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Want to avoid a Panthers four-peat? Here’s your team’s to-do list over summer
These are the top five priorities for each NRL club to address if they want to challenge for next year’s premiership.
www.smh.com.au
Want to avoid a Panthers four-peat? Here’s your team’s to-do list over summer
ByMichael Chammas and Adrian Proszenko
OCTOBER 20, 2023
Parramatta Eels
1. Find a hooker
The departure of Reed Mahoney last year, compounded by the early retirement of Josh Hodgson, has left the Eels short on quality No.9s.
2. Keep or find a general manager
The Wests Tigers are expected to come in for general manager Mark O’Neill. The Eels may have to put their hands in their pockets and look for a replacement.
3. Find an X-factor
Despite the club’s public denials, the coaching staff tinkered with the idea of moving Clint Gutherson to the centres to find an X-factor fullback. They wanted Jayden Campbell. That ship has now sailed, but they’re still on the lookout.
CAPTAIN - FULLBACK
Clinton Gutherson's 2023 Season
Appearances:
23
Tries:
19
Tackles:
120
Receipts:
918
Average runs:
162m
Line breaks:
15
4. Minimise the inevitable noise around the coach
Brad Arthur is the longest-serving coach in Eels history. The team’s inability to back up a 2022 grand final berth with a finals appearance in 2023 is a concern. You can be assured the drums will start beating in the event of some early losses.
5. Find a back-up half
Jake Arthur’s mid-season transfer to Manly, and the expected departure of young gun Ethan Sanders to Canberra in 2025, will leave the Eels short on depth in the halves.