Exits expose ‘electrical’ Eels’ underbelly

Ending runners-up the earlier 12 months is at all times a precarious place for a soccer membership… the Parramatta Eels can go certainly one of two methods.

Gamers might be scarred by coming so close to, but thus far and their efficiency falls away they usually end down the ladder the next 12 months.

Or they will study from the shattering expertise, change into mentally stronger and chase their dream even more durable.

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So the problem for Brad Arthur – and a workforce with important adjustments from final season – is to do the latter and knock Penrith off their perch.

2022 ending place: Grand finalists

Good points: Josh Hodgson (Raiders), J’maine Hopgood (Panthers), Jirah Momoisea (Knights), Jack Murchie (Warriors), Matt Doorey (Bulldogs), Daejarn Asi (Warriors).

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).

Greatest 17:

Clint Gutherson

Maika Sivo

Will Penisini

Waqa Blake

Sean Russell

Dylan Brown

Mitchell Moses

Reagan Campbell-Gillard

Josh Hodgson

Junior Paulo

Shaun Lane

Ryan Matterson

Bench:

J’maine Hopgood

Jakob Arthur

Nathan Brown

Bryce Cartwright

Matt Doorey

Greatest purchase: J’maine Hopgood has been a participant in ready on the Panthers for the previous couple of seasons and may revel with extra recreation time on the Eels. An thrilling younger ahead who might be one of many buys of the 12 months.

Greatest loss: Reed Mahoney has been on the coronary heart and soul of the Eels for the previous few seasons and shall be exhausting to interchange – a wise dummyhalf who additionally racked up 50 tackles a recreation.

Best energy: An electrical backline, spearheaded by stylish halves Dylan Brown and Mitchell Moses. The Eels have tempo to burn and long-distance tries are their trademark.

Moses coy on contract scenario

Greatest query mark: The lack of three key members of their pack – Marata Niukore, Isaiah Papali’i and Reed Mahoney – leaves the Eels wanting a little bit skinny up entrance. Rival groups will attempt to break them up the center because of this.

Man below stress: Mitchell Moses appears to be like set to remain an Eel regardless of a large supply from the Tigers. He now has to repay the religion and information the Eels in the direction of the promised land and finish their lengthy title drought.

Predicted 2023 ending place: third

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