Parramatta would be extremely proud of their 2017 season, when they finished in fourth spot, earning a double bite of the cherry in the finals.
Bundled out of the finals in straight sets, the Eels will be looking to finish their season in stronger fashion in 2018.
Last season – 4th
16 wins, eight losses, 496 points scored, 457 points conceded (lost both finals, against Melbourne and North Queensland).
Last five seasons – (2013-2017)
16th, 10th, 12th, 14th, 4th
2017 review
They pushed the Storm all the way in Week 1 of the finals, before a disappointing performance against the Cowboys, as a heavy favourite, saw them bounced out in Week 2.
For the majority of the season, the Eels played a hard-nosed, physical brand of football, while also adding some real attacking flair, with the addition of Mitchell Moses. It was the first time the blue and gold had finished in the finals since 2009, so it was a big monkey off their back.
With coach Brad Arthur, there finally looks to be some stability around the club off the field, which should allow the players to focus on football again in 2018.
2018 gains
Kane Evans (Roosters – 2020), Jaeman Salmon (Sharks), Tony Williams (Sharks), Jarryd Hayne (Titans – 2018).
2018 losses
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).
The Eels were one of the quieter clubs in the early part of the off-season, before favourit sons Jarryd Hayne announced he was returning. Hayne has had a tumultuous few years after his whirlwind NFL experience and an indifferent and highly scrutinised 18 months at the Titans. The former Kangaroo was a shadow of his former self on the Gold Coast, looking uninterested and far from 100 per cent fit at times.
Hayne’s heart has never left the Eels so, while he won’t return to the devastating best of his youth, expect him to have an impact and be a decent signing.
Kane Evans adds a bit of mongrel to their pack, while expectations won’t be too high for Tony Williams.
The Eels’ biggest loss is clearly blockbusting winger Semi Radradra, who was unstoppable at times last season. It’s rare to call a winger a match winner, however Radradra’s combination of brutal power and speed saw him earn plenty of Ws. He is impossible to replace.
There’s no replacing Semi Radradra (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)
Head coach – Brad Arthur
Arthur was my coach of the year in 2017, fractionally ahead of Paul Green and Craig Bellamy.
Arthur has always been respected during his time at the Eels, but it was important to finally make the eight. Now he needs to go to the next level by winning in September.
Most important player – Corey Norman
Norman is an outstanding playmaker, however his form fluctuated in 2017. If he isn’t 100 per cent locked in, then there could be some stormy times for the Eels this season.
His larrikin personality is real, and he is great at barking orders, however the best players in key positions are also masters of detail in terms of preparation.
Best 17
1. Bevan French 2. Josh Hoffman 3. Michael Jennings 4. Jarryd Hayne 5. Kirisome Auva’a 6. Corey Norman 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Tim Mannah 9. Kaysa Pritchard 10. Kane Evans 11. Manu Ma’u 12. Brad Takairangi 13. Nathan Brown
14. Tepee Moeroa 15. Daniel Alvaro 16. Kenny Edwards 17. Beau Scot
2018 verdict – 9th
I see this side narrowly missing the finals.
Last year, they took advantage of a softish draw, and while being fourth, only had a differential of +39 – usually, that differential will see a side finish eighth. Basically, they got away with some close wins that could swing the other way in 2018. They are really going to really miss Radradra’s ability to create something out of nothing and get their sets rolling.
Their forwards are honest more than anything, and I have doubts over whether the likes of Tim Mannah and Beau Scott can have a big impact in 2017. The pack could be in need of major surgery over the next couple of years.
Brad Arthur coaches teams that are physical, hard to beat and involved in a lot of close games. Most people will have them in the top eight, however they overachieved last year and, with the loss of Radradra and some ageing forwards, I see them going backwards in 2018.
Eddie’s ladder
Ninth: Parramatta Eels
Tenth: North Queensland Cowboys11th: Newcastle Knights
12th: South Sydney Rabbitohs
13th: Gold Coast Titans
14th: Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs
15th: Wests Tigers
16th: New Zealand Warriors
Gus O
Guest
Two world cups ago Hayne was the outstanding centre of the tournament. Could have easily picked up two man-of-match awards ahead of JT. But... that was back when he was fit and interested... He is capable of being a world class centre again... or a disinterested and disruptive passenger. Let’s see which Hayne turns up this season.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I thought Auva’a was pretty impressive at the end of last year. Really strong carting the ball back early in the tackle count.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Ha...yeah fair point. If you had to run at any them I guess you would run at Mannah. Then you’ve also got Ma’u, Brown and Moeroa who can all whack. Mannah has become one of those players where everyone says ‘he can’t play’ but I wonder how closely people saying that are watching the game. He had a couple of flat years, but last year he was as effective was any of their middle third forwards, excluding Brown with his carries. But while Matagi gets wraps for being a beast and Alvaro is an up and comer, Mannah apparently can’t play. Last year Mannah made 84 metres per game from 8.9 runs in 34.8 minutes Matagi 87 from 9.3 in 38.6 Vave 83 from 8.5 in 28.7 Alvaro 82 from 10 in 36 So Mannah’s numbers stack up against anyone’s. The similarity in numbers also suggests that the middle third forwards have a very specific role to play and Arthur has got them playing in a way that it almost doesn’t matter who is out there, they’re delivering a very similar performance. A lot of their other numbers are similar too.
Adz Sportz
Roar Guru
Eels will finish 4th and play the Cowboys in the GF
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
The Eels have a pretty good draw this years as well if I recall. But the loss of Semi is huge and their forward pack doesn't appear as imposing as some. Gutherson will be back at some stage, Hayne could be more useful than some people think. And their creative halves should see them win enough matches to finish somewhere between 5 and 8.
B.A Sports
Guest
I think Eels fans will be relieved the author isn’t a selector based on his 17. There are a number of question marks with his picks
Greg Ambrose
Guest
I thought their pack aimed up very well last year and their backs looked enterprising and dangerous. To me Mannah looks like he is in the side for his leadership skills. It's a dream come true when players like him and Tolman get the ball especially in an attacking raid because you can be sure that they will inflict no damage. Moses is a great player and after watching Jackson Hastings in reserves for Manly I don't get why players like him get so programmed and just go thru the motions. Players like Moses and all the top halves are looking for chances to sting the opposition.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Of your best 17 I'd have question marks over the wings. I'd rather have Taka in the centres and Hayne and Gutherson as wings rather than Hoffman and Auva'a. Now that would be an impressive backline with no weak links.
souvalis
Guest
Just on the front row..you’d imagine offenses would cart the ball towards Mannah knowing they have less chance of the blunt force trauma Vave,Scott,Matagi..any other forward is likely to inflict..they’re punishers with or without the ball..Mannah comes across as a really nice guy.. On attacking focus,am expecting Takarangi to be a support ball player,and Jarryd to roam...like them a lot this year..
Nat
Roar Guru
I would have Parra in the 8 for many of the reasons you outlined but but wouldn't be surprised if they just missed out as well. I guess for their fans only I hope they make Sept football. As good as Norman can be, I believe Mosses is their most important player. Without his structures leading the team down the field they will be relying on Norman to produce some type of freakish play to get their points. That's like going to a casino to pay your rent.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Does the author really have the Cowbies at tenth position come seasons end, WOW. Parra will go well this year, young Bevan French, if used wisely ought to continue improving and hopefully avoid the se cond season syndrome. You don't replace a Semi Radradra, you exploit your other strengths.
Paul
Roar Guru
It's interesting you couldn't find a place for Gutherson in Parra's best 17? Last year they surprised both themselves and a lot of Clubs but I can't see the same thing happening this year. They need a spark in the forwards which can best be described as an okay pack, but I can't see who will provide that, which puts a lot of pressure on their halves to create. It's fairly easy for sides to target the half and five-eigth when they are the only attacking focal points, and I remain to be convinced either Moses or Norman copes well with pressure. They might make the eight but that's about it.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I think the Eels are a rung below the best sides and I think they are potentially more volatile than most of the other top eight contenders. If things go well for them they can definitely be a top four team again but if things don’t I could see them missing the eight. Tim Mannah seems to be one of those players that the mob had decided is no good but I think his contribution last year was pretty good. He only averaged 35 minutes but made 84 metres from 8.9 runs and 23 tackles. That’s a pretty good per minute work rate. His numbers stack up well against the other Eels front rowers like Alvaro, Vave and Matagi who get various levels of praise that Mannah doesn’t. Although Brown leaves them all in the shade. Hayne is the big query for a number of reasons. Looks like he’ll be playing in the centres but I think that’s a risk for Parra unless Arthur has been able to make significant progress with him in the off season. No doubt Hayne is great with the ball in his hand but his positioning, reads and execution in defence are poor and he was shown up in the centres at club and Origin level last year. Could he be more effective as a replacement for Radradra? Looking forward to watching them though. Seeing Norman and Moses combining on the left on one play and then the right on the next is good for the rugby league soul. I love watching Manu Ma’u go around as well and the intensity and violence he brings to every play.