Clichéd quotes warning us not to read into trial form usually emanate from players, coaches or fans of a club that has just been handed a drubbing and this week it was Parramatta’s turn, after a 41-4 loss to Wests Tigers last Saturday night.
The Eels were only missing three players, Ben Smith (knee), Reni Maitua (suspension) and superstar Jarryd Hayne (rested). However, they were handed a tutorial in rugby league by Tigers playmaker Benji Marshall, as the Tigers scored the first 36 points of the match.
The Tigers were particularly dominant in the forwards, led by prop Keith Galloway. New coach Mick Potter even took the liberty of resting Marshall and hooker Robbie Farah with 30 minutes remaining in the match.
So what do we take from this result? Is it all doom and gloom for the hapless Eels?
Former NSW State of Origin and Australian coach Ricky Stuart has taken on the unenviable task of resurrecting last year’s wooden spooners.
“Anyone who thinks we’re going to rebuild this in two or three months doesn’t know the extent of the job,” Stuart said after the loss.
“This is a huge job. The club’s been in the doldrums for a couple of years. It’s going to take time to pull ourselves out of that and start showing some consistency.”
While he may have a reputation for being able to extract the best out of players, particularly when they appear to be lacking in enthusiasm and hunger, Stuart is quick to assert it won’t be via any heavy handed tactics with Parramatta.
“Whether that’s been publicly or within, it’s been a very tough 18 months for them.
“You’re not going to find me critical of the team in regards to denting their confidence because it’s one area we’ve got to work hard on.
“We have to work hard to find confidence and be happy in what we’re doing.
“I’ve told them I’ll be patient with them. If I’ve ever had a job where I have to rebuild, this is it.”
Stuart’s task has not been made any easier by the retirement of club stalwarts Nathan Hindmarsh and Luke Burt, along with the experienced Casey McGuire. Compounding these losses is Parramatta’s failure to secure any of their main recruitment targets.
The Israel Folau debacle is well documented. Add to that failed efforts to sign James Tamou, Greg Bird and more recently Matt Scott and (trial form aside) the task of ascension from the NRL’s nadir appears all the more arduous.
There is no question over the enormity of the job at hand for Stuart. It is possible simply making the Eels competitive again would be his biggest achievement as an NRL coach, even if there’s a lack of silverware attached.
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