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Post by crow on Feb 14, 2020 1:17:37 GMT 10
The players to watch for each club at NRL Nines
Author Troy Whittaker NRL.com Reporter
Parramatta Eels: Rhys Davies
A hooker or halfback who was been playing his trade in the Canterbury Cup, Rhys Davies has broken into Parramatta's top squad having set conditioning benchmarks this pre-season.
Davies set up 15 tries and scored four himself for Wentworthville last year and will be another playmaking option at the Nines.
"We've actually got Rhys Davies who got upgraded to the top 30. He's the new go-to man when it comes to fitness. You've got to watch out for him," Dylan Brown said.
"He's definitely up there [fitness-wise], he's one fit kid and very strong so watch out for him this season."
yes lets keep an eye on the perennial reserve grader.
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Post by crow on Feb 14, 2020 5:01:29 GMT 10
For & Against: Will Roosters win three titles in a row?
Author Margie McDonald
Against
NRL.com senior reporter Margie McDonald
There's a good reason – in fact there are five good reasons – Parramatta were able to win three premierships in a row from 1981-83.
They are Mick Cronin, Steve Ella, Eric Grothe, Brett Kenny and Peter Sterling. That stellar backline provided consistency and class through those three seasons.
Take the Test halfback in Sterling, your centre and goal kicker in Cronin out of that Eels team at the start of the 1983 season and do they win that third title? Do the Eels even get close to the decider against Manly that year?
Take the former Test halfback in Cooper Cronk and your goal-kicking centre in Latrell Mitchell out of the Roosters' side and can they win a third in 2020? Think of their contributions to the 2018 and 2019 titles (and seasons) before you answer.
Cronk and Jake Friend brought calm and steady hands and heads to the halfback-hooker roles but that partnership is also splintered with the halfback's retirement.
Sterling and his hooker Steve Edge were another constant through those three Eels grand final wins.
The carrot dangling in front of all the Roosters players for so long – back-to-back NRL premierships for the first time since the Broncos of 1993 – has now been eaten.
Can a group of players find that hunger for another carrot?
Physically and skilfully they can make a third grand final in a row. The Storm (2006-09, with a few asterisks) and Roosters (2002-04) have already done that in the not-too-distant past.
But can the Roosters delve into the deep recesses of their minds to drive their bodies so hard for a third year in a row, when the NRL's best kicking and organising halfback and the NRL's top scorer from last year are both gone?
And remember, the Roosters already have three premierships from the past seven years.
We'll see how that waters down motivation a little further.
Ray Price was never mentioned which surprises me.
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Post by Electric Eel on Feb 14, 2020 18:28:35 GMT 10
For & Against: Will Roosters win three titles in a row? Author Margie McDonald Against NRL.com senior reporter Margie McDonald There's a good reason – in fact there are five good reasons – Parramatta were able to win three premierships in a row from 1981-83. They are Mick Cronin, Steve Ella, Eric Grothe, Brett Kenny and Peter Sterling. That stellar backline provided consistency and class through those three seasons. Take the Test halfback in Sterling, your centre and goal kicker in Cronin out of that Eels team at the start of the 1983 season and do they win that third title? Do the Eels even get close to the decider against Manly that year? Take the former Test halfback in Cooper Cronk and your goal-kicking centre in Latrell Mitchell out of the Roosters' side and can they win a third in 2020? Think of their contributions to the 2018 and 2019 titles (and seasons) before you answer. Cronk and Jake Friend brought calm and steady hands and heads to the halfback-hooker roles but that partnership is also splintered with the halfback's retirement. Sterling and his hooker Steve Edge were another constant through those three Eels grand final wins. The carrot dangling in front of all the Roosters players for so long – back-to-back NRL premierships for the first time since the Broncos of 1993 – has now been eaten. Can a group of players find that hunger for another carrot? Physically and skilfully they can make a third grand final in a row. The Storm (2006-09, with a few asterisks) and Roosters (2002-04) have already done that in the not-too-distant past. But can the Roosters delve into the deep recesses of their minds to drive their bodies so hard for a third year in a row, when the NRL's best kicking and organising halfback and the NRL's top scorer from last year are both gone? And remember, the Roosters already have three premierships from the past seven years. We'll see how that waters down motivation a little further. Ray Price was never mentioned which surprises me. Roosters won't win three in a row. No Cooper Cronk and Latrell Mitchell. Eels in 1981-83 had one of the best backlines the game has seen with great leading forwards Price and Edge. 9's about to start!! Eels v Bulldogs in one hour. The janitor has put the mop and bucket away for his Perth visit. Fail this year and he'll be back on janitorial duties at Parramatta Marist High School and Westfield's shopping centre. |
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Post by Electric Eel on Feb 14, 2020 19:49:27 GMT 10
NRL.com
NRL: Bulldogs 13, Eels 10
The Canterbury Bulldogs have scored the tournament’s first boilover with Corey Harawira-Naera scoring a crunch time try to beat arch enemies Parramatta 13-10.
While the previous two matches were one-sided affairs, a defensive tussle typically ensued between the long-time rivals.
The Eels scored first with Blake Ferguson flying through the air for a crowd-pleasing try in the corner.
Canterbury responded with Morgan Harper’s converted try for a 6-4 lead before Jaeman Salmon broke the defensive line for a solo try to put Parra ahead 10-6 lead at the break.
The Eels couldn’t build on their lead and the Dogs stole their thunder with Harawira-Naera’s bonus zone try two minutes from full-time.
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Post by crow on Feb 15, 2020 1:33:32 GMT 10
The janitor cant even coach a good team in the 9's. I wouldnt be surprised if the Eels lose to those damn dogs in the first round. I hope not but they dont have a coach.
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Post by Electric Eel on Feb 15, 2020 13:56:25 GMT 10
The janitor cant even coach a good team in the 9's. I wouldnt be surprised if the Eels lose to those damn dogs in the first round. I hope not but they dont have a coach. Can't believe the Eels lost!!  I don't take the 9's serious, but Gutherson, Moses, Jennings, Ferguson and Sivo with so much open field couldn't beat a miserable Dogs team? I was expecting a convincing win. Eels about to play the Dragons in half an hour. The janitor is a dud!! |
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Post by Electric Eel on Feb 15, 2020 14:56:05 GMT 10
NRL Eels 15, Dragons 7
The Dragons lost star fullback Matt Dufty to a suspected fractured cheekbone in the opening seconds of the match after a head clash.
Dufty chased a short kick-off by Ben Hunt and clashed heads with Ray Stone as he tried to regather the kick.
The only points of the first half went to the Eels through a late try to Haze Dunster.
Cody Ramsey got the Dragons on the board early in the second half before the Eels took control late in the match.
Both sides have progressed to the quarter-finals.
The Eels will face the Knigts while the Dragons will come up against the Panthers.
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Post by Electric Eel on Feb 15, 2020 17:15:18 GMT 10
NRL Eels 14, Knights 7
Parramatta became the first team through to the semi-finals after overcoming the previously unbeaten Newcastle Knights 14-7 in the opening quarter-final.
Off-season recruit Ryan Matterson’s early try put the Eels on the front foot.
Parra had their second try in the seventh minute, with towering backrower Shaun Lane putting it on a plate for Haze Dunster to score. Brad Takairani converted for a 10-0 half-time lead, leaving the undefeated Knights with plenty of work to do in the second half.
Newcastle got exactly the start they needed when Tex Hoy raced 70m to claim a crucial bonus zone try, trimming the deficit to 10-7.
The Eels gave themselves breathing space with Blake Ferguson’s try and they kept their line intact in the closing minutes to claim victory.
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Post by Electric Eel on Feb 15, 2020 19:50:17 GMT 10
NRL Dragons 8, Eels 6
Centre Tim Lafai crashed over for a try in the dying seconds to lift St George Illawarra to a heart-stopping 8-6 win over Parramatta and into the final.
The Eels went into the tournament as title favourites and were moments away from clinching a place in the decider when Lafai stole their thunder at the death.
The win avenged a 15-7 loss to Parra earlier in the day.
St George Illawarra scored first, with Lafai sending Mikaele Ravalawa over for a try midway through the first half.
The Eels remained scoreless before Jaeman Salmon finished off a slick sequence late in the half that went from one side of the field to the other. Mitch Moses converted for a 6-4 half-time lead.
Defence dominated attack in the second half, as both teams searched for an all-important second try.
The Dragons had their prayers answered and face the winner of the second semi-final between the Cowboys and Titans.
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Post by crow on Feb 16, 2020 9:44:38 GMT 10
Eels choke under the rule of a janitor, what can I say?
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Post by Electric Eel on Feb 16, 2020 13:35:10 GMT 10
Eels choke under the rule of a janitor, what can I say? Winning the 9's is no great achievement, but I still question the Eels on their performance, because they didn't win any games by plenty and fielded a strong team. Two trial games coming up against Rabbitohs and Panthers. The second trial will be the full strength team. |
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Post by crow on Feb 17, 2020 2:47:19 GMT 10
I realize trials can be risky and get injuries, but 2 trial games is quite pathetic. They will go into the regular season against a lame dogs team underdone, and I dont feel confident about them winning that game at this point in time.
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Post by Electric Eel on Feb 17, 2020 10:42:45 GMT 10
I realize trials can be risky and get injuries, but 2 trial games is quite pathetic. They will go into the regular season against a lame dogs team underdone, and I dont feel confident about them winning that game at this point in time. The NFL have four preseason games. NRL only 2, but the first trial won't be a full strength team. I think the Eels will beat the Dogs, but it could be an ugly win. Do the Eels ever start the season well? Last year, 3 wins from first 5. Eels will definitely lose to the Cowboys, they never win up there. You'd expect them to beat the Titans in Round 2. |
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Post by crow on Feb 17, 2020 14:21:58 GMT 10
I know the 9's is not a true guide but I think the Titans will be better this year. There record against the Cowboys in Townsville is pathetic, plus there away record even last year is quite pathetic.
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Post by Electric Eel on Feb 17, 2020 19:04:52 GMT 10
I know the 9's is not a true guide but I think the Titans will be better this year. There record against the Cowboys in Townsville is pathetic, plus there away record even last year is quite pathetic. We'll know after 5 rounds how the Eels will travel this year and not just based on win or lose, but their attitude and effort. Some clubs always deliver a big effort regardless of the result, but the Eels can be lazy and at times downright pathetic. |
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1981 1982 1983 1986 
I don't take the 9's serious, but Gutherson, Moses, Jennings, Ferguson and Sivo with so much open field couldn't beat a miserable Dogs team? I was expecting a convincing win. Eels about to play the Dragons in half an hour. 