WIZ: Arthur’s theme is sweet music for the Parramatta Eels

No doubt, we have seen a major change in the way the Parramatta Eels will go about their business in 2014.

It hasn’t taken new coach Brad Arthur long to put his stamp on their playing patterns and all-round style. I really liked what I saw from Parra against the Warriors and the premiers had better be wary of them going into tomorrow night’s game at Allianz Stadium.

It’s exciting that Arthur’s defensive structures have been bought into from Round 1. And it was great to see the Eels throw the ball about and get among the points in a game they were not favoured to win.

Parra’s new players made a fine, early impression while the old guard seemed energised by the new broom sweeping through the club and responded accordingly.

I really liked watching Arthur in the game’s aftermath. He was dirty that his players didn’t put New Zealand to the sword after building a big lead in the second half.

Great stuff, coach. Just what Parramatta needs.

Souths scored an impressive 20-point win over the defending premiers, making an emphatic statement about their title hopes in 2014.

It was good, but The Wizard reckons they’ll have to lift their play by 20-30 per cent to even get to the grand final this year – and maybe a little more to win the whole thing.

If Greg Inglis can stay healthy and play in 90 per cent of their games, they’ll be a big chance. If it’s less than that, I fear the Bunnies might be a level or so down on their rich potential.

Sam Burgess performed strongly in that game but I’m not so sure he can be as dominant in the rugby union ranks. I have two questions: is he giving himself enough time to learn the game and its zillions of rules to be ready and is he deserving for World Cup selection?

I am doubtful.

And will he actually even like the other game after starring and enjoying the resultant celebrity status in rugby league? Again, I have some doubts.

Let’s move onto the Roosters. Sonny Bill Williams obviously needs to get the shoulder charge out of his game or his last year in league will contain only a handful of appearances.

I thought his teammate Dylan Napa, who was involved in the same tackle, should have been cited by the judiciary as well. Are these guys only watching Sonny Bill Williams?

I caught this game live on TV and was greatly disturbed to learn that the authorities requested footage of the SBW tackle during the contest.

That was a disgrace in my opinion. If you have a concern, fellas, express it after the full-time siren.

We all took a good look at the code’s new rules and there were two I really liked.

Watching Johnathan Thurston take a quick tap penalty and race 70 odd metres to score a wonderful try against the retreating Raiders was one of the weekend’s best moments. What a stroke of genius, what a player!

The Wizard also liked referees waving away moaning, time-wasting captains when penalties were awarded.

“Get on with the game,” they snapped. And all (except Manly’s Jamie Lyon) did.

Cop the tip Jamie – you ain’t going to win against these guys. Just get on with it and do what you do best.

For what they are worth, here are my tips for the weekend: Roosters, Storm, Rabbitohs, Bulldogs, Raiders, Cowboys, Titans and Warriors.