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Enigmatic halfback Chris Sandow has forced his way back to first grade and I have a feeling it could be the making of Parramatta this year.
Sandow has been pretty close to man of the match for the Wenty Magpies over the first three rounds and his reappearance in the NRL should give the Eels’ attack far greater potency and provide the unpredictability it has lacked.
Early season reports on Sandow’s form in the VB NSW Cup have been glowing. He has been organising his troops superbly, having an occasional dart himself and his goal-kicking has been top drawer.
Coach Brad Arthur said he asked Sandow to work on a number of factors in the lower grade and has duly responded.
Sandow has claimed the number seven jumper Luke Kelly has worn for the new coach over the first three rounds and shapes as a key man in Saturday’s big local derby against Penrith at Pirtek Stadium.
Sandow has had a troubled history since joining the Eels from South Sydney and I’m hoping he has chased away all of his demons and is ready to produce his brilliant best form.
Parra can certainly use some extra spark and his goal kicking skills will surely be welcomed after last week’s wayward and ultimately costly efforts against Manly.
League’s new rules mean that a number of clubs with more structured styles of play are labouring and the promotion of Sandow should give Parra an X-factor.
He definitely hasn’t been picked for his defence but on his day he can be ultra effective, snuffing out a threatening ball carrier with a kamikaze-like tackle out of nowhere.
Coach Arthur also promoted winger Ken Sio from the NSW Cup. Sio has scored six tries in the opening three games and is no stranger to first grade.
Parramatta-Penrith games are traditionally highly entertaining affairs and this one could be fast and furious from the opening minute to the last.
There are many terrific match-ups to savour and picking the winner looks to be tricky business.
Ivan Cleary’s Panthers scored a late, late try to eclipse the Bulldogs last week while the Eels were desperately unlucky to leave Brookvale Oval without the two points.
Potentially, NRL Round 4 tosses up some very attractive matches but I’m extra keen to see how Chris Sandow performs in this new-look team that is promising a resurgence with its new coach.
He is on a contract worth megabucks at Parramatta and there are some who believe this will be his last chance to live up to the hype. I think the time is ripe for him to repay the club and its supporters with a string of five-star displays.
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