Will be interesting to see how the Eels go with a Foran/Norman pairing, superior to anything with Sandow in it. Expecting a good first hit out Parramatta pretty much always start the season with a win, in fact their 18-6 loss to us in 2012 is the last time they lost a Round 1 game.
They were the better side for the majority of that game as well. Eventually the Broncos class shone through and they were able to run away with it but the Eels were playing the better brand of football.
A lot can happen between now and March, but I can see this game playing out very similarly. Eels will give a good account for themselves but will struggle at key intervals, at which point the Broncos will capitilise. The score will end up something like 24-16 and Eels fans will rue the missed opportunities, knowing with a touch more experience, they would have controlled the game.
It's only a matter of time before the Eels put it all together and become a genuine contender. I believe they've got some of the pieces to make that happen but I question whether it will happen in 2016. I get the feeling they'll sort themselves out for 2017 and that's when the Foran era will truly eventuate.
