PARRAMATTA

Things could barely get worse for Parramatta.  Expected to challenge for a top four spot in 2018, they finished in last place, winning just six games, and losing all twelve away from home.  At least in 2019 they have a sparkling new stadium, just 33 years after the last one was opened.  Coincidentally, 1986 was also the last year Parramatta won the competition.

However, the parallels end with the new stadium opening.  The 2019 team has none of the star power of the great 1986 squad.  Jarryd Hayne, arguably their best player when at his peak, has been unable to come to a new deal with the club.  Corey Norman has also exited, as have retiring forwards Beau Scott and Tony Williams.

Parramatta have bolstered their forward pack with the signings of Shaun Lane from manly and Junior Paulo from Canberra; while Blake Ferguson could provide the attacking spark not seen since the departure of Semi Radradra.

George Jennings, Michael Jennings, Bevan French, and Clint Gutherson will provide the rest of the attacking strike power, but the Eels still seem to lack depth in the forwards.  There will be a lot of pressure on Mitchell Moses to step up to the next level, while Dylan Brown is the latest youngster to be hailed as the halfback they have been missing since Peter Sterling retired.

You can find out more about the history of the Parramatta Eels here.