2023 Preview: Parramatta Eels

Embed from Getty Images

The Parramatta Eels enter season 2023 off the back of their first Grand Final appearance in thirteen years, and though they succumbed to the might of the Penrith Panthers in the decider, it is not unreasonable to believe that this team has a bright future ahead of it.

The Eels have lost several players to new clubs in 2023, and also welcome several new faces to the squad - the question is whether coach Brad Arthur will be able to convert his new charges into serviceable First Grade NRL players, so as to keep the continuity of the squad relatively intact.

And certainly, Arthur's record speaks for itself - he has been able to extract career-best form out of players such as Isaiah Papali'I, Danny Wicks, Ryan Matterson, Shaun Lane, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Nathan Brown, Clinton Gutherson, and Mitchell Moses, to name a few.

With another year under their belts, the interest lies in whether this team can go all the way in 2023, after a fairly impressive 2022 campaign.

Why they'll win it

Parramatta still boast one of the NRL's premier forward packs - Junior Paulo is a NSW Origin, and Samoan, mainstay; Reagan Campbell-Gillard has played for Australia, and NSW; Shaun Lane was arguably the NRL's form back-rower in 2022; Ryan Matterson hit a purple patch of form that saw him play for NSW in 2022.

The Eels use their powerful forward pack to roll through the middle, and create space for Moses, and Brown, to create opportunities.

Certainly, once the Eels' forward pack gets on a roll, it is difficult to stop their momentum.

Mitchell Moses, and Dylan Brown, are another year wiser, and coming off the back of their most successful season to date - by making the NRL Grand Final -, the desire to go one step further should be a powerful motivator for both halves to continue performing at their peak.

The added experience of Josh Hodgson around the ruck will be an invaluable positive; if Hodgson is able to remain healthy, his vision, creativity, and game awareness will be a huge boost to the Eels' overall attacking structure,

Why they won't

Arguably Parramatta's biggest strength - their powerful forward pack - can also be claimed to be their weakness.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard is mobile, and agile, for a man of such size, and even though Junior Paulo can be described as being agile given his considerable size, the collective forward pack struggles when possession swings against the Eels, and they are tasked with defending continuously.

The Eels' gameplan essentially revolves around maintaining possession, and grinding opposition teams away with power football - the downside to this tactic being that if the Eels do not get an even share of possession, they falter, and end up having to catch up.

Parramatta over the last five years have been one of the least penalised teams in the NRL; while this has a positive impact in terms of potential judiciary hearings, and referee relationships, it suggests that the Eels are at a distinct disadvantage when playing teams that are happy to push the limits of that the referee will allow.

The Eels' backline is powerful, and skilful, but is lacking in speed; Bailey Simonsson is a noted speedster, but he is not a guaranteed starter. Clint Gutherson, Will Penisini, and Maika Sivo are all fast enough, but do not have a high gear in terms of raw speed.

Waqa Blake possesses plenty of pure speed, but it is unknown how the coach wants to utilise him. Blake spent time playing on the wing last season, where his lack of confidence playing high balls was exposed.

Blake also lacks concentration at times, and makes errors in attack, and defence.

Parramatta's halves duo have a lot of individual talent, but their ability to work together to create opportunities for their team remains a question mark; at times throughout their tenure together, Parramatta have been chasing points, and their halves have been unable to create opportunities.

Key players

Josh Hodgson is arguably an upgrade in a position the Eels have been blessed in for a number of seasons.

The wily veteran brings a bigger body, a crafty kicking game, and tactically sound defence to the table.

Hodgson has also played in a Grand Final, and represented Great Britain, and offers plenty of experience.

As usual, Mitchell Moses is the key man to the Eels' attack - his kicking game is among the best in the NRL.

Moses is looking to join the NRL's "Million Dollar Man" club, and needs to find consistency to prove he is cut of that cloth.

J'maine Hopgood is likely to start the year at 13, and has a genuine opportunity to establish himself as Parramatta's dominant middle playmaker.

Rookie to watch

Toni Mataele is a hulking second-rower, with a burst of speed, and the mobility of a man half his size.

He has impressed the Eels hierarchy to the point that he is training with the First Grade squad.

With Ryan Matterson unavailable for the first 4 rounds of 2023, if Mataele trains well, he may get a bench spot.

2023 Eels squad

Player movement

Gains: Josh Hodgson (Canberra), J'maine Hopgood (Penrith), Jirah Momoisea (Newcastle), Jack Murchie (Warriors), Matt Doorey (Canterbury)

Losses: Marata Niukore (Warriors), Isaiah Papali'i (Wests Tigers), Ray Stone (Dolphins), Oregon Kaufusi (Cronulla), Reed Mahoney, Hayze Perham (Canterbury), Tom Opacic (Hull KR), David Hollis, Solomone Naiduki (released)

Predicted best 17

1. Clint Gutherson (C)
2. Maika Sivo
3. Will Penisini
4. Waqa Blake
5. Bailey Simonsson
6. Dylan Brown
7. Mitchell Moses
8. Junior Paulo (C)
9. Josh Hodgson
10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
11. Shaun Lane
12. Jack Murchie
13. J'maine Hopgood

14. Daejarn Asi
15. Ofahiki Ogden
16. Makahesi Makatoa
17. Bryce Cartwright

2023 Eels fixtures

Some statistics thanks to RLP.