as this weekend."

It would be easy to focus on the battle of the Witts, with brothers Michael and Steve playing each other for the first time, but 1Eyed Eel has no doubt that this game will be won at halfback.

Parramatta’s ability to score points has slumped of late. We have no doubt that stems largely from opposition teams successfully shutting down Adam Dykes. With Michael Witt at five-eighth, Dykes will for the first time have a true pivot outside of him and he should have no excuses if his game goes awry on Saturday night.

Dykes needs to perform because he is up against a player who could very well be the game’s next superstar. Kurt Gidley has blossomed this year lifting his game to representative level and he will be the lynchpin of most of Newcastle’s attacking raids.

Danny Buderus is Newcastle’s other attacking weapon and John Morris will also need to return to his best and give the Eels as much penetration out of dummy half as Buderus will provide the Knights.

With Newcastle’s two most important players on fire and Parramatta’s pairing only coming back to first grade after a demotion to reggies, it will be important that the Parramatta’s forwards get on top of their less experienced rivals. While Josh Perry’s return adds some starch to the Knights, Parramatta’s pack is probably better credentially boasting representative players Nathan Hindmarsh, Mick Vella and Daniel Wagon. The Eels forwards must lay a platform and give their halves some time to use the ball.

And of course, it would be remiss to note the Witt vs Witt clash. Both brothers started their career as half backs but will meet each other for the first time in an NRL game as pivots. While Michael is generally regarded as the better prospect of the two, he also has far more responsibility than his older brother. To date, Steve has very much been used as a link man, distributing the ball to Newcastle’s classy outside backs and when you’ve got players running of you like Timana Tahu and Matt Gidley that’s totally understandable. On the flipside, Michael has the job of creating opportunities for a three-quarter line up that has not shown a great ability to break the line this year.

Our tip: Eels by eight.

We're a self-confessed one-eyed tragic who has never tipped against Parra in our life. Who do you think will win? Post a comment.

Well that didn't take long. According to a report in the New Zealand Herald Daniel Anderson has already been linked to Parramatta, following his resignation from the Warriors.

Coach Brian Smith has said that he has noticed a noteworthy increae in the team's focus since senior players held their meeting on Monday, the Sydney Morning Herald has reported.

Columnist Mike Gibson has defended fans rights to boo in his column in The Daily Telegraph today.

Responding to Nathan Hindmarsh’ opinion that players should not be booed off the park, Gibson asked: “So what did they expect? The fans to invite them to do a lap of honour?

”Hey, guys. Reality check. Repeat after me: It's the fans who line your pockets with cash”.

Gibson noted that fans weren’t just booing at the players – they were also venting their feelings against the administration and the coach.

“How Brian Smith hangs on to his job is beyond me. He is paid more than the prime minister to coach a team that has gone from a class act to become the easybeats of the NRL. In any other line of business, Smith would have got the bullet.”

Gibson, a North Sydney tragic admitted Bears supporters never booed their team from the park.

” Maybe sometimes we should have. North Sydney fans were too genteel. But Parramatta supporters are a more demanding breed. “
“Even if it has become a grainy picture on their videotape of memories, they are used to winning premierships, and they have lost patience with a club that has lost the plot. So don't tell them not to boo. The way to make them stop booing is to give them something to cheer about.”

John Morris has told AAP he is keen to repay Brian Smith for his faith in him, after he was promoted back into first grade this week.

"I wasn't too happy to run out there at 1pm on Sunday, it's something I am not used to - hopefully I won't be back there again. Myself and Adam Dykes paid the price for the way the team was going, they had to make some changes ... he (Smith) said it wasn't personal, just to shake up the team."

He said the criticism of the Eels would only make the team stronger.

"We've just got to go out there and prove ourselves not only Saturday night but over the next month or so. It's pretty tough. When it comes to our supporters, they certainly could be more positive and supportive.

"It's not down to a lack of effort, we've still got a lot of pride in the blue and gold jumper. If we stay and keep being positive hopefully we can get a better outcome."

Brian Smith has thrown Adam Dykes, Junior Langi and to a lesser extent Luke Burt a lifeline. Can they take it?

The choice of Adam Dykes over Chris Thorman is sure to be a bone of contention and the subject of much debate this week. 1Eyed Eel won’t criticise the decision because Thorman failed to take his opportunity. We’ve not yet marked the Englishman, who does have undoubted talent above five out of ten for his efforts in Blue and Gold colours this year. He’s not fast enough or big enough to play pivot in the NRL, but he hasn’t shown the ability to take control of the team and organise the team effectively, which is necessary of the half back.

Adam Dykes will for the first time have the opportunity to play inside a real five-eighth. Michael Witt showed enough last week to suggest he will succeed at five-eighth and will take a lot of pressure off Dykes, who was not able to adapt his game once he became a target. However, Dykes has to perform this week or he should not play first grade again this year. If he doesn’t show enough this week to suggest he can regain the form that made him such a star earlier this year, he should make way for Parramatta to blood Tim Smith or persist with Chris Thorman.

Smith has reverted to the Junior Langi, Luke Burt centre pairing and try as we might we can’t give the thumbs up to this decision. Once again Parramatta is left without any quality hole runners. Burt is more of a broken player runner, while Langi isn’t a penetrating runner at all – he hasn’t broken the line all year. Ash Graham on the other hand has the ability to break through the defence with pace and strength and Ben Smith, currently biding his time in reserve grade, has the same potential.

The only positive we can find with this three-quarter line-up is that it is a less risky option than using Graham who is still regaining his confidence and Ben Smith who is untested at NRL level. It’s possibly a better short term option while Parramatta tries to bed down a stable halves combination but if there are any premiership aspirations left at the Eels, this pairing won’t cut it later in the year.

Young winger Ben Anderson also didn’t quite take the opportunity that was presented to him last week. He played fairly last week, but Matt Peterson’s enthusiasm won’t go astray, even though he is a walking cardiac arrest.

1Eyed Eel thinks Smith has just about got the forwards, right. Jack Afamagasa is the lynchpin to this forward pack as he gives the forwards more size and attacking potency than Lee Hopkins. With his inclusion it makes more sense to start with Stapleton over Tsoulos because the starting pack needs a solid worker and that hasn’t been Tsoulos’ strength.

John Morris was always going to regain his spot if he showed enough spark in Premier League. We just hope he remembers why he was dropped and introduces some dash back to his dummy half play. With Witt in the team he can concentrate on his dummy half play rather than having to worry about dropping into the backline as a playmaker.

Feleti Mateo has again been named on a five-man bench. On a couple of occasions, Smith has named potential debutants as the eighteenth man and then given them their chance the following week. Going against his chances of starting are the fact that he has been named as the number 18.

It will be a big ask to beat the Knights at Newcastle and 1Eyed Eel is worried about the ability of this side to score points. Dykes absolutely has to have a big game, not only for himself but for Parramatta to have any hope of scoring enough points to topple the Knights.

What do you think of this week's team? Post a comment.

Junior Langi, Adam Dykes, and John Morris are all back in first grade this week with Brian Smith showing little patience with the team that was smacked last week by the Wests Tigers.

Ben Anderson, Chris Thorman, Mal Kaufusi and James Webster have been dropped but Michael Witt and Jack Afamasaga have kept their spots.

Smith has reverted to the Langi, Burt centre combination moving Ash Graham to the wing and returning Matt Peterson to the starting side.

Justin Tsoulos' worst game in the NRL last week has seen him drop back to the bench at the expense of Afamagasa with Stapleton moving to the prop position alongside Michael Vella.

Adam Dykes is back at half and John Morris hooker. Chris Armit has been promoted to the interchange bench.

1 - Wade McKINNON
2 - Ashley GRAHAM
3 - Junior LANGI
4 - Luke BURT
5 - Matt PETERSEN
6 - Michael WITT
7 - Adam DYKES
8 - Craig STAPLETON
9 - John MORRIS
10 - Michael VELLA
11 - Nathan HINDMARSH
12 - Jack AFAMASAGA
13 - Daniel WAGON (C)

14 - Lee HOPKINS
15 - Chris ARMIT
16 - Dean WIDDERS
17 - Justin TSOULOS
18 - Feleti MATEO

In just a couple of weeks Fui Fui Moi Moi has dropped from the first grade team to the bench in reggies.

The reserve grade props this week will be Josh Cordoba and Mal Kaufusi with Ryan Hinchcliffe making the starting team in the second row. With James Webster dropping back from the top team, Shane Muspratt will play lock.

Tim Smith has been moved to five-eighth with Chris Thorman back at half, following his demotion.

Ben Smith and Wise Kativerata will play in the three-quarters with Matt Gruskza and Brett Anderson on the wings. Joel Reddy who has impressed observers in recent weeks is fullback.

1 - Joel REDDY
2 - Matt GRUSZKA
3 - Ben SMITH
4 - Wise KATIVERATA
5 - Brett ANDERSON
6 - Tim SMITH
7 - Chris THORMAN
8 - Josh CORDOBA
9 - James WEBSTER ©
10 - Mal KAUFUSI
11 - Ryan HICHCLIFFE
12 - Chris MUCKERT
13 - Shane MUSPRATT

14 - Steve MOWBRAY
15 - Jim CURTIS
16 - Fuifui MOIMOI
17 - Peter ELLIS
18 - Jeremiah PAI

Coaches at rival clubs have offered their support for Brian Smith with Nathan Brown, Matthew Elliot and Tim Sheens all telling the Parra coach to stick to his guns, an article in The Australian said.

Brown said: ""I had a little brief period last year where I copped a bit but nothing like Smithy's copping now. And it's not something that you like to have happen to you but it is part of the job and I'm sure Smithy will push through it and come out the other end.

"It's unfortunate but he's a good fella and a terrific coach and with a bit of luck things will change for them."

Brian Smith admitted in a radio interview yesterday with 2UE that there was a line in a letter sent by Jamie Lyon to the club that said he did not wish to be coached by Smith.

However, Smith has said he believed Lyon had been coerced into writing the line to expediate a release from the club.

Nathan Hindmarsh has asked fans to cancel the proposed protest rally before the team's next home game against Manly.

"I don't think it is a wise thing to do," Hindmarsh said in a Daily Telegraph article. "All I can say is 'hang in there', it will come good for us."