GO THE MIGHTY EELS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Parramatta defeat Bulldogs 22-12 in first preliminary final, Jarryd Hayne reported

September 25, 2009

Parramatta have defeated the Bulldogs 22-12 in the first NRL preliminary final, but Jarryd Hayne may miss the grand final after being placed on report for danerous contact.

Hayne and hooker Matt Keating were both put on report, both now left to ponder their fate ahead of the findings of the match review committee.

Dally M Medal winner Hayne was put on report for collecting Bryson Goodwin with knees to the head as the Bulldogs winger scored the opening try after four minutes, the prolific flyer the beneficiary of a brilliant bounce from a perfect Hazem El Masri grubber.

Hayne's possible suspension would deliver the most devastating of blows to the Eels, whose impressive record of 10 wins from their past 11 matches has been ignited by the fullback's spectacular form.

Referee Tony Archer awarded an eight-point try, but El Masri missed the first conversion from out wide before making no mistake from the follow-up from in front of the posts.

Goodwin shrugged off the effects of the head knock, which was more than could be said for teammate Luke Patten, the Bulldogs fullback failing to see out the second minute of the match after he fell victim to an accidental knee from Eels skipper Nathan Cayless.

Cayless then soon joined Patten in making the slow walk up the tunnel as he hobbled off with a hamstring injury.

And the game was yet to reach its tenth minute.

The Eels regrouped after the loss of their skipper, with front-row partner Fuifui Moimoi - who was hammered in his first two carries in the opening set of the match - leading the charge.

The calls also started going Parramatta's way, with a dubious Hayne 40-20 and a crucial scrum feed going in their favour, but still they could find no way through the Bulldogs wall.

Something had to give, and, as has been so often the case during Parramatta's stunning late-season charge, Hayne did the giving as he swivelled past three defenders to lay the ball on a platter for Joe Galuvao to score a converted try to level the score at 6-6.

The Eels had all the momentum until Yileen Gordon streaked away down the right flank to give the Bulldogs some life.

A Ben Roberts grubber secured a repeat set of six, but his second kick was even more profitable with Josh Morris touching down after Hayne misjudged a horrible bounce.

Keating found himself in trouble after wrenching the arm of Ben Hannant just before half-time, and the Bulldogs were in pain again when the Eels struck twice in four minutes after the break to claim a lead they would never relinquish.

Luke Burt scored the first try after Krisnan Inu did well to juggle a ball from Feleti Mateo, though his missed conversion from wide out meant the Eels still trailed by two points.

The Eels then claimed the lead when Tim Mannah scored shortly afterwards, Hayne again the architect before Daniel Mortimer iced the win nine minutes from full-time, the five-eighth Daniel Mortimer finishing a brilliant movement to send the blue-and-gold army into raptures.

Parramatta's Jarryd Hayne free to play in NRL grand final

September 27, 2009

Parramatta star Jarryd Hayne has been charged with a grade one grade one dangerous contact charge by the NRL match review committee, but will be free to play in the NRL grand final with an early guilty plea.

Hayne was charged after collecting Bulldogs winger Bryson Goodwin with a knee to head in the early minutes of Friday night's preliminary final, which the Eels won 22-12 to set up a showdown with Melbourne in the premiership decider.

The grade one charge carries a 100-point base penalty, which is boosted to 120 points as a result of a prior offence relating from a dangerous throw against Brisbane last year.

But a 25 per cent discount for an early guilty plea reduces the penalty to below the 100-point barrier at which a one week suspension kicks in.

The news will come as a massive relief to Hayne and all Parramatta supporters and officials, with the Dally M winner having been in blistering form over the back half of the season.

The news from the match review committee got even better for the Eels, with hooker Matthew Keating also charged with grade one dangerous contact for his chicken wing tackle on Bulldogs prop Ben Hannant just before half-time.

Like Hayne, Keating will be free to play in the grand final with an early guilty plea.

I'm very proud supporter of Parramatta Eels and is very happy of the team for making it to the 09 Grand Final. They have recruited well for next season and unearth a lot of young players. Looking foward to big 2010 and will be cheering them on to go one better next year. Congratulations to Melbourne Storm they were the best side on the day. cheers Dougie

October 11, 2009

The Warriors are believed to have Parramatta grand-final winger Luke Burt on their wish list.

The Auckland club contacted Burt's agent last month about the 28-year-old's contract status with the Eels.

He is off contract at the end of 2010 but could be released early due to salary-cap constraints.

The Warriors' recruitment and development manager, Dean Bell, was reluctant to comment about Burt yesterday but confirmed his name had been mentioned in discussions.

''We haven't been in contract discussions as such,'' Bell said. ''It's just a case that he is one of a number of players we have been looking at.''

Meanwhile, Tim Mortimer, brother of young Eels star Daniel, will train with the Eels' top squad after playing for feeder club Wentworthville this season.

''Tim has been invited to train and I'd be very happy if he joined me next season in first grade,'' Daniel Mortimer said.

The Mortimer clan, who own a winery in the state's Central West, had good reason to celebrate after the grand final despite the result, with their shiraz winning a gold medal at the Orange wine show.

Parramatta set to re-sign coach Daniel Anderson until 2013

October 12, 2009

Parramatta are moving to keep coach Daniel Anderson at the club until the end of 2013.

Eels chief executive Paul Osborne would not reveal the length of any new deal for Anderson, but it is likely to be two more seasons.

Osborne said his club was looking to retain the grand final coach to ensure long-term stability.

"I will talk to the board about it," Osborne said on Sunday night.

"We will get Jarryd (Hayne) officially signed and then look to lock down the coach for a bit longer.

"We want to get some stability around the place.

"Daniel did an absolutely outstanding job this season. He turned the place around.

"The players have a great relationship with him, as do I.

"It is important moving forward that we get stability with our players and coaches."

On Monday Anderson was unconcerned about contract negotiations as he recharges after his first season at the helm.

"I'm on holidays. I'm having a rest," Anderson said.

Despite speculation about his future, winger Luke Burt seems certain to remain at Parramatta in 2010.

However, the future of fellow winger Eric Grothe at the club remains uncertain.

Grothe, a powerful performer in the grand final against Melbourne Storm, has been linked with a move to Japanese rugby union.

Hayne will sign a lucrative four-year deal this week.

Courtesy of Fox Sports

Undermanned Penrith defeat a near full-strength Parramatta 32-12 in trial at CUA

February 20, 2010 .
An undermanned Penrith upset a near-full strength Parramatta 32-12 in their NRL trial match at CUA Stadium.

On a night the NRL went head-to-head with an AFL pre-season cup game at Blacktown, an impressive crowd of 11,113 watched the Panthers cruise to victory.

The Panthers win came despite the absence of representative stars Petero Civoniceva, Michael Jennings, Luke Lewis and Trent Waterhouse.

Early premiership favourites Parramatta were almost at full strength, with Nathan Hindmarsh and Timana Tahu, the only absences from the side likely to line up for the season-opener with St George Illawarra on March 12.

Eels coach Daniel Anderson said the decision to play all his big names had backfired.

We're a bit of a casualty ward from it, which is never good from a trial,'' he said.

Ben Smiths probably the worst, he looks to have done something to his cheekbone.

"Daniel Mortimer's got a massive zipper, he had at least a dozen stitches.

"Jarryd (Hayne) hurt his sternum in the All Stars game and it flared up a little bit.''

But Anderson said said all three are likely to be fit for next Saturdays trial against the Roosters at Bluetongue Stadium.

Penrith coach Matt Elliott said it was pleasing to see some of the lesser lights shine.

"The fact that a lot of those guys were stuck into those positions and how they contributed was a real positive,'' he said.

"We're not getting carried away, but that was a nice platform to build on, for sure.''

The Panthers had all the early play, hitting the front in the fifth minute when Shane Elford crossed in the left corner, put in by a sizzling pass from Wade Graham.

They scored their second try nine minutes later, when Jarryd Hayne made an uncharacteristic blunder, dropping the ball in goal while fielding a Luke Walsh kick, with the halfback reacting quickest to pounce and put the Panthers 8-0 in front.

The Eels were sluggish throughout, with the exception of Fuifui Moimoi, who evidently hadn't been told the game was just a trial, making his impact felt when he came off the bench in the first half.

Parramatta's first try came when Ben Smith rose highest to touch down after great kick from Matt Keating in the 26th minute.

Leading 14-6 at half-time, the Panthers continued where they left off in the second stanza, with Travis Burns scoring two tries in 10 minutes to ensure Penrith claimed the Battle of the West Cup.

Luke Burt put some respectability back on the scoresheet when he combined cleverly with Shane Shackleton for Parramatta's second try.

However the win came at a cost for Penrith, who lost David Simmons through a shoulder injury and Brad Tighe with a leg complaint.

Eels five-eighth Daniel Mortimer left the field with a head injury midway through the first half and played no further part, but Eels officials were confident he hadn’t sustained any serious damage.

Timana Tahu to make return in the blue and gold @ Parramatta Eels

Timana Tahu to make return in the blue and gold

Thursday, 25 February 2010
This weekend Timana Tahu will play his first game for the Pirtek Parramatta Eels in two years, when he takes the field at Bluetongue Stadium in Gosford at 7.30pm on Saturday night.

The talented centre has served a two-match suspension in the Eels’ previous two trials, which was still remaining from his last match in 2007, but now can’t wait to pull on the blue and gold again.

The return of Tahu is timely for the Eels’ last trial, with many first grade players either ruled out or in doubt due to injury, including Daniel Mortimer and Ben Smith.

Coach Daniel Anderson has called on some exciting young talent for this match, including Anthony Mitchell, Tom Humble, Central Coast junior Jonathan Wright and Taniela Lasalo.

For Tahu, who has been training non-stop since October last year, the game marks a welcome return to rugby league.

“I can’t wait to get out there and just play,” he says.

“I’m really looking forward to this, to playing with the Eels again and just getting out on the field and playing a game. I’ve been training for a long time now so it will be great to put it all into practice.”

Eels fans can get a triple dose of the club on Sunday, February 28, with the entire NRL squad’s appearance at the Pirtek Parramatta Eels’ annual Fan Day, from 1.00pm at Parramatta Town Hall.

Then feeder team Wentworthville will play a trial at Ringrose Park, Wentworthville, at 4.00pm, before Parramatta’s Toyota Cup side plays at 6.00pm.

NRL squad for trial v Sydney Roosters at Bluetongue Stadium, kick off 7.30pm

Luke Burt, Nathan Cayless, Eric Grothe, Nathan Hindmarsh, Justin Horo, Tom Humble, Krisnan Inu, Kris Keating, Matt Keating, Taniela Lasalo, Tim Mannah, Feleti Mateo, Anthony Mitchell, Fuifui Moimoi, Brendan Oake, Justin Poore, Joel Reddy, Jeff Robson, Shane Shackleton, Timana Tahu, Johnathan Wright, Etu Uaisele.

Toyota Cup team for trial v Sydney Roosters

1. Jaydin Tavita/Fred Latulipe
2. Brad Graham/Daniel Tupou
3. Rory Brien/Keith Wicks
4. Ken Sio
5. Thomas Vandermade
6. TK Amosa
7. Dan Cross/Brett Lahey
8. Boyd Brown/Ava Seumanufagi
9. Daniel Galati/Tim Crellin
10. PJ Asiata/Peni Terepo
11. Pat O’Hanlon/Phil Nati
12. David Thomas/Jorge Tafua
13. Fred Lang Siu/Shaun Vaotuua
14. Krys Freeman
15. Thomas Young
16. Josh Tuitupou
17. Tavita Kaci



Wentworthville team for trial v Newtown

1. Tim Mortimer
14. Domenic Nasso
3. Mark Hendy
4. Mark Luland
5. Greyson Goodwin
6. Mark O'Grady
7. Brendan Waters
8. Blake Blackburn
9. Trent Rose
10. Joe Mataele
11. Danny Howard
12. Keresoma Sione
13. Tim Robinson
15. Tamati Talanoa
16. Nathan Armit
17. Joel Latham
18. Tyrone Shelley
19. Chris Farrell

Hayne inspires Eels to win - NRL Premiership - Fox Sports

Parramatta Eels defeat Manly Sea Eagles 24-20 at Parramatta Stadium

March 21, 2010 .

Jarryd Hayne kick-started Parramatta's NRL premiership campaign with the Dally M medallist powering the Eels to a stunning 24-20 comeback win over Manly at Parramatta Stadium on Sunday.

Down 20-12 with just six minutes remaining, the Eels crossed for two late tries with Hayne setting up the last for Eric Grothe three minutes from time with a brilliant cut-out pass.

Parramatta coach Daniel Anderson was left speechless when he attempted to explain the efforts of his star player.

"Phenomenal, just unbelievable. He just single-handedly turned the game in my opinion," Anderson said.

"He basically wrestled the game out of Manly and into his own possession and we went with him. We've had some really big contributors, but Jarryd has been the main man.

"It's hard to say what Jarryd does in words."

The Sea Eagles were again left to rue their inability to close out games, having led 20-0 shortly after half-time when Matt Cross scored the visitors' fourth try under the posts.

Manly also led West Tigers 20-4 in the opening round only to be run down by the Tigers in the latter stages of the game.

Parramatta looked down for the count when former Eels Trent Hodkinson, Tony Williams and Jamie Lyon scored first-half tries, with the home side looking a long way from the team predicted by many to win this year's title.

Things got worse when Cross picked a ball which had rebounded off a Tim Mannah's foot following a Hodkinson kick, the Eels finally getting on the board when Fuifui Moimoi charged over from short range.

That's when Hayne took over, the Eels fullback taking pass inside his own in-goal from 200-gamer Luke Burt before beating five Manly defenders, the last of which left him sprawling on the ground.

He passed off the ground for Daniel Mortimer who fed Timana Tahu for his first try since his return to rugby league.

It looked like the Eels had left their run too late before a controversial try to Joel Reddy in the 74th minute, with Kris Keating's final pass to Reddy clearly travelling forward.

Manly coach Des Hasler lamented the decisons which went against his side.

"Its just momentum really and some crucial decisions that went against us," Hasler said of the surrender.

"They (the players) know the score - we have to win next week - next week is massive for us."

Tahu inspires Eels victory - NRL Premiership - Fox Sports

Parramatta celebrate Nathan Hindmarsh milestone in style with win over Souths

April 18, 2010

Parramatta have used the occasion of Nathan Hindmarsh's record-breaking 266th game to get their season back on track with a 22-8 victory over South Sydney at ANZ Stadium.

The Eels overcame a woeful first half of their own and an 8-2 deficit at the break to finally find some form in the second 40, reportedly after coach Daniel Anderson left the dressing sheds early to let the players speak among themselves.

Co-captain Hindmarsh passed Eels great Brett Kenny's record of 265 games for Parramatta.

Hindmarsh was planning to celebrate, albeit heading out for dinner to his mother Fiona's 60th birthday party with the large contingent of his family among the crowd of 25,152 .

"I love having him in the team,'' Eels coach Daniel Anderson said of Hindmarsh, who he said would be considered for the co-captaincy with Nathan Cayless again next week.

"I've coached him when he was a young kid and I am very fortunate to have him now as an old kid.

"He is the ultimate competitor.''

Centre Timana Tahu was inspirational, scoring the Eels' first try four minutes after the break and forcing the ball loose in a bone-rattling tackle on Jamie Simpson which led to the second.

A minute later a lackadaisical Rhys Wesser was beaten to a Daniel Mortimer kick by a flying Luke Burt and Parramatta hit the lead for the first time in the match at 14-8.

Mortimer sealed the deal with a 70th-minute effort which he had started with a popped pass, the conversion making it 22-8.

Burt converted all three and also booted two penalty goals in front of 25,152 fans.

A ludicrous second half sideshow of sin-binnings resulted in Eels co-captain Nathan Cayless being sent to the sidelines for repeated stripping infringements and, two minutes later, Souths centre Beau Champion copping 10 for a high shot.

The binnings followed repeated lectures from referees Ben Cummins and Gerrard Sutton that had commentators fuming.

''(It was) a bit harsh but he squared it up when he sent one of theirs for something they probably didn't need to be sent for,'' Hindmarsh said.

"It was a bit of a surprise to everyone. I think Souths were a bit surprised as well when it happened.''

Souths coach John Lang was also mystified.



"I don't even know what their bloke got sin-binned for to be perfectly honest and ours was for a high tackle,'' he said.

"I didn't think you could get sin-binned for a high tackle.''

In an error-strewn first half, the Eels managed a woeful 44 per cent completion rate but Souths' handling wasn't much better and there had been 20 mistakes by the break.

Two well-executed backline plays in the fourth and 22nd minutes resulted in tries to Souths winger Fetuli Talanoa and centre Colin Best.

The Eels got within a blade of grass twice in the final two minutes of the half but had to be content with a Burt penalty goal after the siren.

Souths went into the match minus six first grade forwards after captain Roy Asotasi and Michael Crocker were both ruled out before kick-off.

Eels slip past the Cowboys - NRL Premiership - Fox Sports

Parramatta defeat North Queensland Cowboys 24-18 in NRL at Dairy Farmers

April 23, 2010

The return of Johnathan Thurston was not enough for North Queensland Cowboys, the home side falling to a 24-18 NRL defeat to Parramatta at Dairy Farmers Stadium.

Thought to be one to two weeks away from making his NRL return from a shoulder injury, captain Thurston was a late inclusion and made an immediate impact for North Queensland, setting up a try and kicking three goals.

His organisational skills helped keep the scores locked at 12-12 at half-time.

But a Timana Tahu double was enough to lift last year's grand finalists to a tense win, leaving the battered Cowboys languishing near the bottom of the ladder with just two wins from seven starts so far in 2010.

Krisnan Inu and Ben Smith also scored tries for the Eels and Luke Burt kicked four goals.

North Queensland's try-scorers were Scott Bolton, Ashley Graham and Willie Tonga.

Carl Webb could be in doubt for the Cowboys' clash with Melbourne Storm next week after badly spraining his ankle in the first half.

James Tamou picked up a shoulder injury while Steve Rapira, Gallant and Tonga all received head knocks but were able to play on.

Cowboys coach Neil Henry said the errors in his outfit's game would need to be addressed in a hurry to stem the run of losses.

"It was a very sloppy game,'' he said.

"We needed to take a couple opportunities but I think our first half our completion was around fifty per cent.

"Unforced errors ... they happened a few times and they rolled in for a few tries.

"That standard, it's not good enough to win games in this competition.''

Relieved Parramatta coach Daniel Anderson was happy to take the win, the 2009 grand finalists' first back-to-back victory this season coming after a win over South Sydney last weekend.

"We were hanging in there but we were scratchy,'' he said.

"But we were resilient and we got the points, which is good.''