Halfback one Eel of a problem for Parra
Source: The Daily Telegraph
NO WONDER Parramatta boss Paul Osborne was prepared to write a $2 million cheque last week to sign Melbourne Storm star Cooper Cronk.
Parramatta haven't had a top-shelf halfback since Peter Sterling retired and they won't win a competition until they find one.
In the 18 years since Sterling wore the No. 7 jersey, the Eels have used a staggering 27 halfbacks.
Have a look at the list we publish today and ask yourself: is it any wonder it's been such a long and painful premiership drought?
How can a junior league nursery the size of Parramatta's not unearth one outstanding halfback in nearly two decades?
Daniel Mortimer is a fine young player but at this stage of his career is lacking the authority and confidence to steer the Eels around the park.
It's not his personality to bark orders or scream instructions to big names. On Saturday night the Roosters pairing of Mitch Pearce and Todd Carney carved up Mortimer and Jeff Robson.
The contest was about as one-sided as Danny Green versus Paul Briggs.
As a result Jarryd Hayne, Timana Tahu and Krisnan Inu got few opportunities.
With limited chances, Hayne became frustrated and too often moved into first receiver, throwing long passes to players in a position where he himself should have been charging to the ball.
Coach Daniel Anderson won't need a video analysis to work out why his team were flogged. They were simply beaten by a team that played with far more enthusiasm, passion and commitment.
