They have been lethargic to say the least in the opening five rounds of the Telstra Premiership, but the Parramatta Eels yesterday rediscovered the ingredients which served them so well at the back end of last season.
While their skills with the football improved immeasurably, it was the Eels increased sense of passion and attitude that allowed last year’s Grand Finalists to storm home and defeat an in-form South Sydney Rabbitohs outfit 22-8.
Parramatta centre Timana Tahu typified the Eels welcome change of character, making some brutal hits in defence and shutting down just about every attacking raid the Rabbitohs threw their way.
It was no surprise in the second half to see Parramatta take the lead after Tahu produced a solid tackle to force a South Sydney error close to Parramtta’s try-line.
In the ensuing set, winger Luke Burt further showcased the increased intensity in his side by chasing down a Daniel Mortimer kick to score a try in the corner, much to the demise of the lacklustre efforts of Rabbitohs fullback Rhys Wesser.
It was the Eels of 2009 all over again from then onwards, as forwards Feleti Mateo, Justin Poore, Nathan Hindmarsh and Fui Fui Moi Moi all bent a Rabbitohs line which has looked impregnable over the past three weeks.
Special mention must go to rookie forward Tim Mannah, who made 15 hit-ups for 159 metres in a season defining performance from the 22 year old.
Mannah’s performance literally put the onus on heralded figures such as Hindmarsh, Cayless and Poore to match the efforts of a young prop billed as the Eels future captain.
Coach Daniel Anderson’s decision to switch halfback Jeff Robson to hooker was probably the main reason why Parramatta’s forwards were able to constantly get over the advantage line, particularly in the second half.
Robson has failed to pick up from where he left off last season, but there were signs yesterday that the hooking position could be his own after just one match.
The 27 year old provided slick service out of dummy half, and backed up to support his forwards – something that has been seldom from the Eels so far this season.
Indeed supporting the ball carrier goes along way to producing the passages of play the likes of Jarryd Hayne, Timana Tahu, Feleti Mateo and Daniel Mortimer thrive in.
After producing a performance more reminiscent of last year’s heroics, it remains a mystery as to why it has taken six rounds for Parramatta to rid themselves of the basic one-out hit-ups approach which has severely dented their attacking capabilities.
It is no secret however that yesterday’s victory against the Rabbitohs will do the Eels confidence the world of good in a season that had already been slipping away.
Even now, Daniel Anderson’s men still find themselves with just two wins out of six matches and can ill afford to produce more Jekkyl and Hyde performances if they are to go one better in 2010.
Based on yesterday’s showing, at least Eels fans can take comfort in the fact a repeat dosage of the passion and intensity displayed against South Sydney, will serve their side well in its bid to once again overturn another disappointing start to an NRL season.
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