The Parramatta Eels fell just short of breaking a 36-year drought in 2022. Can they go one better and get the job done in 2023? Nathan Smith previews what Eels fans have to look forward to in the new season.
Preview
SQUAD
Bailey Simonsson, Bryce Cartwright, Clint Gutherson, Daejarn Asi, Dylan Brown, Haze Dunster, Jack Murchie, Jakob Arthur, Jirah Momoisea, J’maine Hopgood, Josh Hodgson, Junior Paulo, Ky Rodwell, Maika Sivo, Makahesi Makatoa, Matt Doorey, Mitchell Moses, Mitch Rein, Nathan Brown, Ofahiki Ogden, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Ryan Matterson, Samuel Loizou, Sean Russell, Shaun Lane, Waqa Blake, Will Penisini, Wiremu Greig, Blaize Talagi, Uinitoni Mataele, Zac Cini. Coach: Brad Arthur. (as at February 11)
BEST SEVENTEEN
1. Clinton Gutherson, 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Will Penisini. 4. Waqa Blake, 5. Bailey Simonsson, 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Josh Hodgson, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Shaune Lane, 12. J’Maine Hopgood, 13. Ryan Matterson, 14. Jake Arthur, 15. Ofahiki Ogden, 16. Jack Murchie, 17. Makahesi Makatoa.
BEST SIGNING
Embed from Getty ImagesIn recent years, the Eels have emphasised a recruitment policy that seeks to find players they can further develop and get value out of. Isaiah Papali’i is the most notable example of this, having gone from a fringe first grader to one of the best backrowers in the game during his time at the Eels.
For this reason, one of the Eels’ most exciting prospects for 2023 and beyond is J’Maine Hopgood. In 2022, he was named the NSW Cup player of the year and was the man of the match in the Panthers’ victory over Norths Devils in the State Championship. With many tipping big things for this young man, including one day wearing a Queensland jersey, the Eels fans have plenty to look forward to.
KEY PLAYER
Embed from Getty Images2022 was Dylan Brown’s breakout season. After several years of consistently performing, but never quite stamping his authority on the team’s performances, Brown became vital to the Eels’ performances in their most recent season.
At his best, Brown is the game-breaker that the Eels need. He can produce things from nowhere that can turn a game around. After a season that included making a Grand Final and representing New Zealand, expect Brown to continue to rise. His passion for the club is unquestioned, having recently signed a three-year extension with options that could see him with the Eels for life. Brown will be the driving force for the Eels’ season in 2023.
PLAYER TO WATCH
An Eels junior, Matt Doorey returns to the club after spending the past few seasons at the Bulldogs. Last season, he finished the year in the NSW Cup Grand Final, which the Bulldogs narrowly lost to the Panthers. Injuries have hindered his progress in the past, however with that behind him he is expected to compete for a spot in the Eels’ top 17. Doorey is every chance of achieving that and continuing to develop over the coming seasons.
PREVIEW
The Eels will have to hit the ground running in 2023, with their opening five rounds featuring the Storm, Sharks, Sea Eagles, Panthers, and Roosters. In many ways, they start from where they left off, with the end to the Eels 2022 regular season, and finals, featuring consistently strong opposition. If they’re any hope of breaking their long-held premiership drought, they need to begin the season in a positive manner.
The Eels’ attack will have a slight change with the inclusion of Josh Hodgson. His signing has attracted a variety of takes, with many suggesting his age and injury history outweigh any positives. However, if he stays fit, you can expect his class to prevail. He will offer a slightly different style of play from dummy half compared to Reed Mahoney, which offers a point of difference for the Eels in 2023.
J’Maine Hopgood is the one to watch this year. However, there are other names that Eels fans should be ready to begin hearing. Matt Doorey returns from the Bulldogs, having originally been an Eels junior. Jack Murchie comes over from the Warriors, and Jirah Momoisea from the Knights, both with plenty of potential. Then of course you have Haze Dunster, who has been unlucky with injury in recent seasons, as well as Sean Russell.
Expect the Eels to feature in the top four once more and push for another Grand Final appearance. At the very least, we should see the Eels in another Preliminary Final match. Their squad’s strength is not too dissimilar to years prior, with the main question being whether the slightly changed spine can gel early on.
