Last season signalled the end of the longest finals drought in the NRL, as Parramatta cracked the eight for the first time since 2009.
While there were plenty of encouraging signs, the Eels couldn’t capitalise on a double finals chance, bowing out in straight sets, and leaving their fans wanting for 2018.
While the Eels lost four games in a row in the first six rounds, they lost just once in the last ten rounds, and claimed some big scalps. They also had to hold their nerve late to claim fourth spot.
Things seemed to come together with the arrival of Mitchell Moses. He was the missing link a potent backline, striking up a great combination with Corey Norman, and also performing well as a goal-kicker.
The real talking point though, was losing to the Storm in Melbourne, and then the eighth-placed Cowboys back in Sydney when September kicked in.
Fans can feel robbed at the manner in which they lost to the Storm, with two of Melbourne’s tries suspect at best.
There was nothing suspect about their loss to North Queensland a week later though, lacking the same intensity they had against the Storm.
It was reminiscent of the Eels’ season: they could turn it on, but be frustratingly lacklustre other weeks.
How does their roster rate?
There are some big talking points around this roster. How will they cope without Semi Radradra? Can they get the best out of Jarryd Hayne? What sort of impact will Bevan French and Clint Gutherson have on their return?
French and Gutherson are the front-runners to play fullback. In the centres, they are likely to have Hayne and Michael Jennings. Last year they had Kirisome Auva’a on one wing, they’ll have Gutherson or French on the other. They also have Josh Hoffman, Brad Takarangi and Will Smith in the way of depth.
As mentioned, Norman and Moses built a solid combination towards the back end of last season and both will be motivated by talk that they are Origin prospects for Queensland and NSW respectively.
Their forwards are tough, reliable and experienced. Daniel Alvaro and Tim Mannah are uncompromising up front, if not the most powerful props in the game. Nathan Brown is coming off a great season, while Manu Ma’u and Tepai Moeroa work hard on the edges.
They aren’t short on depth either. Kane Evans comes in from the Roosters, then there’s Kenny Edwards, Beau Scott, Peni Terepo and Suaia Matagi battling for bench spots.
What Brad Arthur does with the hooking role is another question. Cameron King finished last year strongly but Kaysa Pritchard also returns.
This squad has youth, exuberance, depth, and plenty of pace and talent out wide. The loss of Semi is big, but they got a few good players coming into the backline to cover it.
Ins
Kane Evans (Roosters – 2020), Jaeman Salmon (Sharks), Tony Williams (Sharks), Jarryd Hayne (Titans – 2018)
Outs
Bureta Faraimo (Hull FC), Kelepi Tanginoa (Sea Eagles), Isaac De Gois, Jeff Robson (retired), Semi Radradra (Toulon rugby), John Folau, Cody Nelson, James Hasson, Rory O’Brien, Frank Pritchard (released)
AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts
Key man
It was a cruel blow to see Clint Gutherson go down last year with a ruptured ACL. He was one of the few bright spots for Parramatta in 2016, and was continuing to produce the goods.
While he may not start the year at fullback, or kicking goals, he is so important to this team. He is cover for the halves, a solid goal kicker, and just looks likely no matter where he plays.
Gutherson needs to be around the football as much as possible. It would seem like a waste to have him playing out on the wing, and getting so little opportunity. Bevan French is a talent, but he can utilise his blinding pace on the wing.
Gutherson brings an energy and attitude to the group that perhaps the Eels missed at times last year. How quickly he can get back to his best after such a serious injury and where he plays are big questions. But if Parra go far in 2018, Clint Gutherson will have something to do with it.
Where do they need to improve?
There was a big rift between the Eels’ worst and best last year. As much as they deserved to finish fourth, and had the wins to prove it, they also looked nothing like winning the premiership in some defeats.
Parra’s 14-point win over the Broncos at ANZ Stadium last year showed they were contenders. Up until that point, theu hadn’t really knocked off a competition heavyweight but that night they overturned an early 12-point deficit to run out winners. It was indicative of a team that, when mentally prepared, could be near unstoppable.
Two weeks later, and with a top-four spot up in the air, they lost to the Knights by 19 at home – a game they were never truly in. They looked complacent, slow, and looking to take the easy way out rather than grind to victory.
The best teams in this competition can win ugly, and the Eels have to be happy to do that sometimes. They have a relatively young and inexperienced spine and it was telling at times last season. That vibe of being complacent or unprepared was often the story.
Arthur’s side lost eight games last season, five of those to teams in the bottom eight. If they can treat all their opposition with the same respect, then they will find themselves winning more games.
The loss to Melbourne in Week 1 of the finals was what they need to aim for every week. Even though they went down, the way Melbourne emphatically dispatched of their opponents in subsequent weeks showed that Parra was more than competitive.
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Top five clashes
Round 1: Panthers vs Eels, Panthers Stadium, March 11
The battle of the west and two teams that have big aspirations for 2018. It should be a heaving crowd at Penrith as Jarryd Hayne plays his 200th game in the NRL, and first game for Parramatta since 2014.
Round 3: Eels vs Sharks, ANZ Stadium, March 24
The second game of a big double header out at ANZ Stadium. The Sharks and Eels will both be aiming for top four in 2018 and this should be a good indication of how they are going early.
Round 12: Broncos vs Eels, Suncorp Stadium, May 24
Brisbane were rolled twice by the Eels last season and will be eager for redemption, particularly after Parramatta racked up 52 points and ten tries in a comprehensive win at this venue.
Round 23: Storm vs Eels, AAMI Park, August 17
The Eels got the win in the regular season, and should have got another in the finals. It is a big clash so close to September, with two electric backlines going head to head. Parra will have revenge on their mind.
Round 25: Eels vs Roosters, ANZ Stadium, September 1
This could easily be the pick of the last round of the season and could mean anything so close to the finals.
How will they go?
Parramatta’s premiership window is opening. They have some really exciting young players in key positions, and the potential to score points should they get things right again.
Mitch Moses and Corey Norman are playing career-best football and directing a backline littered with talent. The forwards are tough and durable.
They need to develop a killer instinct and learn how to really put teams away. If they can consistently beat sides below them on the ladder, they are a chance of a top-two spot.
If French, Hayne and Gutherson fire, they will be even better than last year.
Predicted finish
Third
The Barry
Roar Guru
I don’t think it’s that simple. In this day and age we assume that as soon as someone is able to get back on the paddock, they’re good to go. But ACLs aren’t that straight forward. It’s not that long ago it was a career ending injury. The recovery to 100% fitness can take far longer than the time to get back on the park. Inglis has a six month head start on him and is still finding his way back. I think it will be a big ask for Gutho to slot straight back into fullback.
Chris Love
Roar Guru
For a start Norman is a Queenslander.
Roberto
Guest
No Semi...Parra gone
souvalis
Guest
The four best wingers for carrying out of trouble and statistical number of hit ups ie showing some heart and getting in there for your forwards..are Nofoaluma by a country mile 17.96 per game,he did that playing with a hernia.then Mansour,Tupou and Rapana..the wingers you mentioned other than Mansour aren’t anywhere near that...particularly the player who we’re specifically talking about Semi at 13.7.. Running meters..Semi recorded 146 game average..not much difference to Tupou at 148,Rapana at 144..but panels of fencing behind Nofa the hernia man at 173... Coming into the end of the season Semi had 3 Dally M points..he won them games,with 3 points in 24 rounds ? His 2 big games were the last 2 of the year..where they put 52 on Brisbane..come and tell me Semi was the difference here..and against Souths where Semi scored in the 33 minute to make it 14 nil... Tell me which games exactly Semi won for Parra...and how Semi had a better year statistically than Nofa and Rapana in particular who played in lower finishing sides... You wanna talk about REAL game winners for Parra think Gutherson,Moses and Brown..otherwise you’re just not watching.. Who do you think will be the form halfs ie Blues contenders for Round 1 Jack ?
Jack Aubrey
Roar Guru
It's the role of a good modern day winger. Semi Radradra for the Eels. Josh Mansour for the Panthers. Either winger for the Storm. Kyle Feldt for the Cowboys. They do win you games these days whether it be the finishing or the carries out of trouble. Semi certainly was the difference in a few games last year. Moylan and Moses in the halves for NSW? That'll do me.
Greg Ambrose
Guest
Semi scored a try or more in 13 games for the Eels in 2017. The Storm wingers each scored a try or more in 16 games in 2017. A lot of Semis tries were off his own back entirely and a fair number were from a long way out and without any help either.
Nat
Roar Guru
Match fitness for sure. From what I understand he is very disciplined in his diet and recuperation. I see French as a finisher whereas Gutho can set them up and finish plus a bigger body at the back.
The Barry
Roar Guru
There’s probably a bit of mythologising about Semi but the fact that so many of his tries came in three games, supports the narrative that when he’s in the mood he’ll come out and win games for you. I don’t think anyone is claiming he does it week in, week out. His value isn’t just in the tries he scores but the return metres he makes on the first and second tackle. You’re right, some weeks he sits out on the week not doing much, but other weeks he’s like a Mac truck.
souvalis
Guest
Going into round 26 Semi had 17 tries..1 more than Nick Cotric...great player,no argument,but sounds like people are mythicizing his 2017...he had far more games sitting out on the wing doing nothing than ones he ‘saved’ them...losing Nathan Brown out of the center would be far worse than Semi. Here’s a player who put in substantially every single game on and off the ball. 50% of Semis seasons tries we’re scored in 3 games.... Hayne on one side Jenno on the other,a whippet sweeping,and Taka in the backrow..really speedy,ball skillful side with a very strong coach...looking very,very good..putting 50 on Brisbane again would be nice,too. Moses and Moylan could very well be the Blues halfs for Game 1...
Kilgore Trout
Roar Rookie
If Hayne's not at fullback ( which he won't be ) I think the wing is his next best position as a straight swap for Semi . Kick returns , starting sets etc , good under the high ball . Wouldn't be surprised to see him there this season . Arthur has done a great job with this team . Can see them giving it a real shake this year .
Joe
Roar Rookie
Thats who I've got my money on but Parra certainly can win it as can Cowboys, Sharks and the Storm who I've picked as my top 4.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I’d ordinarily agree about Gutherson but his pre-season has obviously been pretty limited and he’ll start behind the 8-ball in terms of match fitness and preparation in one of the most physically demanding positions on the park. That’s without taking into account the time to get to full pace, lateral movement and confidence in his knee. It wouldn’t surprise me if he came back in the wing with French staying at fullback for a few weeks, unless Parra or French are struggling.
Duncan Smith
Guest
Joe, I thought you said the Roosters were certainties?
Joe
Roar Rookie
Agree 100% that Parra can win the premiership this year. Quality players in key positions, a decent forward pack, depth and a great coach...not to mention their fans who gave the best atmosphere in that semi against the Cowboys. The only possible issue is consistency as shown by their two fonals games. Great game against the Storm and poor the week after playing at home in front of a massive fanbase. Also as others mentioned covering the loss of Radradra. I think Hayne to the centres is a great move. Makes use of his vision and skills to set up the outside backs like French who should play fullback. The tries on the trials looked slick and very promising.
Paul
Roar Guru
I reckon he'll do just enough to keep himself in the top grade, but I reckon he's well and truly past it. He's also got to learn how to be a team player and that's not exactly a Hayne strength.
Paul
Roar Guru
Jack, I guess my point was Parra doesn't want to be chasing competition points to either make the 8 or cement a particular finals spot that late in the season, knowing they've got these teams to play. Not exactly a recipe for success.
Jack Aubrey
Roar Guru
That was certainly the case last year. We also saw how badly Penrith started without powerhouse Josh Mansour last season. A big strong winger is so important in the game today. In saying that the Eels get a trio of potential backline stars back early in the season. They won't be able to rely on Semi but they aren't exactly short on firepower
Jack Aubrey
Roar Guru
Too early to say exactly how any of those sides will be going in the last few rounds, but it is an undeniably a tough way to finish the season. They didn't seem to fear the big sides last year so no reason they can't be claiming big scalps from the get go this year
jimmmy
Guest
Radradra pulled the Eels out of so many games last year with a line break, long range try , or power play on the line. The Eels need Hayne to be a direct replacement for all that. Hayne has the talent to do it but he lacks the drive . I wish the Eels all the best into I think probably No 8 is their position but the sky is the limit if Hayne fires.
Jack Aubrey
Roar Guru
The luxury that the Eels and Brad Arthur have, and that the Titans and Neil Henry didn't, is the depth. If Hayne isn't having the desired impact that he should be, there are three or so players that proved they deserved a spot in the backline last year. Brad Arthur just isn't going to tolerate Hayne being sub-par, but he got the best out of him in 2014 and maybe will again this year.