NRL 2018 - Parramatta Eels Season Preview and Prediction
Parramatta Eels 2018 Season Preview
Last Season - 4th, 16 wins, 8 Losses, 496 Points Scored, 457 Points Conceded (Lost 1st 2 finals against Melbourne and North Queensland)
Last 5 Seasons - (2013-2017) 16th, 10th, 12th, 14th, 4th
2017 Review - I think Parramatta could be extremely proud of their 2017 season when they finished in 4th spot, earning a double bite of the cherry. They pushed the Storm all the way in Week 1 of the finals, before a very disappointing performance against the Cowboys, as a heavy favourite, saw them bounced out in straight sets in Week 2. For the majority of the season the Eels played a hard-nosed, physical brand of football, whilst also adding some real attacking flair, with the addition of Mitchell Moses and prolific backline players like Radradra, Jennings, Gutherson and French. 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 and, with Brad Arthur, there finally looks to finally 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).
Gains and Losses Review - The Eels were one of the quieter Clubs in the early part of the off-season before landing one of their favourite sons with Jarryd Hayne returning to the Club. Hayne has had a tumultuous few years after his whirlwind NFL experience and an indifferent and highly scrutinised 18 months at the Titans. Hayne was a shadow of his former self for the Titans, looking far from 100% fit and disinterested at times. Hayne's heart has never left the Eels so, despite the fact I don't think he can ever return to the devastating best of his youth, I expect him to have an impact and be a decent signing for the Eels. Kane Evans adds a bit of mongrel to their pack from the Roosters, whilst I'm not sure the expectations will be too high for Tony Williams. The Eels biggest loss is clearly blockbusting winger Semi Radradra who was unstoppable at times last seasons. It’s rare to call a winger a match winner, however Radradra was at times last season with his combination of brutal power and speed. He will be impossible to replace.
Head Coach - Brad Arthur - For me, Brad Arthur was the Coach of the Year in 2017, fractionally ahead of Paul Green and Craig Bellamy. Arthur has always been a highly respected coach during his few seasons at the Eels, but it was important to get that monkey off the back and make it into the finals. I thought he did an outstanding job last season and will now want his team to go to the next level by winning in September.
Most Important Player - Corey Norman - I think, at his best, Corey Norman is an outstanding playmaker, however his form fluctuated at times in 2017. There have been rumours about his off-field ways and I just think if he isn't 100% locked in, then there could be some stormy times for the Eels this season. There is no doubt his larrikin personality is real, and he is great at barking orders. However, the very best players in key positions are also master of the little details in terms of preparation.
Likely 2018 Side - 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 Bench - 14. Tepee Moeroa 15. Daniel Alvaro 16. Kenny Edwards 17. Beau Scot Unavailable - Clint Gutherson (Knee)
2018 Verdict - 9th (11-12 Wins) - I can see this side going backwards in 2018 and narrowly missing the finals. When you look closely at their results last year, they did take advantage of a softish draw, and only finished with a differential of +39 despite finishing in 4th spot. Usually that differential will see a side finish in 8th spot and the Eels got away with a few close wins that could easily swing the other way in 2018. I just think they are going to really miss Radradra and his ability to create something out of nothing and get their sets rolling. I also think it is a concern that Gutherson is coming off a knee injury as he was extremely valuable and versatile last season.
Their forwards, for mine, 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. I think their pack could be in need of major surgery over the next couple of years. Also a little concerned about the focus of Corey Norman and whether he can take his play to the elite level. Like most Brad Arthur teams, I expect them to be physical, hard to beat and and involved in a lot of close games. Most people will have them in the top 8, however, I think they overachieved last year and, with the loss of Radradra and some ageing forwards, I see them taking a step back in 2018.