Player losses: Marata Niukore (Warriors),Isaiah Papali’i (Wests Tigers),Oregon Kaufusi (Sharks),Reed Mahoney (Bulldogs),Ray Stone (Dolphins),Tom Opacic (Hull KR),Hayze Perham (Bulldogs),David Hollis (unsigned).
Storyline to watch: Can Parramatta go one better this year? The Panthers showed the Eels the level they must reach to break their premiership drought in the grand final. There is still a long way to go. The loss of key figures – Reed Mahoney and Isaiah Papali’i – has prompted predictions that Parramatta’s premiership window is closed. The Eels are adamant that’s not the case.
Clint Gutherson celebrates with Dylan Brown.Getty
One of the club’s biggest advantages is a large bank of games at home ground CommBank,where the Eels have a formidable record. But the big unknowns are Josh Hodgson’s body,what effect spine coach Trent Barrett will have and whether the Eels have signed better players than they have lost.
They need more of this:There is something very special about the relationship between Dylan Brown and Shaun Lane. Whether it be in attack or defence,the pair have a wonderful understanding of where the other is. Here’s a perfect example;Brown counts the numbers,knowing that Lane is too hard to handle one-on-one close to the line. The big back-rower is able to stand in a tackle and offload to an unmarked Clint Gutherson. On other occasions,it is Lane setting up Brown with his unique ability to get a ball away in traffic. These types of plays were instrumental in Parramatta’s run to the decider.
And less of this:This is where the biggest game of the year was won and lost. Seven minutes into the grand final and Parramatta are just hanging on against a Penrith team that has totally dominated field position. The Eels are the first to blink;instead of putting in a kick on the last,they decide to run on the fifth. It’s the type of bold play required to break up a swarming defence and shift momentum.
Unfortunately,they don’t pull it off. The ball goes to ground on the last,the Panthers pounce on their chance and the rest is history. You’ve got to nail big plays in big games to lift the trophy.
Odds: To make eight – $1.72;to win title – $14
Who will be...
Rookie to watch: It remains to be seen whether he will get a look-in at NRL level this year given he has Mitchell Moses,Dylan Brown and Jake Arthur in front of him,butBlaize Talagi is a name worth jotting into your little black book. The playmaker,on a development contract for the upcoming season,is an Australian Schoolboys representative touted for big things. His strengths are taking on the line and his strong defence,which has prompted comparisons to Brown. It will be a difficult balancing act for the Eels;Talagi is contracted until the end of next year and by then he will know whether there is a first-grade pathway for him.
Indigenous All Star and Eels recruit J’maine Hopgood.Getty
Most improved: The departure of Isaiah Papali’i means the Eels need to find another Isaiah Papali’i. And the Eels reckon that man isJ’maine Hopgood. The back-rower managed just nine NRL games at Penrith,which isn’t surprising given he was stuck behind the likes of Viliame Kikau,Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin. Parramatta has a knack for transforming fringe first-graders into stars in recent seasons and there are already predictions Hopgood will be the bargain buy of the season. It’s likely the Indigenous All Stars representative will get an early chance to prove himself given Ryan Matterson is unavailable for the opening rounds due to suspension.
Player most likely to be Dally M candidate: If Parramatta are to go a step further and break their premiership drought,thenMitchell Moses is the man to lead them there. The halfback has improved every year since joining the Eels and,at 28,should now be in the prime of his career. Moses returned in the pre-season in the best shape of his career and will benefit from having the “halves whisperer”,Trent Barrett,providing tips that should take him to the next level. The addition of Josh Hodgson to the spine should give the blue and golds a point of difference and Moses should be the main beneficiary. This is his time.
The coach says: “I want to see Mitchell Moses more on the ball.”Brad Arthur said words to that effect at the club’s season launch,a pointer to Moses likely floating on both sides of the ruck rather than just being chained to one side of the field.
Parramatta halfback Mitchell Moses.Getty
Andrew Johns says:They’ve lost a lot of key players. Reed Mahoney is a big loss. Josh Hodgson,how he comes up after two knee reconstructions and over 30 years old,has to be a question mark. If Mitchell Moses has a long-term injury I think they’ll really struggle. There are some question marks over Parramatta for me.
Adrian Proszenko says: Has the premiership window closed? That’s what most critics are predicting after the Eels pulled up short against Penrith on the big day. However,Parramatta bought astutely in the off-season;J’maine Hopgood,Jirah Momoisea,Jack Murchie and Matt Doorey may not be big names but all of them have the ability to become established NRL players and key contributors. Much depends on how much they can squeeze out of Josh Hodgson. The veteran hooker won’t be able to play every minute of every game given his age and injury history,but he could be that magic spark that proves the difference this year. Anything less than a top-four finish with this roster would be a disappointment.
2023 draw
Round 1: Storm at CommBank Stadium;Round 2: Sharks at CommBank Stadium;Round 3: Sea Eagles at 4 Pines Park;Round 4: Panthers at CommBank Stadium; Round 5: Roosters at Allianz Stadium;Round 6: Tigers at Accor Stadium;Round 7: Bulldogs at CommBank Stadium;Round 8: Broncos at TIO Stadium (Darwin);Round 9: Knights at CommBank Stadium;Round 10: Titans at Suncorp Stadium;Round 11: Raiders at GIO Stadium;Round 12: Rabbitohs at TBA;Round 13: Cowboys at CommBank Stadium;Round 14: bye;Round 15:Bulldogs at Accor Stadium;Round 16: Manly at CommBank Stadium;Round 17: Dolphins at Sunshine Coast Stadium;Round 18:bye;Round 19: Warriors at CommBank Stadium; Round 20: Titans at CommBank Stadium;Round 21: Cowboys at Queensland Country Bank Stadium;Round 22: Storm at TBA;Round 23: Dragons at CommBank Stadium;Round 24: Broncos at the Gabba;Round 25: Roosters at CommBank Stadium;Round 26: Panthers at BlueBet Stadium.
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