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Opinion
Parramatta Eels fans have told us it’s their year more times than I can count, though their premiership drought is now in its 36th season, the current longest in the NRL.
Parramatta are currently off to a 2-1 start and just defeated Melbourne, who are arguably the benchmark team in the league. This may be the year they lift that premiership trophy for the first time since 1986.
The Eels look sharp and their recent win might be the largest statement from any side so far this season.
Their attack has been strong as they have strike players all around the park, and ball players who can provide. They are high in most positive attacking stats, including second in points, second in possession percentage, and first in completion rates.
The Eels’ only loss came against the Sharks, in Round 2, via a game-winning conversion. This means that they were only two points away from having a perfect 3-0 record to begin their campaign.
Their extra-time win against the Storm was one for the ages as Ray Stone scored the match-winning try next to the posts, after a Mitchell Moses field-goal attempt. However, Stone unfortunately suffered a season-ending knee injury which will certainly earn a salute for Paramattas fans and likely a starting 13 role at the Dolphins next year.
Their defence hasn’t been anything too special, as they are on average conceding 23 points, although you’d expect this number from most teams who played three of the top-eight teams from the previous year.
Dylan Brown has looked superb, currently third in try-assists, and he seems to really fit his role well.
To sum it up, each Eel has shown their best and the side has executed their game plan.
One of the most talked-about topics by rugby league fans right now is whether this is Parra’s time, with many describing 2022 as the final season before their window closes because of the key individuals they will lose from 2023.
But while I don’t think this is their last shot in a while, as they still have quality players at the club, I don’t have them as the team to lift the Provan-Summons Trophy.
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