In rugby league, glory in September is near impossible without a strong playmakers.
So let’s crack on with the rankings for each club’s spine ahead of the 2019 season.
Coming in at 15th place is last year’s cellar-dwellers, Parramatta.
The Eels’ spine has managed to avoid last place over the Canberra Raiders due to more stability and player potential.
However, the departure of former marquee man Corey Norman, form slumps and a lack of experience leave Brad Arthur’s men on the back foot.
Fullback: Clinton Gutherson
A recent run of poor form from Bevan French sees Clinton Gutherson in the box seat to line-up at fullback in Round 1.
You always know what you are going to get from the club co-captain. One of the most whole-hearted players in the competition, Gutherson’s effort and competitiveness has seen him become one of the game’s most consistent players and a fan favourite.
However, Gutherson did not reach his best form last season after making his return from an ACL injury. He is yet to spend a full season in the custodian role after spending time at five-eighth, centre and wing.
Hence, doubt still remains as to whether he has the spark and ball-playing ability to kick-start the Eels’ struggling attack.
Clint Gutherson (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)
Five-eighth: Dylan Brown
Boom rookie Dylan Brown is set to be handed the 6 jersey vacated by Norman.
Only 18, Brown’s time in the lower grades over the past two seasons, as well as his recent trial form, have showcased his immense potential. He has a willingness to take on the defensive line, natural ball-playing instincts, and doesn’t shy away from physicality in defence.
While fans have reason to be excited about the rising star, it will be tough for Brown to maintain form on a consistent basis during his first NRL season.
This is particularly the case when coming into a side that has struggled for form and results. It will likely take Brown some time to find his feet.
Halfback: Mitchell Moses
The time for Mitchell Moses to step up is now.
The former Tiger has long been regarded as a player with immense talent, however with an inexperienced half outside him, Moses must deliver on that potential and take ownership if the Eels are to propel themselves out of the bottom half of the competition.
From all reports, Moses’ application over the off-season and his physical conditioning is at a career high.
Moses has proven that can do some brilliant things with ball in hand, however composure in key moments and defensive lapses plagued his 2018 campaign.
He can be the man to lead Parramatta, however improved control and consistency are essential.
Hooker: Reed Mahoney
Hooker has been an unsettled position for Arthur, however Mahoney could be the Eels’ long-term rake.
The 20-year-old burst onto the scene in Round 14 last season, showcasing his tenacity and aggression, particularly in defence.
However, this will be the first full season where the diminutive Queenslander will take on a starting role. As in the case with fellow youngster Dylan Brown, it remains to be seen how Mahoney will handle playing big minutes every week – particularly in such a demanding position in the middle of the park.
Joycie
Guest
For heavens sake give them a go You are a mob of pessimists..
a
Roar Rookie
Eels might make the finals
BA Sports
Roar Guru
Today it looked like they trained at the old golf driving range opposite to Panthers Ski Park which has been closed for 10 years. Far from an ideal preparation..
Albo
Roar Rookie
Yep ! It was a pretty ordinary performance by the Panthers on Saturday, although they did beat the Rabbittohs easily the week before in another average trial at Redfern. Can't take too much out of these trials. I am more concerned about the impacts of the off field stuff going on out at Penrith right now.
BA Sports
Roar Guru
I watched a bit of the game and it was a pretty poor standard across the board. Very disjointed. That said Brown looked lively and likely and he could be the real deal, but if the Eels or Panthers had played the dragons or rabbits (granted they played at full strength for longer on the weekend) they would have been slaughtered.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Sure only a trial but this is the spine that put 20 unanswered points on the Panthers just 5 days ago..don’t believe for a second that Penrith weren’t trying..Brown and Mahoney looked comfortable against close to a full strength opposition in the first half..nice touch in a TA from Gutho and a real dogs breakfast from Maloney..
RandyM
Guest
imagine if the Eels recruited like the Roosters, they would pack out that new stadium every week. Unfortunately the Eels are the Eels, terrible at recruiting and inept management, yet more passionate fans than most other clubs.
john
Guest
I seriously can't think of a spine I would rate worse than this one.
Wayne Turner
Guest
Easily the worst spine currently in the NRL. A fullback that is more use to playing multiple positions,then sticking to one. A halfback that's an overrated joke, best thing he ever did for Luke Brooks was leave Wests Tigers. A rookie 5/8 - Good luck next to Moses, you will need it. Ask Moses how his last halves partners went with him? An inexperienced hooker. THE WORST BY A MILE.
BA Sports
Roar Guru
I am guessing the Bulldogs will be next - but at least from here on in, I think every pick would be debatable. But you have got the start horribly wrong. I think it is pretty close to unanimous that the Eels should be below the Raiders when the Raiders have an international hooker who might be the best or second best hooker currently playing the game.
AE47
Roar Rookie
Parra have claimed native title on the spoon
Paul
Roar Guru
I'm trying to work out how a side with arguably the best hooker in the game, who is certainly a rep quality player, can be considered part of a lesser quality spine than one that doesn't rate any rep players at all. Throw in Wighton and Sezar and these 3 alone are streets ahead of the Parra players you've named.
Larry1950
Guest
Didn't buy it in your raiders article & nothing here makes me change my mind. I watched Gutherson closely over the past 2 seasons because of his wraps & reckon in that time around 50% of his good attacking plays came from dummy half where he spotted teams short of defenders on the blind side. Give him points for vision but his fullback play is nothing sensational. Brown has done nothing yet so you'd have to rate him a 0 until he plays, saying he likes the physical stuff is just speculation, he hasn't played against adults. Likewise, Mahoney is promising but rated against the raider's Hodgson it's about 3 -10. Moses wouldn't get a start at halfback at about 10 other NRL clubs, too much hype, mentally fragile and prone to blow up at his own players when things don't work. If I had to rate them each out of 10, their combined score would be about 20-40 if I was generous, you don't get points for potential. They're a wooden spoon spine until proven otherwise. At least the raiders have 2 rep players in their spine, Wighton might not be a classic 5/8 but he's a proven first grader when not in trouble.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Much rather have the Raiders spine than this one...