As part of a series profiling the expected Round 1 sides for all 17 NRL clubs in 2024, it’s time to see if the Eels have what it takes to bounce back into title contention.
The Eels are banking on stability to become contenders again with an experienced squad containing the nucleus of the side which made the 2022 Grand Final.
Dylan Brown’s lengthy suspension mid-year sent them spiralling from top-four candidates to missing the finals altogether last season and Parra coach Brad Arthur stated recently that he thinks they can rise back up the ladder if the five-eighth stays on the field.
The Eels often lacked attacking spark last season but they have not been able to recruit a player who can give them some much-needed X-factor.
Mitchell Moses is an elite playmaker but unless Brown or Clint Gutherson can frequently create line breaks, opposing defences will target the star halfback.
Heading into Round 1, they have only a few positions up for grabs but whether their stability translates into wins remains to be seen.
Who’s new?
Manly duo Kelma Tuilagi and Morgan Harper are interesting additions.
Tuilagi has been forced out following the return of Josh Schuster to the pack and he could give the Eels extra attacking thrust on the edges.
Harper has had his defensive issues but can also be a threat in attack and the Eels are a bit skinny for depth in the outside backs.
(Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Who’s gone?
Ex-Raiders veteran Josh Hodgson has retired after playing just 12 matches for the Eels with a neck problem prompting him to call time on his career.
Andrew Davey has also been forced to quit due to concussions while fellow journeyman Jack Murchie has linked with Huddersfield and centre Waqa Blake has not been offered a new deal.
Key spots to unlock
Centre, hooker and second row are only pencilled into Arthur’s team sheet. Bailey Simonsson has been given a few chances at centre over the past couple of seasons without cementing the role, Sean Russell is in contention while Harper could get the nod after being brought in from Manly.
Bryce Cartwright consolidated a starting spot in the second row alongside Shaun Lane last season but Tuilagi could be considered a more reliable option, allowing Arthur to return Cartwright to an impact player from the bench.
Hooker has been a problem since Reed Mahoney joined the Bulldogs after the 2022 Grand Final. Hodgson’s stint was ended by injuries and with the Englishman now retired, Joey Lussick and Brendan Hands are the leading candidates for the No.9 jersey.
Round 1 predicted team
1 Clint Gutherson
2 Maika Sivo
3 Will Penisini
4 Bailey Simonsson
5 Sean Russell
6 Dylan Brown
7 Mitchell Moses
8 Junior Paulo
9 Joey Lussick
10 Reagan Campbell-Gillard
11 Shaun Lane
12 Bryce Cartwright
13 J’maine Hopgood
Interchange
14 Brendan Hands
15 Kelma Tuilagi
16 Ryan Matterson
17 Joe Ofahengaue
Other squad members: Daejarn Asi, Haze Dunster, Makahesi Makatoa, Zac Cini, Wiremu Greig, Toni Mataele, Tevita Taumoepenu, Ofahiki Ogden, Matt Doorey, Morgan Harper, Ky Rodwell, Jirah Momoisea.
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
I think Morgan Harper gets rough treatement, largely based on one bad night at Shark Park. In any event, in BA’s system centres don’t need to be match winners, they just need to be solid. We don’t really play through our centres that much, we tend to focus our attack on our edge forwards.
T-EELifer
Roar Rookie
Madison missing 4 games instead of paying a fine in hindsight was a poor decision and with Sivo out the Eels started 23 with a string of tight losses, RCG injured, Lane also, then the horror of Dylan Browns enforced absence, Josh Hodgson out after only 12 games seriously any side missing this much talent from their roster would struggle to make the top 8, they didn't lack effort and they blooded some good players, which is why they haven't recruited heavily in the off season, instead 4 or 5 players have undergone surgery and treatment and overall team fitness has been improved, if this current squad (which isn't a team of old players) stays healthy, injury free, judiciary free, they will win more games than last year, as I have posted before 4th or 5th is within reach and from there with self belief and solid winning form anything is possible. BRING ON '24.
T-EELifer
Roar Rookie
Arthur has weeded out the dead wood, employed Josh Hodgson to work with the Hookers. Parra has shown restraint in not chasing a big money outside back. He has bolstered depth with the two Manly signings who should improve under Parras systems and they have thrown real money into retaining the best 4-5 junior prospects. Other than that, pre season has started early and overall fitness and injuries have both been allowed to improve. Yes a few more quality signings would have helped but Parra have left room in their cap for mid season recruitment should they see the need. I feel season '24 will be more positive than '23 fitness, form and injuries hold the keys.
Dutski
Roar Guru
Chick magnet!
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
I had a 180B. Chocolate brown paint with a beige vinyl roof. Lucky I already had a girlfriend …
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Yep that sounds on the money.
T-EELifer
Roar Rookie
Look for the two Hookers rotating one starting, one off the bench, they both have flair, but, not enough for a full 80 minutes. BA's son is also a great junior hooking prospect heading to the top grade in a year or two.
T-EELifer
Roar Rookie
Agree the loss of Lane was an issue, but, also Dylan Brown, RCG, Sivo, the Eels didn't get their top squad together until the Panthers game, and even then Moses was out, Junior and Gutho were carrying injuries... remember also Reeds replacement lasted 12 games. Considering all these factors 10th was a good result.
T-EELifer
Roar Rookie
In a perfect world with the Eels top 20 players fit and in form they can win the premiership, the draw is a hard task with 4 or 5 top contenders (teams) playing the boys fresh from a bye, and as I said the last eight weeks the Eels have 7 really tough teams to contend with. BA has started pre season early and hopes to have the troops ready to fire in the early rounds, winning form and momentum can build self belief, the difficulties will be avoiding mid season burn out as they enter the final 3rd of the regular season. The Junior talents are 2-3 seasons away, I feel '25 and '26 will be an Eels golden era.
Nat
Roar Guru
Matto is NSW quality player but has been usurped by Carty and Hopgood. That's not good and should be playing to his ability, experience and status in the team.
Nat
Roar Guru
Mike has done some really interesting pieces about the output of the two props towards the end of games. The demand for more minutes has a real effect. They are both elite props for sure but they are not the ones going to win the games, therefore, BAs rotation needs to be looked at.
Khun Phil
Roar Rookie
Also a life long Eels fan(from early 60's!)and it is always satisfying to see local juniors rise up and become stars.Unfortunately,with the big money offered around these days,it is much harder to hold onto them and you just don't see the one team guys like Pricey,Sterlo,Kenny etc.You just need to have very astute recruitment staff who can identify the talent,no matter where they come from. I think we will go alright this season,as long as we can keep the best team on the paddock.A premiership might be a bridge too far,but top 4 a chance.
Tony
Roar Guru
Maybe you just blinked?
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
Junior’s role in our team isn’t strictly as a pure metre eater, he has a broader role. Combined though they are a load.
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
But the key is the best talent in the key positions, the spine & the middle forward rotation. Matterson’s best spot in our team is 13, but so is Hopgood. Carty had the best season of his career; and he benefited by playing every minute. When he came off the bench he tended to try to do too much, when he started he just played his role. I said earlier that I expect BA to load manage Junior & RCG this season and Greig in particular to play longer minutes.
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
Well obviously there’s no guarantee, but yes.
Dutski
Roar Guru
Sounds like good times on the horizon. Fingers crossed it pans out that way.
Smoked
Roar Rookie
What do the stats say on the front row? I’d expect RCGs stats are ok across the board, but Paulo would be way down on run metres.
Nat
Roar Guru
Not an overly inspiring squad because the balance between elite and the rest is far too great. Not many talking about the loss of Lane last season, especially coming off his best in '22. How is Matterson not in the starting back row? Carty should be impact of the bench along with Greig. Then find another prop and give the two starters less minutes and more impact. Not sure why Arthur continues to believe his boppers are big minute players when the stats are in.
T-EELifer
Roar Rookie
EELS are banking on their junior development and upcoming Kellyville training facility to build a premiership team in the next few years. Look what this type of system has done for Panthers. As a life long fan circa '77 my only criticism has been the loss of quality juniors to other NRL clubs. Buying a premiership is not the Eels way. This is the first time since the 1980's the future direction seems solid. Brian Smith came close, BA got us there in '22, the current squad if fit and injury free could certainly do it, to me they are fragile if spine players - Gutho, Moses or Brown go down. Forward strength seems solid, outside backs are all good workers maybe lacking 1 or 2 game changers, and if the hookers work well in tandem this might overcome Reed Mahoney's departure. Expect a 4th or 5th place finish with a better than average start and mid season, let's see if form and momentum gets the team prepared for a horror 7 week run into the '24 finals. Go EELS.