With Kieran Foran joining the club, the Parramatta Eels finally have their much sought-after star half, and are out to make their first finals appearance since their 2009 grand final loss.
In recent years, the Eels have seen the retirement of club legends such as Nathan Cayless, Nathan Hindmarsh and Luke Burt, while poor coaching decisions led to wooden spoons, bad halves and the loss of some of their most marketable players in Jarryd Hayne and Fuifui Moimoi.
However with a rebuild underway, they are looking like once again becoming competitive.
They have also created new cult figures in Semi Radradra and Manu Ma’u, while solving both their halves problem, with Corey Norman and Kieran Foran, and their coaching problem, with Brad Arthur taking charge.
Parramatta are on the edge of a new era in the club’s distinguished 70-year history, with plenty of new talent coming through the lower grades.
While they may not make the finals in 2016, the year will be looked back upon as a defining season in the Eels’ impressive rebuild.
Rookie watch
Parramatta have a batch of rookies ready to burst onto the scene, with four players yet to make their debut currently attached to their first grade squad.
The most promising of those is young centre and backrower Tyrell Fuimaono, who has already represented the Junior Kangaroos and NSW U-20s at the age of just 19. Fuimaono offers plenty of promise in the Eels’ backline and could easily earn his NRL debut in the event of injuries.
However he won’t be without competition. New recruits and fellow rookies Kieren Moss, Scott Schulte and Honeti Tuha have joined the club in the hope of receiving a first grade cap.
Tuha lined up in the Knights’ victorious NSW Cup side, scoring a hat-trick in their grand final victory over the Wyong Roos. Moss and Schulte are also close to a debut, however with so much depth at the Eels in their respective positions of fullback and wing, it seems unlikely 2016 will be the year either make their mark.
Under pressure
Parramatta’s $1.2 million man, Kieran Foran, will be carrying the hopes and dream of Eels fans on his shoulders, with plenty of pressure mounting on the Kiwis Test star.
Foran is untested on his own, having previously played alongside quality halfbacks Daly Cherry-Evans and Shaun Johnson, however with Corey Norman having carried the Eels since Chris Sandow’s departure in the middle of 2015, Foran will have less on his plate than if he was going in with an inexperienced half.
Still, Foran has not proven himself as a dominant half. While it remains to be seen how he will carry the new responsibility of playing at halfback, the Eels may have finally found the missing piece of the puzzle that could propel them into the finals.
Can the Eels return to the finals in 2016?
The Eels have a talented roster, with depth in almost all positions.
With fullback Michael Gordon and centre Clinton Gutherson, Arthur has a well-rounded backline, which also features 2015 top try-scorer Radradra. There’s also impressive depth with the likes of John Folau, Vai Toutai and Tuha putting pressure on the established stars, as well as Brad Takairangi and Ryan Morgan.
The Parramatta forward pack is also greatly improved, with Beau Scott, James Hasson and Rory O’Brien joining the club, while Kelepi Tanginoa returns.
Scott will add plenty of experience, while fierce backrower Manu Ma’u will surely show improvement having spent team with the New Zealand Kiwis train-on squad at the back end of last season.
Is Kieran Foran the right man to wear the No.7 jersey?
The Eels’ biggest problem since their glory days in the 1980s has been the halfback position, with no one able to make their jersey their own since Peter Sterling retired in 1992.
Over 20 years later, Parramatta still haven’t found a capable replacement for the former New South Wales and Australia representative, however they are confident Foran is the right man for the job.
Foran is set to take Tim Mannah’s captaincy and lead the Eels’ charge to the finals. If he can get the rest of his team working for one common goal, Foran could become a legend at his new club, and bring Parramatta their first premiership since 1986.
How will Beau Scott fit into the forward pack?
One of Parramatta’s most exciting signings for the 2016 season is New South Wales Blues backrower Beau Scott.
The Eels boast one of the most underrated packs in the National Rugby League, with Scott set to make them even more feared.
The 11-time State of Origin representative, known for his niggling, is going into his 12th season and is bound to make an impact.
Alongside Tongan force Ma’u, former Blues representatives Mannah and Anthony Watmough, and young Cook Islander Tepai Moeroa, Brad Arthur’s forwards are sure to terrorise opponents in 2016.
The Eels’ big men for the upcoming season look the club’s best since the 2010 pack featuring club legends Nathan Cayless, Nathan Hindmarsh and Fuifui Moimoi, as well as current Sea Eagles lock Feleti Mateo and incumbent captain Mannah.
Must watch
Round 1 versus Broncos
Thursday, March 3, 8:05pm at Pirtek Stadium
The Eels will celebrate the 30th anniversary of their home ground, Pirtek Stadium, when they launch the 2016 NRL season against 2015 NRL grand finalists the Brisbane Broncos.
It will likely be the debut game of new recruits Foran, Gordon, Scott and Gutherson, with a sell-out crowd expected.
Parramatta’s halves will be given a huge challenge in their first NRL game, with Foran and Corey Norman to go head-to-head with Ben Hunt and Anthony Milford.
The forwards will also receive a workout, with the Broncos boasting some of rugby league’s toughest forwards, including Josh McGuire, Sam Thaiday and Corey Parker.
Parramatta may struggle against the Broncos in the season opener, but it shapes as a game every Eels fan should get to, with the event sure to be celebrated in style.
Round 7 versus Sea Eagles
Thursday, April 14, 7:50pm at Brookvale Oval
Foran won’t have to wait long before coming up against his old club, with the Eels recruit squaring off against former partner Daly Cherry-Evans in Round 7.
Both Foran and Cherry-Evans will be keen to get the win, with Test jumpers and pride on the line.
The on-field battle will not be limited to the halves, with Sea Eagles junior Gutherson and Manly life member Watmough also set to feature against their old club.
Predicted best XVII
1. Michael Gordon, 2. Semi Radradra, 3. Clinton Gutherson, 4. Brad Takairangi, 5. Ryan Morgan, 6. Corey Norman, 7. Kieran Foran, 8. Tim Mannah, 9. Nathan Peats, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Beau Scott, 12. Manu Ma’u, 13. Anthony Watmough
Interchange: 14. David Gower, 15. Tepai Moeroa, 16. Peni Terepo, 17. Danny Wicks
2016 signings
Mitchell Cornish (Canberra Raiders), Kieran Foran (Manly Sea Eagles), Michael Gordon (Cronulla Sharks), Clinton Gutherson (Manly Sea Eagles), James Hasson (Manly Sea Eagles), Cameron King (North Queensland Cowboys), Kieren Moss (Penrith Panthers), Rory O’Brien (St George Illawarra Dragons), Scott Schulte (North Queensland Cowboys), Beau Scott (Newcastle Knights), Kelepi Tanginoa (North Queensland Cowboys), Matthew Woods (Wests Tigers)
2016 draw (AEST)
Round 1: Eels versus Broncos (Thursday, March 3, 8:05pm at Pirtek Stadium)
Round 2: Eels versus Cowboys (Saturday, March 12, 7:30pm at Pirtek Stadium)
Round 3: Bulldogs versus Eels (Friday, March 18, 8:05pm at ANZ Stadium)
Round 4: Wests Tigers versus Eels (Monday, March 28, 4pm at ANZ Stadium)
Round 5: Eels versus Panthers (Sunday, April 4, 4pm at Pirtek Stadium)
Round 6: Eels versus Raiders (Saturday, April 9, 3pm at Pirtek Stadium)
Round 7: Sea Eagles versus Eels (Thursday, April 14, 7:50pm at Brookvale Oval)
Round 8: Cowboys versus Eels (Saturday, April 23, 7:30pm at 1300Smiles Stadium)
Round 9: Eels versus Bulldogs (Friday, April 29, 7:50pm at ANZ Stadium)
Round 10: Eels versus Rabbitohs (Friday, May 13, 7.50pm at Pirtek Stadium)
Round 11: Eels versus Storm (Monday, May 23, 7pm at Pirtek Stadium)
Round 12: Knights versus Eels (Monday, May 30, 7pm at Hunter Stadium)
Round 13: Bye
Round 14: Eels versus Titans (Saturday, June 11, 5:30pm at TIO Stadium)
Round 15: Rabbitohs versus Eels (Friday, June 17, 7:50pm at ANZ Stadium)
Round 16: Bye
Round 17: Sharks versus Eels (Saturday, July 2, 7:30pm at Shark Park)
Round 18: Eels versus Roosters (Friday, July 8, 7:50pm at Pirtek Stadium)
Round 19: Panthers versus Eels (Sunday, July 17, 4pm at Pepper Stadium)
Round 20: Titans versus Eels (Saturday, July 23, 5:30pm at Cbus Super Stadium)
Round 21: Eels versus Wests Tigers (July 28-August 1 at ANZ Stadium)
Round 22: Eels versus Sea Eagles (August 4-August 8 at Pirtek Stadium)
Round 23: Broncos versus Eels (August 11-August 15 at Suncorp Stadium)
Round 24: Raiders versus Eels (August 18-August 22 at GIO Stadium)
Round 25: Eels versus Dragons (August 25-August 29 at Pirtek Stadium)
Round 26: Warriors versus Eels (September 1-September 4 at Mt Smart Stadium)
Prediction
The Eels’ on-field performance will be much better in 2016 with Foran carrying the team. While they will fail to make the eight, they will improve one spot, finishing 12th.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
If they're a lot fitter this year they could be very good, last year their fitness was below NRL standard across the board and all the other attributes just get lost if players can't run out the game.
Parrafan
Guest
Agree he hasn't yet. He has the squad he wanted so no excuses.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Looks like John Boulos will permanently take on the CEO role. Smart operator, FFA were disappointed when he left. Anderson running the football side of things. A good season will provide some stability, as will whatever penalties handed down to Spagnolo
Parrafan
Guest
Don't listen to the numbers floated around by the media. Do you really think the roosters are stupid enough to sign Jennings to 700-800 a year, even on a backended contract. Roosters don't operate like that with there pulling power in third party agreements. Put it closer to 500. Eels made a formal offer to hiku of 350k so there is definitely money there to sign jennings without offloadng players, but offloading Pauli would result in a little breathing space if the auditor finds any sort of discrepancy.
Steve
Guest
Well the Roosters would have to be paying a fair whack of it. By all accounts Jennings is on 700-800 grand at the Roosters. The loss of Pauli Pauli wouldn't even cover a third of that. Either the Roosters will have to dig deep or Parra will be forced to offload another player to compensate.
Parrafan
Guest
He has already been signed. Pauli to Knights and roosters to pay some freight.
Samtwocan
Guest
Let's hope your right PF , I don't mind Parra and it would be good to see them competitive . The other issue as I see it is possibly the coach , whether he can get the best out of the players as a group.
Parrafan
Guest
Hi Sam, The Sharp ticket was voted in completely in the last elections in around march last year. So the boardroom isn't divided anymore. The issue is putting the right people in the rights spots in the club. We are still certainly lacking the professionalism of top teir clubs, but the boardroom dramas in relation to fitz/spagnolo boards is behind us.
Steve
Guest
The only way Parra would be able to sign Jennings at this late stage is if the Roosters pay half his salary for 2016. Either that or they will have to offload 2 or 3 players to fit him in.
Samtwocan
Guest
Has anything changed in the boardroom at Parra ? They seem to be a divided club behind the scenes. The coach hasn't really done anything special at the top grade , they'll more than likely be In The running for the bottom of the eight late in the year but the back ground static may prove to be unsettling once again . It seams to me when a club has internal issues late in the year players start thinking about holidays rather than playing football , especially when it comes down to the outcomes of other games to make the eight. Somewhere around 10th is where I see them finishing.
Rodney Olsen
Guest
I like the look of our pack, underrated as stated earlier yet has a bit of mongrel and some offloading ability.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Not sure what to make of Parra; Foran is a good addition but not much else is changed, the back line is the same -- some good, some mediocre, and the forwards will need to have made big strides in their fitness level to be a force.
Rodney Olsen
Guest
Mountain of a man and as you say FD just coming into his own and he is gone, meh, being an eels fan we should be used to this kind of stupidity. (insert doh emoticon)
kdiz
Guest
Corey Norman ran the best left edge in the competition last year, and created plenty. We fell down on grinding out wins, our right edge in defence and attack was deplorable, as well as Robinson being found out at fullback, and goalkicking. Foran and Scott sure up the right edge, Gordon tidies up the back and the goalkicking.
FAIR DINKUM
Guest
Would love to have seen Sandow at half with Foran 5/8 You need an explosive half and Foran would have helped bring out the best in Sandow. Norman a fine utility player rather than specialist number 6. However, we have what we have. Sad to see Pauli Pauli leave to fit Jennings in though. He's been developed by the club and now he's ready to go to the next level. And we let him go? Doesn't make sense. But we import some unproven players? Still doesn't make sense,
The eye
Guest
You want reinforcements ? Pauli Pauli,if the Knights don't grab him first,6'4 and 19 stone...Daniel Alvaro,watch him..6'3 and 17 stone.. Get worn down ? Even James Graham gets worn down..they all do.. It's a hard running and vey,very hard hitting pack...they overcome their mental demons,they're potentially top 6..
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
The Eels actually finished 12th in 2015, I agree they should improve but the quality of competition means they should miss out.
Albo
Guest
Yep ! I'm with you Bazz ! I still don't think the Eels have addressed their long term lack of a halfback general and creator. Although this is the prime problem of most teams in the NRL outside of those who own Thurston, Cronk & DCE. They now have two running five eighths / utilities / possibly better as back rowers, wearing the 6 & 7. Scott will improve their defensive line but offer little in attack. They will have the same solid but inconsistent pack and a slightly improved running backline ( Foran) . They will get excited at Semi's barnstorming runs down the flanks. They will have Foran's tough enthusiasm, but they still have zero creativity across the park and will rely solely on a power game and kicks to score points. The one area they have improved dramatically is in finally grabbing an accurate goal kicker in Michael Gordon. If they get Michael Jennings, he will be the most under utilised millionaire on the park with 3 dummy half runs and 4 tackles per game average, as his standard contribution.
Sniper
Guest
They'll do better than last year.
Rodney Olsen
Guest
The eels will imo make the 8 this year. Go Parramatta, 2016 the year we begin playing decent footy again.