The Parramatta Eels enter 2024 on the back of a dramatic collapse in 2023, and under a mountain of pressure.
The blue and gold endured a topsy-turvy campaign over the last 12 months, but it was one that ultimately wound up with the club finishing outside of the top eight.
Coming off a year where they had made the grand final, it was disappointing at best and downright terrible at worst.
There is little to no doubt that another season like the last one will leave Brad Arthur scrambling for his own head coaching future, and a number of players wondering where their own long-term futures lie.
But there is also no doubt Parramatta have the cattle to turn things around. It's a side with an excellent spine, plenty of powerful forwards and exciting youth throughout the team.
Here are the questions which will determine whether they can do just that throughout the 2024 season.
4. Is the middle third depth good enough?
There is absolutely zero doubt around just how good Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Junior Paulo are in the Eels' starting forward pack.
Both are State of Origin calibre players and among the best in the NRL.
J'maine Hopgood too, despite falling off the wagon a little during the second half of his rookie NRL season, was solid and will look to increase consistency this year.
But that, unfortunately for the Eels, is where things take a turn. While they signed Joe Ofahengaue from the Tigers late in 2023 and he will add something, it's not enough to suggest the blue and gold come into the season with a forward pack that has the depth of other top contenders.
They will be looking for more out of Jirah Momoisea and Ofahiki Ogden if they are to get to that level, while Makahesi Makatoa is now a very known quantity, albeit an improving one. Wiremu Greig too has the ability to add plenty.
There is also the small matter of where Ryan Matterson plays.
But for Parramatta's pack to succeed, they need the likes of Momoisea, Ogden, Makatoa and Greig to go up a level in 2024. It's a simple as that.
