Parramatta Eels Mid-Season Report Card

Having fallen agonisingly close to a finals berth in 2014, much was expected from Parramatta this season. Despite the bombshell of Jarryd Hayne announcing his departure to fulfill an ambition of playing in the NFL, the Eels had high hopes of improving upon last season with the recruitment of Anthony Watmough from Manly. Starting off with an impressive 30-point demolition of the Sea Eagles, inconsistency plagued Parramatta, managing only five wins from their first 14 matches.

In a massive blow to their chances of making the finals, it was revealed that the Eels had breached the salary cap resulting in a $525,000 fine being imposed, along with the threat of starting 2016 on negative points should further breaches occur for the remainder of the season.
While results on the field were few and far between, the Eels were able to pull off two major recruitments, snaring Test players Kieran Foran (4 years) and Beau Scott (3 years).

Positives:
While the Eels have been unable to win as many games as expected, one area the club has improved in has been there resolve. In 2014, the Eels were guilty of suffering heavy losses on several occasions. So far, only once in 2015 have Parramatta been embarrassed on the scoreboard (v Titans, Round 6). The absence of Jarryd Hayne has hurt the Eels this season, but if they are able to maintain their efforts whilst tightening up their defence, Parramatta will remain in the hunt for a place in the top eight.

Negatives:
With the NRL imposing heavy restrictions in light of their 2014 salary cap breaches, the Eels have been unable to utilise their full squad. With Chris Sandow's form being inconsistent at best, coach Brad Arthur has been forced to stick with the enigmatic halfback, despite his preference to use Luke Kelly alongside Corey Norman. The Eels have also been tested at hooker in recent times, with Isaac De Gois, Nathan Peats and Kaysa Pritchard all facing time on the sidelines simultaneously.

Best Player:
Having spent five seasons away from the NRL due to imprisonment, Danny Wicks has been a standout in his return to rugby league. Making his comeback against the Bulldogs in Round 2, the former Dragons and Knights prop has provided tremendous go-forward for Parramatta, averaging over 100 metres each week.

Predicted Finish:
With two byes still to come, the Eels will be refreshed coming into the second half of 2015. While games against the Dragons, Cowboys and Roosters are still ahead, the Eels won't face the same uphill battle as some clubs, but will probably fall short of the top eight.
10th - 14th finish.

By the Numbers

Won: 5

Lost: 9
Bye: 0
Points Score: 282 (5th)
Points Conceded: 336 (16th)
Placed: 15th
Overall Ranking: =12th

Season So Far

Round 1 Eels 42 v 12 Sea Eagles

Round 2 Bulldogs 32 v 12 Eels

Round 3 Warriors 29 v 16 Eels

Round 4 Eels 29 v 16 Rabbitohs

Round 5 Eels 6 v 22 Tigers

Round 6 Eels 16 v 38 Titans

Round 7 Knights 22 v 28 Eels

Round 8 Broncos 28 v 16 Eels

Round 9 Eels 10 v 28 Storm

Round 10 Eels 13 v 17 Warriors

Round 11 Rabbitohs 14 v 12 Eels

Round 12 Panthers 20 v 26 Eels

Round 13 Eels 30 v 36 Cowboys

Round 14 Storm 22 v 26 Eels