NRL Preview 2011: Parramatta Eels

After failing last season to replicate their stunning run to the 2009 grand final, the Parramatta Eels have undergone drastic changes both on and off the field in a bid to win their first premiership in 25 years.

Indeed the Eels decision to sack coach Daniel Anderson, just a year after leading Parramatta to the premiership decider, was just one of the more suprising moves heading into season 2011.

The departures of key players Krisnan Inu and Feleti Mateo also raises eyebrows, given the fact they have been replaced by a host of new recruits who may well be past their prime.

Although the signatures of Paul Whatuira and Casey Maguire could reap fruit, one doubts the likes of Chris Hicks, Carl Webb, Reni Maitua and Chris Walker will add the X-factor the Eels need to turn around their point scoring woes.

The inclusion of Maitua in particular is baffling to say the least. The former Bulldogs premiership winner is still serving a two year suspension for doping, and won’t be available to play for the Eels until his ban expires on May 19.

For the Eels to let a player like Mateo depart the club due to salary cap pressure, only to swoop on six players that are past their prime, emphasises the chaos at a club that has lost logical thinking.

Despite his erratic nature, Mateo was one of the Eels most constant threats in attack, and is arguably the most influential second rower in the NRL when he plays at his peak.

The fact that Mateo still made the most offloads last season speaks highly of his ability to create second phase play for the likes of Hayne and co. to shine in attack.

New coach Stephen Kearney faces arguably one of the toughest challenges in the NRL, as he attempts to install discipline, control and a winning mentality to an Eels side in desperate need of direction.

Despite winning the Rugby League World Cup and Four Nations tournament as New Zealand coach, Kearney’s task to turn the Eels into a premiership force in his first year in charge is a tall order, given on what we saw from Parramatta last season.

Besides the two bursts of form during rounds 6-10 and 18-20, the Eels were actually one of the more lackluster sides to watch in the NRL last season – a shocking statement given the talented roster they had at their disposal.

Despite possessing players the caliber of Jarryd Hayne, Luke Burt, Joel Reddy, Feleti Mateo, Krisnan Inu and Timana Tahu, the Eels only managed to score 70 tries last year. Only the Cronulla Sharks managed to score fewer four pointers.

To add further salt to the wound, the Eels made the least tackle breaks of any side in the NRL last season and also ranked 12th in line breaks made respectively.

Indeed the Eels attack that stormed the competition at the back end of 2009 failed to replicate that form last season, and it remains to be seen whether or not they can reach those heights in 2011.

The halves pairing of Daniel Mortimer and Jeff Robson last season was a shadow of the combination which took the NRL by storm two years ago. Mortimer in particular was eventually dropped late in 2010 following a tough second year in the top grade.

Eels fullback Hayne also had a slow start to last season, but eventually found form late in the year to re-ignite Parramatta’s faltering finals charge.

His performances against the Cowboys, Panthers and Bulldogs during rounds 18-20, saw Hayne register three man of the match awards, and a renowned belief that he could single handedly guide the Eels to another finals birth.

A heavy 48-12 defeat at home to the Sydney Roosters in round 21 however, effectively condemed the Eels to a shocking 2010 season which eventually saw coach Anderson sacked by the club.

With renowned first graders Nathan Cayless, Feleti Mateo, Krisnan Inu, Timana Tahu and Eric Grothe having departed the club, the Eels do not possess a roster as gifted as in previous seasons, and will rely heavily on the freakish and inspirational performances of Jarryd Hayne, Nathan Hindmarsh and Fui Fui Moi Moi to guide them to the finals.

These three players hold the keys to the Eels title aspirations this season, and if they fire on a constant basis in 2011, Parramatta will be in the race for a top eight spot.

Failure to do so, however, could spell another long and frustrating 2011 season for Eels fans.

Why they’ll win:

• Hayne, Moi Moi and Hindmarsh are huge X Factors
• Coach Kearney will add much needed discipline to Eels

Why they won’t:

• Eels attack not up to scratch
• New player signings are past their best

TAB Sportsbet odds

Premiership winner – $26.00

Wooden Spoon – $7.00

Additions: Brad Murray, Carl Webb, Casey McGuire, Chris Hicks, Chris Walker, Eni Folau, Jordan Atkins, Paki Afu, Paul Whatuira, Reni Maitua

Losses: Nathan Cayless (Retired), Eric Grothe (Retired), Feleti Mateo (Warriors), Krisnan Inu (Warriors), Kris Keating (Canterbury-Bankstown), Jonathan Wright (Canterbury-Bankstown), Timana Tahu (Released).