Always Reddy for action
August 10th 2008 08:55
Joel Reddy was superb against the Roosters
He is the one player in the Eels backline that stands out like a sore thumb. But today Joel Reddy was the difference in keeping Parramatta alive in season 2008.
Sure, he may not have the smile or charm of Krisnan Inu. He may not have the power and skill of Feleti Mateo. He will never have the freakish ability of Jarryd Hayne.
But does that make Reddy any less important to the Eels structure?
No way.
His performance against the Sydney Roosters was everything you could wish from a man that will never possess a superstar persona outside of Rugby League circles.
But does he care?
Not at all.
Reddy has transformed into an integral part of Parramatta’s structure. Throughout all the inconsistencies the Eels have suffered this season, one piece of the puzzle has remained in place.
The Eels centre is everything Parramatta should be. He is full of grunt, determination and is surrounded by an aura of enthusiasm that comes with playing alongside the most enigmatic team in the NRL.
When the times have looked dire, Reddy has stood tall in the midst of adversity.
Whether it be trailing by 20 against the Knights last Monday or winning a thriller against the Roosters, Reddy has been the one to remain composed.
In defence, the 23 year old has been solid and is constantly on hand to rectify a messy situation.
In terms of attack, Reddy has perhaps exceeded expectation with the footy in hand, scoring 12 tries this season to be his side’s leading tryscorer.
But the four pointer he scored against Brad Fittler’s men was the one that typifies the character of the quietly spoken Eels centre.
Brett Finch put up a bomb up heading into Reddy’s corner. Opposing winger Shaun Kenny Dowall is no easybeat in the air.
But try telling Reddy that.
Up he goes, swooping the footy from Kenny Dowall’s grasp to put his side in the lead.
Like the good old fashioned player he is, Reddy is one man always eager to get his hands dirty for the cause.
The Yarrawarrah Tigers junior had to take in the pain when his side was stripped of possession against the Roosters late in the game.
Australian enforcer Willie Mason threw a speculator out the back in the dying stages only for Reddy to seize the moment and recapture an Eels season slipping away.
Despite getting heavily hit by Anthony Tupou, the Parramatta centre would not have it any other way. He will play with a broken finger and take a hit up with no teeth.
Because when it comes to Joel Reddy, every inch of hope is worth fighting for.
With four regular season games to go, the Eels achieved the victory necessary to attain the confidence that has been bereft in season 2008.
Although they must win all four games to ensure a place in the top eight, at least the Eels can bank on one player to make a positive difference.
As long as Reddy’s heart keeps beating, Parramatta’s hopes for a finals position remains well and truly alive.
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