The Parramatta Chronicles - Eels Edge Closer
August 30th 2006 03:02
So...Can They Do It?
Hello All
Welcome to the weekly update on the Eels progress toward a hopeful Grand Final victory. Like most teams in the competition this year, the Eels have endured many hardships on their journey to the top eight. Through injuries, suspensions and club departures it’s amazing that the squad was able to hold together long enough to get this far.
Their problems began early; starting off the year with only two wins from eleven starts. The power and enthusiasm which got them to the minor premiership in 2005, seemed to have disappeared as they sank ever lower into a lengthy form slump.
Supporters wanted blood and, unfortunately, it was their coach, Brian Smith, offered up as the sacrifice. Players attempted to defend their coach, claiming that it was their own fault for the poor performances. However this only fuelled the fire, laying new claims that there was air of self-doubt circling the Parramatta camp and poor Smith was at the very centre of it. Parramatta chief executive, Denis Fitzgerald defended him early in May, claiming “he’s here, for the season” but within a fortnight, Smith revealed he was leaving the club effective immediately.
Replacement coach, Jason Taylor, as his first act of business dropped halfback, Tim Smith, and Hooker, Mark Riddell, for their drunken off field antics. Cayless and Hindmarsh nearly followed suit after causing trouble at a local casino. Luckily for the Eels, they escaped the judiciary unscathed.
In round 12 the Eels lost prop Paul Stringer to a back injury but found some form to beat the Roosters in a thriller. Tim Smith re-entered the side after his replacement, Jeremy Smith, was suspended for pushing a referee.
Round 15 and the Eels kick off a nine match winning streak with a victory over the Bunnies. They are still placed 14th (2nd last) on the ladder but things would get better.
For their round 19 clash with the Warriors, the Eels had some good news with the return of injury ravaged Ben Smith, and the suspended Jeremy Smith. However the good news was soured by the loss of their half back, Tim Smith, to a broken collarbone. Their injuries were beginning to pile up with their winger, Timana Tahu, out until the finals; props Michael Vella, Justin Tsoulos and Aaron Cannings were out with season ending ankle and shoulder injuries. Front-rower Adam Peek also saw his season end prematurely with a damaged cheek bone.
Fuifui Moimoi made an abrupt departure from the team when his arm nearly decapitated a surging Brent Kite in their round 21 clash with the Eagles. Had he fought the charge, he could have been gone for as long as 10 weeks, however an early guilty plea meant he would be back for the second week of the finals if his team could make it that far, with a downgrade to just seven weeks. Wade McKinnon was also absent with a damaged shoulder.
Finally, in round 22, the Eels cracked the top eight. Just two months after battling to avoid the wooden spoon, they were now considered as one of the front-runners to take the premiership trophy.
Now as the Eels prepare for their all-important clash with the Cowboys on Friday night, their situation is this:
Their Captain, Nathan Cayless, has been added to the casualty list with a fractured eye socket. Jeremy Smith is also ruled out with a broken hand. With any luck, Tim Smith and Michael Vella will make surprise comebacks from apparently season ending injuries. They have also just received news that Timana Tahu is set for a shock return if the Eels can make the 3rd week of the finals.
The Eels may have lost their last match but they still have everything to play for. They currently stand 7th on the ladder with 28 points. Above them is the Dragons(6th), Knights(5th), and Broncos(4th) all on 30 points. The Knights are out of reach with a bye in the final round. Best case scenario, for the Eels, would be fifth spot but it will require some luck. Should the Eels win on Friday and the Roosters manage an upset over the Dragons; Parramatta will finish ahead of them with a superior points differential. They would then need the Warriors to beat Brisbane by a significant margin to have any chance of sneaking their way into fifth. All teams will be desperate for a win this weekend to avoid playing Melbourne or the Dogs in the first week of the finals.
If Parra have it in them, now’s the time to show it.
The Parramatta Chronicles Will return next Monday (September 4) Until then, please enjoy my other article ‘Andre Agassi, the legend lives on.’
Ciao
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