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After Monday’s embarrassing 44-12 loss to the Penrith Panthers, Eels co-captain Jarryd Hayne claimed it was the worst he has ever felt after a match.
The rivalry between the two clubs has been labelled ‘the battle of the west’. The Panthers fielded a young and inexperienced squad using a number of players from the Toyota Cup, and they thoroughly outclassed Parramatta on the night.
Since their impressive 2009 season, in which they made the grand final, the Eels’ form has dropped dramatically.
They found themselves finish the 2010 season in 12th position out of a total 16. The Eels finished the 2011 season third last, only a single point above the Raiders and Titans.
2012 saw the Eels pick up the wooden spoon as they finished the league in last place, four points below the Panthers in 15th.
Hayne has explained how awful the last few seasons have been for the Eels, culminating in the embarrassing loss to the Panthers. The fullback also said it is not up to one player to change everything, but will be a team effort.
So what do the Eels need to do?
The team is lacking confidence, motivation and determination. Confidence will be gained if the team can get a number of wins under their belt, motivation can be gained when players and staff encourage each other.
But determination is something the players need to find inside themselves. If the current team cannot, they need to be replaced.
Two players, Ben Roberts and Ben Smith, have been dropped from the team, with a number of Toyota Cup players called in to replace them.
Coach Ricky Stuart needs to look at his players and decide who is good enough to stay in the team. Perhaps he should consider dropping even more players from his squad.
The likes of Cheyse Blair, Ken Sio and Reni Maitua have to be looked at. Their contribution to the team must be analysed, and if they are not good enough Ricky will need to replace them.
Some good scouting is needed at the Eels to bring in some quality youth who are determined to prove themselves in the NRL.
19 year-old Kelepi Tanginoa has been impressive for the team already this season. And this weekend’s match against the Cowboys will see juniors Api Pewhairangi starting and Kaysa Pritchard and Peni Terepo on the bench.
Reports claim Hayne has confronted Stuart about a possible change to five-eighth, but it remains to be seen if this change will improve things at the Eels.
However, Ricky needs to do something, and soon, if the Eels hope to avoid a second straight season in last position.
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