4. Talking Points

Can Moses Deliver?: There is no role more difficult in Rugby League than playing halfback for the Parramatta Eels. The pressure that number seven jersey brings as soon as it goes on is hard to quantify.

The Eels now have the longest active title drought. Who is the man most responsible for wins and the player most criticised when it comes to losses? The halfback! Mitch Moses has all the talent in the world but needs to be at his very best, consistently, to get the job done.

There are major questions after a less than stellar 2020.

New Rules: Almost all of the talk re the Eels in 2021 centres around their huge pack of forwards. More specifically if said forwards can adapt to the new, faster rules.

Last year the Eels starting pack of Paulo, RCG, Brown, Matterson and Lane arguably led the way. They were big, powerful and destructive. Now though, with the rules aiming to create an even faster game, how will they cope?

NRL Rd 2 - Titans v Eels
GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 22: Junior Paulo of the Eels takes on the defence during the round 2 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Parramatta Eels at Cbus Super Stadium on March 22, 2020 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Some fear that they may be too big and become easy targets. I don't see it happening as both Lane and Matterson can play big minutes, allowing the middles all the rest they need.

Expectation: I don't think it's overly unfair to suggest that the Eels have a recent history of falling under the weight of expectation. They failed to win a final's game last year after finishing in the top four.

This exact same fate met them last time they finished in the top four back in 2017. Eels fans won't need reminding of their their past two Grand Final appearances either.

Can the Eels finally overcome expectation to deliver that elusive Premiership? They have the talent but they'll have to defy recent history.

1 COMMENT

  1. I think we will struggle with the pace of the game.
    The powers that be have gone to far over the top to try to speed the game up. It’s not Union or AFL.
    We have big powerful forwards, awesome halves and a stellar backline but will struggle and finish 6th.
    Top 4 will be Bunnies, Roosters, Storm and Raiders with the surprise packet being the Titans in 5th.
    The Panthers and Cowboys will round out the top 8.
    The Broncos and Dragons will battle it out for the spoon.
    The GF will be Bunnies v Raiders with the Bunnies taking it out.