“The hunted”: An important cavalry return gives Arthur a huge boost as he battles for his future — an Eels season preview
After missing the finals in 2023, Michael Ennis thinks the Eels can return to their peak, with Dylan Brown and Shaun Lane playing major roles in a significant comeback season.
The Eels lost several important players from their 2022 Grand Final team, and they lacked the depth to get past injuries and suspensions during the previous campaign.
Ennis told foxsports.com.au, “I think Parramatta had an interesting year last year.”
“After winning the championship game the previous year, they had lost some important players in Mahoney, Niukore, and Papali’i.
It took Parramatta some time to adjust after they lost a few important players. They then experienced some suspensions and injuries as they were beginning to adjust.
“Shaun Lane was absent from the team following his successful season the previous year.
“Not having Dylan Brown for a few weeks was a major blow for them.
On its day, that left-side combination is on par with any in the competition.
It will be crucial for them to have those two back in the lineup on a regular basis.
“A Parramatta team featuring Mitch Moses, Campbell-Gillard, and Paulo, who I believe is only getting better every year.
Gutherson performed admirably for them the previous season, and if you add Lane and Brown back to that squad, I believe Parramatta will significantly improve.
For 2024, the Eels made a wise recruiting choice when they acquired Morgan Harper and Kelma Tuilagi from the Sea Eagles.
Ennis thinks that with more depth in the forward and outside back positions, the Eels have a stronger team on paper.
Morgan Harper and Kelma Tuilagi will strengthen the team, as the Eels have not had enough depth when injuries occur, according to Ennis.
“They had trouble staying consistent at Manly, but when they’re on their game, they’re elite athletes who will foster healthy competition for spots, which pushes players to put in their best effort and advance.”
There is pressure on Eels coach Brad Arthur, who is in his contract year in 2024 and has only appeared in one Grand Final during his 11 full seasons with the team.
Ennis has faith that Arthur can rise to the occasion and lead the team back into the top eight.
Ennis declared, “Brad Arthur is a great coach, he really is.”
He dedicates his entire being to that team, and having reached the grand final in the past, I know how tough it can be the following year.
“Parties follow people, which is why groups like Melbourne, the Roosters, and Penrith, in particular, are so commendable for what they have accomplished.
“Being the hunted and having important men get injured, along with changes due to guys leaving, is a real challenge.
“For Parramatta, it was just one of those years, but coaches are under constant pressure.” Brad has faced similar challenges in the past and has persevered, so I predict that he will do so this year as well.
Here, foxsports.com.au examines every important aspect of the Eels for the 2024 season.
POWER
Halfs. The Eels, barring the Storm and the Panthers for another season, have the best halves tandem in the NRL, and they may surpass them in the future. Moses, an NRL halfback entering 2024, is 29 years old, has played 217 games, is at the top of his game, and has one of the best kicking careers in the league. Brown, who is still only 23 years old, will play in Round 1 for the 100th time. He still has a lot of growth left in him, which is concerning for the other NRL players. Individually, the two have each had purple patches of form, but if
