In the 2019 NRL season Parramatta will go as far as their halves can take them
A new halves combination, a representative outside back duo reuniting and some up-and-coming forwards ready to support a bolstered forward pack.
The Parramatta Eels have made some significant changes to the side that managed just six victories last season on the way to the wooden spoon.
As a result, the Eels need to start the season well.
It doesn’t matter who or where they play, they must hit the ground running. Early wins will create momentum and confidence.
Then they can move into their brand new stadium in round six and continue to build a successful season.
Their forwards and outside backs are good enough to compete with the top-eight sides. The big question is whether the playmaker group can do the same.
Mitchell Moses must own the playmaking duties at Parramatta in 2019. Picture: Brett Costello
NEW HALVES
With Corey Norman’s departure to St George Illawarra, there will be no confusion who the playmaker leader is — Mitchell Moses.
This is officially his team.
The Eels have two very talented youngsters to partner with him in Dylan Brown and Jaeman Salmon, although the latter will miss the opening round due to suspension over a drink driving charge.
There is a lot of hype surrounding teen five-eighth Brown.
The 18-year-old has impressed in the Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup and is being touted as a future star.
(L-R) Dylan Brown and new recruit Shaun Lane are expected to be key members of the 2019 roster. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts
He is a running half who can take a back seat and allow Moses to direct the play. This will simplify things for him initially, which is important.
Brown can leave the organising and kicking to his halfback and pick his times to run some standard plays or take on the line.
At some stage Salmon, a Cronulla junior who made his NRL debut with the Eels in round 21 last year, will earn an opportunity either as a starter or from the bench.
They are both only kids but Parramatta might have a couple of playmakers to rebuild around.
Clint Gutherson and star new recruit Blake Ferguson. Picture: Brett Costello
THE SPINE
Recently re-signed hooker Reed Mahoney, who is only 20, will start in the No.9 jersey for the opening rounds with Kaysa Pritchard on leave to deal with ongoing injury issues.
Fullback Clint Gutherson is a sensational player and will be an important member of this new look playmaker group.
His talk and leadership will be a huge help to Brown and Mahoney. Gutherson can also slip into the halves if needed.
Bevan French, Josh Hoffman and Blake Ferguson have all played fullback during their careers and could cover this move.
Mahoney is expected to start at hooker this season. AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts.
FORWARD MARCH
The Eels have an experienced pack with plenty of depth.
The return of Junior Paulo from Canberra gives them some good punch upfront.
They have a choice of starting either Tim Manah or Daniel Alvaro beside him. They’re consistent hard workers who both averaged more than 100 metres a game in 2018.
Nathan Brown gives them lot of impact at lock. He led the Eels with 135 running metres per game last year.
Brown is so difficult to defend because of his speed and late offload. This starting middle unit shapes up well.
Paulo can transform Parramatta’s pack. Picture by Brett Costello.
On the edges Manu Ma’u continues to build his game on the Eels’ left side. Former Manly back-rower Shaun Lane should slot in on the right side. He’s an unassuming attacking force, having scored nine tries and created 11 linebreaks in 2018.
There are no problems with depth from the bench. Manah or Alvaro will be joined by Tepai Moeroa, Kane Evans, Peni Terepo and David Gower.
There’s plenty of experience and ability in this group. Moeroa has a lot of upside in him and can play in the middle or edge.
YOUNG PACK
The Eels’ young forwards are exciting — Marata Niukore, Ray Stone, Oregon Kaufusi and Stefano Utoikamanu. The depth of this forward group is very good.
What’s important now is that they roll there sleeves up and play for each other. Getting off the bottom of the ladder will start with them.
OUTSIDE BACKS
Blake Ferguson’s arrival adds to the size and strike of the outside backs. The former Sydney Rooster last year became just the third player in the NRL to run for an astonishing 5000m.
If he plays on the right wing he will form a dangerous combination with former teammate Michael Jennings.
Both of theses guys have achieved everything in the game — premierships, Origin, Tests — now they have a chance to be great leaders. This could be the most important challenge of their careers.
Blake Ferguson gets a hug from coach Brad Arthur. Picture: Brett Costello
If they can give themselves to the team and make that their primary focus everything else will fall into place.
On the left, Brad Takairangi spent some time there last year and looks a good option with George Jennings.
Again, they are big men who have plenty to offer. For these guys the defensive challenge of handling more fluent right-side attacking raids will be key.
Otherwise, it’s a very capable starting group. Former starters French and Hoffman will create plenty of competition for spots.
ROOKIE TO WATCH
At 18, Dylan Brown looks very talented. He has progressed very quickly and could make his debut in round 1. It is always exciting to watch a young half begin his NRL career.
STAT ATTACK
The Eels didn’t win a game when trailing at halftime last year. Thirteen times they failed to overhaul the opposition in the second half.
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...m/news-story/73e63559ca90efd2e750c64f9eb2d2a8
It’s by Anthony Griffiths
