Tuesday, September 07, 2004
Player Ratings: Season 2004
Best average ratings – Nathan Cayless (8); Nathan Hindmarsh (7.7); Wake McKinnon (7.3); Dean Widders (6.7); Adam Dykes (6.5)
Nathan Hindmarsh – 154 (7.7)
Despite missing three games through State of Origin commitments, Hindmarsh was consistently brilliant for Parramatta. He has matured into a leader for the Eels, a standout representative player and a role model for the club. His workrate is phenomenal and he can be devastating in attack. Having Glenn Morrison alongside him next year should take a lot of pressure off him defensively and allow him to be more dynamic in attack. Thank you, Hindy, you’re a true Blue and Gold legend.
Craig Stapleton – 146 (6.3)
Mr Consistency. Played every game bar the last one when he was suspended. Unlike some of the forwards, he turned up to play every week, working hard each and every game and adding some much needed aggression to the Parramatta pack. He may not have the natural talent of some of the other Parramatta forwards but they could take a leaf out of his book in terms of commitment and effort.
Dean Widders – 141 (6.7)
Came of age this year as one of the most dynamic interchange players in the game. In a Parramatta outfit that was often bereft of attacking ideas, Widders had the ability to break open the game with a surprising turn of pace and a big step. Always worked hard in defence and has earned a permanent place on the Parramatta bench.
Michael Vella – 132 (6.3)
His best season since 2001 thanks mainly to a season uninterrupted by injury but it could have been so much better. Some weeks Vella was brilliant, others weeks he would go missing. Will need to be far more consistent if he is to hold down his front row position next year.
Daniel Wagon – 127 (5.8)
Without doubt the standout aspect of Wagon’s game this year has been his big defence. His best games have been when the match has gotten aggressive as it lifts him to put on the big hits he’s capable of. However, for too many games, Wagon was pedestrian. He added almost nothing in attack and although his workrate was high, he missed too many key tackles.
Luke Burt – 128 (5.8)
Started the season on-fire with brilliant broken play running from fullback before being dropped after a form slump. Was then moved into the centres after David Vaeliki broke down. Burty got more and more comfortable there as the season progressed. Proved he is a dynamic runner of the football but still needs to do a lot of work on his defence.
Matt Peterson – 118 (6.2)
His early season form was typical of seasons past, where he was brilliant at one moment and diabolical the next. However, as the season went on, he managed to cut the errors out of his game and what was left was a committed, powerful winger, strong in the air and close to the line. By the end of the season he had well and truly cemented his wing position.
Wade McKinnon – 117 (7.3)
In a losing team, McKinnon had a wow of a season. After spending the first half dozen games in Premier League, he impressed with his intensity and commitment the moment he broke into first great. Great ability to bump off a tackle and is just about the best defensive fullback in the competition.
John Morris – 102 (5.6)
Has been Mr Dependable is past seasons but this year he was up and down. In some games, like the Eels thrashing of Manly, he looked as though he would be the heir apparent to Danny Buderus however too often he’d made careless mistakes, give away silly penalties or just simply fail to provide adequate impact or service from dummy half. Overall, a disappointing year.
Junior Langi – 99 (6.2)
Was always solid without being remarkable although his flick pass was the source of a number of tries for the Eels. Was a good back-up and earned his money.
Justin Tsoulos – 99 (6.2)
Showed so much in many of his early games but his form dropped off dramatically after he suffered an injury. He tends to struggle when the rest of the forwards are struggling to break the advantage line but his offload and size really comes to the fore when the opposition is on the backfoot. Unfortunately for Tsoulos, this year the Eels pack seldom got on top.
Lee Hopkins – 96 (6)
Sustained an early season injury and performed fairly in the second row when he broke back into the top team. However, he really shone when he was allowed to play hooker where he was a constant threat to the opposition. A passionate, committed player, he is held in the utmost regard by every Eel fan.
Adam Dykes – 85 (6.5)
The man Parramatta needed to keep on the park more than any other player. When Dykes was on song, Parramatta was on song and 1Eyed Eel has no doubt the Eels would have made the finals if Dykes had of stayed on the park. He was brilliant early in the season before he became targeted by opposition defences. Was showing signs of getting back to his best before injury rubbed out the entire back end of his season. A player of great natural ability who Parramatta could just never keep on the field.
Adam Peek – 81 (5.8)
Spent many weeks on the sideline through suspension but when he returned he was consistently one of the Eels better props (admittedly that was not saying a lot on some occasions). Still has problems with his hands on occasions, but is a dependable back-up player.
Corey Pearson – 77 (6.4)
Always looked like he was running on the spot but was more effective than people gave him credit for. Offloading was good and was tough in defence but didn’t really have the power game to help the Eels get on top of the better forward packs. Missed much of the front half of the season with injury.
Nathan Cayless – 72 (8)
His move to the second row this year was one of the few experiments that worked for Brian Smith. It enabled him to concentrate on offloading the ball and creating attacking opportunities for the Eels rather than just barging up the ball.
Ashley Graham – 68 (5.2)
After returning from a horrific injury, Graham just hasn’t seemed to regather his confidence or pace. Spent most of the season on the wing, a position that just doesn’t appear to suit his game. A proper off-season should do wonders for his game next year.
Eric Grothe – 61 (6.1)
Started the season brilliantly but missed most of the year through injury. His game breaking ability was sorely missed and he gave Parramatta another dimension when he was on the park.
Jack Afamasaga – 57 (5.7)
Well deserved rookie of the year. Made an immediate impact with his powerful running but probably ran out of steam in his debut season at NRL level.
Michael Witt – 56 (6)
Showed glimpses of brilliance, but hasn’t been able to take control of the team like Parramatta has so desperately needed. His bombs and long-kicking games are good, his goal kicking is excellent but he needs to be much more effective with his last tackle options. Has not yet proved he is the Eels long-term half back option, but has indicated he has the potential to fill the role.
Chris Thorman – 52 (5.2)
An exciting runner of the ball, however his defensive deficiencies let him down. Doesn’t have the organizational game to play half but doesn’t have the defensive game to play five-eighth. He will no doubt return to England a better player but is not yet up to NRL standard.
James Webster – 48 (5.3)
Was probably unlucky not to be used more often. Never played a bad game, but unfortunately he’s just too small not to pose a potential weakness every time he lines up in the NRL.
Chris Armit – 47 (5.2)
Never got a lot of game time – was solid but never was really able to make his mark on any game.
Luke O’Dwyer – 38 (6.3)
Showed enough to prove that, at the very least, he’s going to be a dependable backup to the NRL squad next year. Jury is still out as to whether he is a lock or centre.
Shane Muspratt – 25 (4.2)
Was often a star in Premier League but was never able to bring that form to the NRL.
Fuifui Moimoi – 24 (6)
Deserved more time in NRL. Showed he is one of the few Eels forwards who has the ability to change the tide of a game against Manly early in the season but was never given the chance to cement his spot in the NRL squad. If he can work on his fitness in the off-season he could be the power forward that Parramatta desperately needs.
Others: Aaron Cannings – Dropped too much ball in first few games then missed entire season; Feleti Mateo – Showed enough to suggest he is perhaps the best prospect in the club; Chris Muckert – Another season riddled with injury and he never fulfilled expectations; Ben Smith - Big and strong and appears to be a centre of great promise but needs to show he can break a tackle at NRL level; Ronald Price – Had just about cemented a regular place in first grade when injury ended his season; David Vaeliki – Slow start to the season ended prematurely by injury; Brett Anderson – Promising but too raw for NRL; Jamie Lyon – Heartless effort to walk out on his teammates after one game
Nathan Hindmarsh – 154 (7.7)
Despite missing three games through State of Origin commitments, Hindmarsh was consistently brilliant for Parramatta. He has matured into a leader for the Eels, a standout representative player and a role model for the club. His workrate is phenomenal and he can be devastating in attack. Having Glenn Morrison alongside him next year should take a lot of pressure off him defensively and allow him to be more dynamic in attack. Thank you, Hindy, you’re a true Blue and Gold legend.
Craig Stapleton – 146 (6.3)
Mr Consistency. Played every game bar the last one when he was suspended. Unlike some of the forwards, he turned up to play every week, working hard each and every game and adding some much needed aggression to the Parramatta pack. He may not have the natural talent of some of the other Parramatta forwards but they could take a leaf out of his book in terms of commitment and effort.
Dean Widders – 141 (6.7)
Came of age this year as one of the most dynamic interchange players in the game. In a Parramatta outfit that was often bereft of attacking ideas, Widders had the ability to break open the game with a surprising turn of pace and a big step. Always worked hard in defence and has earned a permanent place on the Parramatta bench.
Michael Vella – 132 (6.3)
His best season since 2001 thanks mainly to a season uninterrupted by injury but it could have been so much better. Some weeks Vella was brilliant, others weeks he would go missing. Will need to be far more consistent if he is to hold down his front row position next year.
Daniel Wagon – 127 (5.8)
Without doubt the standout aspect of Wagon’s game this year has been his big defence. His best games have been when the match has gotten aggressive as it lifts him to put on the big hits he’s capable of. However, for too many games, Wagon was pedestrian. He added almost nothing in attack and although his workrate was high, he missed too many key tackles.
Luke Burt – 128 (5.8)
Started the season on-fire with brilliant broken play running from fullback before being dropped after a form slump. Was then moved into the centres after David Vaeliki broke down. Burty got more and more comfortable there as the season progressed. Proved he is a dynamic runner of the football but still needs to do a lot of work on his defence.
Matt Peterson – 118 (6.2)
His early season form was typical of seasons past, where he was brilliant at one moment and diabolical the next. However, as the season went on, he managed to cut the errors out of his game and what was left was a committed, powerful winger, strong in the air and close to the line. By the end of the season he had well and truly cemented his wing position.
Wade McKinnon – 117 (7.3)
In a losing team, McKinnon had a wow of a season. After spending the first half dozen games in Premier League, he impressed with his intensity and commitment the moment he broke into first great. Great ability to bump off a tackle and is just about the best defensive fullback in the competition.
John Morris – 102 (5.6)
Has been Mr Dependable is past seasons but this year he was up and down. In some games, like the Eels thrashing of Manly, he looked as though he would be the heir apparent to Danny Buderus however too often he’d made careless mistakes, give away silly penalties or just simply fail to provide adequate impact or service from dummy half. Overall, a disappointing year.
Junior Langi – 99 (6.2)
Was always solid without being remarkable although his flick pass was the source of a number of tries for the Eels. Was a good back-up and earned his money.
Justin Tsoulos – 99 (6.2)
Showed so much in many of his early games but his form dropped off dramatically after he suffered an injury. He tends to struggle when the rest of the forwards are struggling to break the advantage line but his offload and size really comes to the fore when the opposition is on the backfoot. Unfortunately for Tsoulos, this year the Eels pack seldom got on top.
Lee Hopkins – 96 (6)
Sustained an early season injury and performed fairly in the second row when he broke back into the top team. However, he really shone when he was allowed to play hooker where he was a constant threat to the opposition. A passionate, committed player, he is held in the utmost regard by every Eel fan.
Adam Dykes – 85 (6.5)
The man Parramatta needed to keep on the park more than any other player. When Dykes was on song, Parramatta was on song and 1Eyed Eel has no doubt the Eels would have made the finals if Dykes had of stayed on the park. He was brilliant early in the season before he became targeted by opposition defences. Was showing signs of getting back to his best before injury rubbed out the entire back end of his season. A player of great natural ability who Parramatta could just never keep on the field.
Adam Peek – 81 (5.8)
Spent many weeks on the sideline through suspension but when he returned he was consistently one of the Eels better props (admittedly that was not saying a lot on some occasions). Still has problems with his hands on occasions, but is a dependable back-up player.
Corey Pearson – 77 (6.4)
Always looked like he was running on the spot but was more effective than people gave him credit for. Offloading was good and was tough in defence but didn’t really have the power game to help the Eels get on top of the better forward packs. Missed much of the front half of the season with injury.
Nathan Cayless – 72 (8)
His move to the second row this year was one of the few experiments that worked for Brian Smith. It enabled him to concentrate on offloading the ball and creating attacking opportunities for the Eels rather than just barging up the ball.
Ashley Graham – 68 (5.2)
After returning from a horrific injury, Graham just hasn’t seemed to regather his confidence or pace. Spent most of the season on the wing, a position that just doesn’t appear to suit his game. A proper off-season should do wonders for his game next year.
Eric Grothe – 61 (6.1)
Started the season brilliantly but missed most of the year through injury. His game breaking ability was sorely missed and he gave Parramatta another dimension when he was on the park.
Jack Afamasaga – 57 (5.7)
Well deserved rookie of the year. Made an immediate impact with his powerful running but probably ran out of steam in his debut season at NRL level.
Michael Witt – 56 (6)
Showed glimpses of brilliance, but hasn’t been able to take control of the team like Parramatta has so desperately needed. His bombs and long-kicking games are good, his goal kicking is excellent but he needs to be much more effective with his last tackle options. Has not yet proved he is the Eels long-term half back option, but has indicated he has the potential to fill the role.
Chris Thorman – 52 (5.2)
An exciting runner of the ball, however his defensive deficiencies let him down. Doesn’t have the organizational game to play half but doesn’t have the defensive game to play five-eighth. He will no doubt return to England a better player but is not yet up to NRL standard.
James Webster – 48 (5.3)
Was probably unlucky not to be used more often. Never played a bad game, but unfortunately he’s just too small not to pose a potential weakness every time he lines up in the NRL.
Chris Armit – 47 (5.2)
Never got a lot of game time – was solid but never was really able to make his mark on any game.
Luke O’Dwyer – 38 (6.3)
Showed enough to prove that, at the very least, he’s going to be a dependable backup to the NRL squad next year. Jury is still out as to whether he is a lock or centre.
Shane Muspratt – 25 (4.2)
Was often a star in Premier League but was never able to bring that form to the NRL.
Fuifui Moimoi – 24 (6)
Deserved more time in NRL. Showed he is one of the few Eels forwards who has the ability to change the tide of a game against Manly early in the season but was never given the chance to cement his spot in the NRL squad. If he can work on his fitness in the off-season he could be the power forward that Parramatta desperately needs.
Others: Aaron Cannings – Dropped too much ball in first few games then missed entire season; Feleti Mateo – Showed enough to suggest he is perhaps the best prospect in the club; Chris Muckert – Another season riddled with injury and he never fulfilled expectations; Ben Smith - Big and strong and appears to be a centre of great promise but needs to show he can break a tackle at NRL level; Ronald Price – Had just about cemented a regular place in first grade when injury ended his season; David Vaeliki – Slow start to the season ended prematurely by injury; Brett Anderson – Promising but too raw for NRL; Jamie Lyon – Heartless effort to walk out on his teammates after one game
