Parramatta’s interim coach Trent Barrett has openly criticized his players following their dramatic 30-24 defeat to the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night. Barrett’s team initially dominated the match, jumping to a 16-0 lead within the first 11 minutes. However, a series of crucial errors allowed Brisbane to make a comeback and eventually secure the win, keeping their slim chances of making the finals alive.
Barrett expressed frustration with the team’s performance, noting that while the early lead was encouraging, the subsequent mistakes were detrimental. “I would have been pleased with that 16-0 start if you’d told me before the game, but the mistakes made towards the end of the first half and throughout the second half were unacceptable,” Barrett said. He highlighted specific errors, including a drop by Maika Sivo and an intercept by Adam Reynolds, which were pivotal in the team’s downfall. Barrett also criticized Kelma Tuilagi’s decision to charge down the ball from an inappropriate distance, labeling these mistakes as “dumb.”
The Eels’ defeat leaves them tied on points with the last-placed Wests Tigers, who had a 34-26 victory over Manly earlier in the week. This sets the stage for a decisive ‘Spoon Bowl’ clash in the final round of the season between the Eels and the Tigers, which will determine who finishes with the wooden spoon.
Barrett acknowledged the significance of avoiding the wooden spoon, expressing frustration but also highlighting the challenges posed by missing key players. “I’m not making excuses, but we’re missing $5 million worth of talent, and there are more players sidelined at home,” Barrett explained. Despite these setbacks, he stressed that the team must work hard to avoid finishing last and emphasized the importance of the upcoming match against the Tigers.
The coach pointed out the need for his team to address their errors and maintain concentration over the final two rounds of the season to end on a positive note. “We’re struggling to play a full 80 minutes of football,” Barrett noted. He reiterated that while effort and attitude can get a team into a game, proper execution is necessary to win. He criticized the team’s inability to capitalize on their early lead and lamented how mistakes led to Brisbane scoring directly from missed tackles and errors.
In the match, the Broncos had a dreadful start, which allowed the Eels to build a significant lead. Parramatta’s Will Penisini scored the opening try, followed by another try from Joe Ofahengaue after a failed Brisbane clearance. Maika Sivo’s try made it 16-0. However, the Broncos eventually found their rhythm, with Tristan Sailor and Josh Rogers scoring to reduce the deficit. Brisbane drew level with a try from Selwyn Cobbo, and Adam Reynolds converted to put the Broncos ahead. Reynolds also scored a try off a Parramatta mistake, and Kotoni Staggs added another try for Brisbane.
Though Shaun Lane scored a late try for the Eels, it was not enough to change the outcome. Brisbane held on to win, keeping their playoff hopes alive. With two games left for Brisbane, including matches against the Dolphins and the Storm—who may rest players in the final round—the Broncos still have a chance to secure a top-eight spot.
In summary, the Eels’ latest loss has intensified the battle to avoid the wooden spoon, with Barrett’s criticism underscoring the need for improvement as they head into their final games of the season.
