2019 Preview: Parramatta Eels

After an awful showing that saw them collect yet another wooden spoon in season 2018, uncertainty seems to be the only certainty out at Parramatta.

The Eels are struggling to put together a squad they believe can stop the bleeding, the coach is under fire and there is still talk of players being shopped around after the departure of the misfiring Corey Norman. Is there hope for Parramatta fans in 2019, or can we expect more of the same from the perennially troubled club?

For the blue and gold, it's a case of the less said about 2018 the better. Starting as one of the favoured sides after a breakout 2017 campaign, the first forty minutes of the year against Penrith lived up to the hype. Unfortunately, that would be the last time the Eels looked anything like contenders. The attack never really fired, and the defence lacked the sting and vigour that served them so well just a year earlier. Poorly matched halves, the lack of a quality hooker, under-performing senior players and injuries to many of 2017's stars headlined a host of issues on the field, and continued factional squabbling added to a horror year.

That's all in the past, though, and the question is whether or not the once-powerhouse Parramatta club can finally start to turn things around for the better in 2019 after a miserable few decades. This year, the campaign begins with four games in and around Western Sydney, and the Eels will come home to a brand new stadium for the annual Easter Monday clash against the Wests Tigers.

Coach Brad Arthur has addressed three major attacking issues with the signings of Junior Paulo, Blake Ferguson and surprise packet Shaun Lane. The decision to move Norman on has divided fans, though most agree that he and Moses had failed to work together as a duo - a clash of personalities and playing styles that proved untenable in terms of the on-field success of the squad. But have they moved the right player on? Brad Arthur's career may well hinge on the answer.

Why they'll win it

One word: desperation. The Eels are a better side than they demonstrated last year, and they will be desperate to prove it. Paulo adds some much-needed power and offloading in the middle, whilst Shaun Lane gives them a genuine attacking target on the edge. Blake Ferguson will ensure that sets start further upfield, as well as offering try-scoring potential.

What the Eels did well in 2017 was work as a close-knit unit, spurred on by the disasters that wrecked 2016, and if Brad Arthur can harness their desperation to reforge that connection between team-mates the Eels will fare much better in 2019.

Why they won't

Because it's Parramatta. The unfortunate reality is that this club is never quite stable. Off-field squabbles and on-field weaknesses and uncertainties are still the main hallmarks of the Eels, and until that changes, they are sadly impossible to back.

2019 Draw

Key Players

It could be said that every player at Parramatta is key in their own right. After a season like 2018, one or two weak links could easily open old wounds and bring the whole team crashing down with them.

An awful lot rests on the shoulders of halfback Mitchell Moses. Perhaps because of the greater market interest in Corey Norman than anything else, he has been handed the reins of the side and he must stand up and produce a much better season than his last.

Junior Paulo will add an extra dimension to the pack, which needed an attacking weapon to build on the tireless work done by the likes of Nathan Brown and Daniel Alvaro and allow Moses the space to create opportunities.

Clinton Gutherson and Bevan French struggled with fitness and form in 2018, and the Eels will be hoping they can find their feet. Both players offer a point of difference to the attack, something the Eels lacked in their wooden spoon season.

Rookies to Watch

Dylan Brown will almost certainly feature in the halves at some point, unless the Eels look to fill the Norman vacancy externally. An outstanding prospect who loves to challenge the line, Brown could prove a dangerous partner to a half given full control of the side. Having reportedly won promotion to the top 30, chances are he will start over Jaeman Salmon who has been training in the centres and is set to miss the opening round as punishment for a 2018 drink-driving charge.

Ethan Parry is a quality young outside back who could be in the mix for a centre/wing spot, especially if Bevan French once again struggles.

Reed Mahoney tasted first grade last season, and his continued development will be crucial to the Eels in a position where they are perhaps at their weakest.

Player Movements

Gains: Junior Paulo (prop, Raiders), Shaun Lane (second row, Manly), Blake Ferguson (wing, Roosters), Maika Sivo (wing, Panthers), Andrew Davey (second row, Townsville Blackhawks)

Losses: Suaia Matagi (Huddersfield), Corey Norman (Dragons), Cameron King (Featherstone), Jarryd Hayne, Nathan Davis & Tony Williams (released), Kirisome Auva'a & Beau Scott (retired)

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