Two down, 23 to go.
The second round of the 2021 NRL season didn't just provide us with our second set of winners and losers, it raised yet another series of questions.
With each of the league's 16 teams set to do battle again this weekend, we attempted to answer the major issues facing their playing lists and coaches alike.
Parramatta Eels
Has their group matured?
Last Thursday night's victory in the wet and wild conditions should be seen as a line in the sand for Parramatta.
The Eels' win over the reigning Premiers in the rain may only have yielded Brad Arthur's side 2 competition points, but it must be seen as the benchmark for all future fixtures.
Following competition finishes of 5th and 3rd in the past pair of season's, Parra have earnt the tag of a team that appears a contender, but when push comes to shove, are proven pretenders.
The Eels finished 2020 with a 15-5 record and across these victories, managed to defeat finalists Melbourne, Newcastle, Penrith and Canberra. However, their losses came against the Roosters, Bunnies and Panthers again.
Last season proved they could meet and beat contenders, but was something they could not replicate when asked to do some.
Consistency has long been seen as the trademark of a supreme side and is something that Parramatta have yet to make synonymous with their brand of football.
Their win over the Melbourne Storm last weekend was something they were able to achieve last season, but with the knowledge that they will likely need to repeat this if they are to break their Premiership drought, Arthur will be hoping his team has turned a corner and that the pre-season has brought about a elevation of maturity.
