Matty Johns: Panthers test will tell us if Eels are the real deal in 2021

The Eels are specialists at appearing to be contenders when the finals are on the horizon, but pretenders when the big moments come writes Matty Johns.

Eels players form a huddle after their loss in the NRL Semi Final between the Parramatta Eels and South Sydney Rabbitohs at Bankwest Stadium, Parramatta. Picture: Brett Costello

This is the important game of the season so far with a number of big storylines.

A Blue jersey is on the line, as is one team’s credibility.

PARRA AGAIN ARRIVES AT A CROSSROADS

In recent seasons the Parramatta Eels have given their fanatical, but long suffering fans hope.

In June the great Peter Wynn of Parramatta’s iconic Peter Wynn’s Score would be strolling the top end of Parramatta road, looking to test drive a bright new Jaguar, maybe a Merc, possibly a red-hot Ferrari, his sports store teaming with Eels fans, ‘Wally’ unable to keep up the demand for the blue and gold merchandise.

But by mid-July the racks are again full and Peter forced toward the second-hand models.

So here we are again.

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The absence of Nathan Cleary (2R) is a big boost for the Eels. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

In a short while the Finals will be in sight and the question is, will the Parramatta Eels elevate or slowly decline?

They must win Friday night.

They’ve got Penrith at a particularly good time. The loss of Nathan Cleary is an enormous factor, he’s been by far the best player in the competition and in recent weeks put on a couple of playmaking master classes.

Add to that the Panthers have five key men backing up from Sunday’s Origin. For these players it’s been a big month, both physically and emotionally.

On the flip side Parramatta’s June has consisted of two byes, a big victory over a Knights side smashed by injury, a huge win over the Tigers and a 26 point win over the Dogs.

It’s not hard to see who’ll have the fresh legs on Friday.

But read the fine print and this is where it gets tricky for Parra, those three big wins have been played on Sunday afternoons, and crucially against the Knights and Tigers the conditions fine and the ball dry.

Jarome Luai will relish be the main man for Penrith in Cleary’s absence. Picture: Grant Trouville/NRL Photos

This plays exactly to Parramatta’s strengths, speed and ball movement.

Friday night, in Penrith the conditions have so often been Parramatta’s kryptonite. Slippery, dewy surface, the ball greasy and difficult to push to the edges.

And Penrith will have a point to prove. They’ll be motivated by the challenge of playing without their brilliant halfback.

Jerome Luai will relish the role of chief playmaker and Matt Burton excited to be finally in the 6 jersey when the side isn’t decimated by State of Origin.

The Panthers will play really tough and test if the Eels can adjust their game to the conditions.

The Eels have a tendency, when under pressure, to play too sideways. I’m a fan of sideline to sideline football but that can only be achieved if you win the battle of the centrefield.

Parramatta need to play tough, Finals style football to win.

If they can’t beat Penrith Friday night, then I see Season 2021 as yet another false dawn.

Mitchell Moses could play himself into the NSW team with a strong performance on Friday night. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

STATE OF ORIGIN SHOOT-OUT

This match is not just a crossroads 80 minutes for the Parramatta team, but also their halfback Mitchell Moses.

The Blues’ 7 jersey is up for grabs and Moses is a prime candidate.

It will be really interesting to see how ‘Freddy’ replaces Nathan Cleary.

On the surface Jack Wighton is an obvious choice but given the successful style of football the Blues have established, I’d be picking a pure playmaker.

A player who’s capable of giving Latrell Mitchell and Tom Trbojevic early, clean ball.

Wighton is a ball runner and would change the dynamics of the attack so I’d definitely be keeping him in the 14.

So who partners Jerome Luai?

I’d be looking closely at three players, Mitch Moses, Cody Walker and a real smoky Matt Burton.

Matt Burton is Matty’s Origin outsider. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Cody Walker presents a strong argument. He plays fast, reactive football and has great understanding with Damien cook and Latrell Mitchell.

But a Burton surprise selection has merit and coach Brad Fittler hinted of finding a spot for the Dubbo junior before the series began. One of the most crucial factors in the Blues series dominance has been how easily the team have established their style of football.

It’s been easy because it’s the style of the 6 and 7. Cleary and Luai have taken Panthers football to Origin and not missed a beat.

A change of playmaker puts that at risk but less so if the replacement comes out of the same system.

Isaah Yeo is a superb link between the Penrith and NSW playmakers. Picture: Peter Wallis

Isaah Yeo’s contribution to this team has been underestimated.

He, Cleary and Luai work beautifully as a trio. In game 2 Yeo never stopped threatening Queensland’s middle.

Little inside balls, short passes, he constantly fished for opportunity and took pressure off his halves.

Matt Burton’s inclusion keeps that combination and understanding intact.

Look there’s no doubt Matt Burton will need a big game if he’s to come from the clouds and grab the vacant playmaking role, but going head to head against Mitchell Moses presents big opportunity.

MY TIP

I’m going for Penrith 1-12. Cleary’s loss is huge but the Panthers forwards will give Luai, Burton and Api Koroisau the platform to get the job done.

Originally published as Matty Johns: Panthers test will tell us if Eels are the real deal in 2021