The Eel’s celebrate their winning points during NRL’s Round 3 Parramatta Eels v Newcastle Knights at Parramatta Stadium, Friday, March 28, 2008. Eel’s beat Knights 24-23. AAP Image/Action Photographics/Grant Trouville
Is Brett Finch a prophet? Will he depart the NRL to set up his own religion with himself cast as a messiah?
A fortnight ago, when the Eels came back to beat the Raiders, the Parramatta halfback Brett Finch was asked in a post match interview where he was likely to play his next 50 games, in reference to fact that he had just completed 50 first grade games for his third club.
Finch replied, “the scrap heap probably, I’ve been close a few times.”
He did so with a laugh, which suggested that he didn’t think he’d be headed there within two weeks on board the Daniel Anderson express.
But that comment showed far better vision than anything he has showed on the paddock this year.
Anderson was brought in by the Eels to lay down the law and steady the ship after the Eels’ player revolt lead to the dismissal of Michael Hagan and plenty of talk that the lunatics were filling in the time sheets at the asylum.
Anderson arrived from St Helens with his reputation of taking no prisoners on his way to results firmly in tact. His previous success in the NRL with the Warriors also came with rumblings that he’d put more noses out of joint than a South Auckland bouncer.
But in the Eels’ quest to rebuild, they seem very close to completely imploding this season.
The departure of Finch leaves Anderson with some big questions.
Without an experienced halfback calling the shots, how much longer can the Eels persist with the Jaryd Hayne experiment? The Eels’ backline looks rudderless at present.
Surely the combination of Jeff Robson and Hayne isn’t the way forward.
Also, if the rumours of a move for Michael Monaghan are true, then how long are they willing to wait?
Warrington are going through their own annus horribilis at present and may be keen to cut their losses sooner rather than later. But that is a big IF.
The Finch departure suggests more than just a problem in finding someone to fill the number seven jumper.
In the level playing field that is the NRL, if an injury free season is your best way to head up the table, a bust up between coach and players seems to best way to head south.
Steve Folkes’ relationship with his squad sealed the Bulldogs wooden spoon last year; the Cowboys demise was linked to a falling out with Graham Murray; and it is more than a coincidence that the Panthers have been close to the bookies’ favourite the last two years given the mood in the dressing room with Matt Elliot in charge.
Parramatta boss Denis Fitzgerald has already backed Anderson, but he has little choice, with the coach in just the first year of his contract and the Eels already crying poor.
It can’t be much fun for Eels fans at present, and without wanting to tend to the wound with a large bag of salt, it must be said that none of them should be using the phrase “it can’t get any worse.”
Trust me, it can. It can get much, much worse.
Steve Kaless
Roar Guru
It would be wise not to take too much of a leaf out of Brian Smith's book though in reshaping this team. I'd argue he is still has to have some of the blame of their current demise. I think it was in 2004 he decided that the giant forward pack would rule and his side entered the season looking morbidly obese, they battled and still seem to be off the pace in terms of their forwards (Hindmarsh apart). Smith has done a far better job at Newcastle, maybe it has someting to do with a more supportive board.
Boydy
Roar Rookie
As alluded to by Westy, the Parramatta forward pack have declined faster than Australia’s economy. The two-ref system only highlights how uncompetitive the Eels are up front – they were technically just as immobile last season. Now they resemble something of an elderly person on a tuned-up treadmill. Brett Finch’s exit is the result of a clueless club. Nathan Hindmarsh is a valuable asset to any team with his work rate and experience which can help filter in a new crop of young forwards – but he is no longer a match-winner. Daniel Anderson’s “take-no-prisoners approach” must be brought into question. How can Finch be expected to lead a pack of dinosaurs to victory? Especially with a relative winger outside him at pivot – ridiculous. I do not pretend to know the Eels’ roster intimately but I do watch every NRL game with an objective eye. Lately, what I see from the Parramatta club is pure desperation. But the buck stops with the forwards and the Eels don’t have them. Moi Moi needs to lift his minutes and Cayless’ current contact must be his last. Anderson would be wise to take a leaf out of Brian Smith’s book and re-shape his team by cutting players in the transfer window rather further disrupting a rudderless club. Finch is a well-respected member of the team and I’m positive that his sudden loss will be detrimental to moral. Steve says: “Trust me, it can. It can get much, much worse.” Bloody oath it can. And if Anderson isn’t careful he’ll be back on that coaching merry-go-round before he even gets a new roster to mould.
Steve Kaless
Roar Guru
Westy, I only saw the game on television but the atmosphere did look superb and I'd say it definately lifted the Eels for the first half. they looked far more committed. Hopefully they'll stick around in coming weeks. I agree with your selections, mateo suddenly looks nowhere near a 5/8, remember last year when everyone touted him for Origin?, The keating brothers at 7 and 9 look a good call, I'm not sure another rookie at 6 is the answer but maybe beggars can't be choosers. I know you follow club rugby in that neck of the woods, and I read Parra Leagues are withdrawing their funding to the club rugby team. What is the likely impact of this?
westy
Guest
Went to the game. Got to tell you 19000/20000 at a surburban stadium with two tribal teams certainly creates a great atmosphere. in addition to being a good game with some good rugby skills on display it was thoroughly entertaining. i must say I miss this strong suburban support at club rugby. Unlike some I admit to a little envy in relation to a good old fashioned suburban blarney before a packed house. The players in response showed passion and committment.Keating has to be parramatta's half back . Still need a5/8. Matteo is aball playing lock. st George showed real mettle. I would always listen to a coaching seminar by Bennett or deans irrespective of code allegiance.By the way the U/20's was a cracking prelude. 32 to 28.
westy
Guest
Steve the Parramatta style with an aging pack does not suit itself to the quicker style of rugby league with the 2 ref system. The indomitable Hindmarsh built like brick shithouse but with supreme stamina can still cope but the rest are limited. Hayne is not a 5/8. He is a winger or fullback and Birt is getting on. Ben Smith is a mobile secondrower not acentre and Eric Groethe junior the worst defensive winger i have ever seen. They have young five eight trained by their own junior system who they refuse to play as starting 5/8 in Keating. I have seen a promising young bloke called Albert Kelly . given Parramatta's non use of their own juniors he would be well advised to look elewhere.