Eels 2024 preview: Stagnant Parramatta have already shown their ceiling

The Parramatta Eels have been there and thereabouts for some years now but none of their playmakers has had the dynamism to take them over the top⁠⁠—though they did come mighty close two years ago.

The biggest problems Parramatta face go hand-in-hand; one, their window seems to be sliding shut as players hit their ceilings and we see the best that Mitchell Moses, Clint Gutherson, and Dylan Brown can produce. Two, their roster is simply not improving (or it’s even regressing) while other’s strengthen.

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That’s not to say they can’t have a good year⁠—again, just look at 2022⁠—but the strength and staying power has simply stayed in place and without Brown and Moses levelling up the Eels are coasting again.

Last year’s finish: Tenth, 12 wins and 12 losses

Last ten NRL campaigns: 10th, 4th (runners-up), 6th (semi), 3rd (semi), 5th (semi), spoon, 4th (semi), 14th, 12th, 10th

Predicted Round 1 lineup

Predicted Round 1 lineup

1. Clint Gutherson
2. Maika Sivo
3. Will Penisini
4. Daejarn Asi
5. Bailey Simonsson
6. Dylan Brown
7. Mitchell Moses
8. Junior Paulo
9. Brendan Hands
10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
11. Shaun Lane
12. Bryce Cartwright
13. J’maine Hopgood
14. Ryan Matterson
15. Joe Ofahengaue
16. Kelma Tuilagi
17. Wiremu Greig

Coach: Brad Arthur

Biggest losses: Nathan Brown Biggest gains: Morgan Harper

How 2024 is looking for Parramatta

For a team that needed more star signings injected into its ranks, having your biggest gain of the offseason be Morgan Harper is truly one of the most grim readings. The Eels definitely have the troops to challenge for finals and Dylan Brown is in the ascendancy, but reinforcements were definitely needed this year.

Instead, Brad Arthur comes in armed with the same team that backed up a 2022 grand final with an insipid 2023 campaign that may could argue ended when Harry Grant and the Melbourne Storm beat them in extra time in round one.

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Gutherson and Moses have most definitely shown us their ceilings and while there’s engine room power like J’maine Hopgood, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, and Ryan Matterson, Parramatta needs a spark that they just simply can’t find right now. Perhaps that comes down to Brad Arthur’s reign and the oft-odd tactics he regularly dishes up, or maybe a top-class hooker could have been the answer. Either way, the Eels may have to watch their window slam shut this year.

Predicted 2024 finish: 10th

First five: Bulldogs (H), Panthers (A), Sea Eagles (H), Tigers (H), Raiders (A)

TopSport odds: Premiers $26, Make Top 4: $5.50, Make Final 8: $2, Miss The Top 8: $1.77

Pass mark: Prove the doubters wrong and hit another level.