With the ‘hit and giggle' trail matches and the arduous pre-season training regimes now behind each team, fans, coaches, and players alike have set their sights on the real deal – Round 1.

For some clubs, the pre-season period could not have panned out better, whilst the unlucky remainder will be counting the cost of their campaigns.

Although there were a myriad of positives to be taken from the summer months, all teams will be striving to improve on their trail match form and learn from the lessons dealt out across them.

With the first spin of the Steeden within touching distance, we raise the big question that face each of the NRL's 16 clubs.

Back
Next

Parramatta Eels

Can they rise from the pack of also-rans?

What do Halley's comet, Hands Across America and a Parramatta Premiership have in common?

None have been sighted since 1986.

All jokes aside, Eels fans. You're Premiership window is still open.

Just.

After finishing 5th and 3rd in the last pair of years, the spotlight is on coach Brad Arthur as to whether he can push his team to break their drought or if they are destined to remain with penned with the peloton.

With a squad that hasn't been remarkably improved on since last year's semi-final loss to Souths, the onus will be on the Eels' stars to improve once again.

If the lights are bright on Arthur, they are surely scolding Mitchell Moses, as this is the year that he must announce himself as more than just a serviceable halfback if he wants the financial security that comes with a lengthy contract.

Would I bet on Parra' winning their first comp since Peter Sterling had hair?

Probably not.

Back
Next