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.
alan nicolea
Guest
JP It was just against the Raiders mate. Wait till you see the crowd on Anzac Day against the Dragons.
Springs
Roar Guru
Asotasi played seven minutes last week and Crocker, Ross and Pettybourne have played what? 0 minutes this year? And Inu is a good replacement for Reddy in attack but in defence Reddy is far superior. Souths only tries came from Inu defensive errors.
Rod
Roar Guru
Blah blah blah, we won :) Better stuff to come from the eels yet. When they offload, they look a completely different team, more of the second half play please parra.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
Agree. It's getting that monkey off your back. The early Parra wins when they got on a roll last year weren't anything special (except for the game against the Dogs). It's just a matter of getting those wins playing ugly, style will come when they have some confidence.
JP
Guest
Your a Roosters supporter ....... Im sorry to hear that ! Were you one of the massive 9000 crowd at the SFS against the Raiders ?
JP
Guest
Mate we had Asotasi & Lowe last week against the knights. I think Inu is a fair replacment for Reddy, and well lets face it, Shackleton has played all of 20min this year so you have hardly missed his presence. I think you will agree Capewell & Simpson are not on par with Asotasi & Lowe so we were at a disadvantage from the start. Our bench consisted of three backs, not three forwards. Souths were the better team in the first half and the scorboard reflected that. It was our own silly handling errors that kept you guys in the game. Parra wont be winning the premiership on that performance ...... they will be lucky to win next week !
alan nicolea
Guest
JP I never suggested that Parramatta's season would turn around courtesy of their win against Souths. It will certainly give them a boost in confidence and if they replicate the attitude shown yesterday, things will get better. Consistency is the key for the Eels. For the record I am a Roosters fan. Agree that the Eels first half was not up to standard and it will need to improve immeasurably against the top sides. All in all though, some encouraging signs but there is still plenty of football left to play.
Springs
Roar Guru
Souths were missing those forwards last week as well, and Parramatta were missing Reddy and Shackleton, so settle down. Eels played better, Souths played worse. The Eels last tackle options as well as their offloads was the difference from last week. Hayne and Mortimer's kicks to the left corner and Burt's enthusiastic chases on each one are the prime examples.
JP
Guest
Settle down mate, Souths had six top line first grade forwards on the sidelines and they were in front at halftime over the full strength eels. Put Asotasi, Crocker, Lowe, Ross, Pettybourne & Tyrell on the field and I assure you the result would have been different. I wouldnt get too carried away with the result, the eels last tackle options are still rubbish. Your halves are still under done & Hayne hasnt yet woken from his slumber. Your forwards are still your weak link and until they start to dominate opposition forward packs the eels will go nowhere this year.