Eels coach Brad Arthur has a hole to fill in Parramatta’s best 17.Source: AAPTHE human headline has arrived back at Parramatta and already Jarryd Hayne has become the only talking point getting any oxygen at the Eels.
Aside from the fact that NRL’s most controversial player has returned to his home club, Parramatta’s transfer period has been quiet.
Fijian prop Kane Evans has joined the ranks alongside Hayne, an invaluable feature in Parramatta’s roster.
Though there aren’t many vacancies in coach Brad Arthur’s 17, the NFL dropout will be sure to feature in the first grade squad. But the question remains; where?
Watch every NRL premiership game live in 2018 on Fox Sports. Sign up here to stream for free on a two week trial >
Jarryd Hayne addresses the media after training.Source: AAPIt’s unlikely Hayne will take back the No.1 jersey, which is being fought out by youngsters Clint Gutherson and Bevan French.
Indeed Semi Radradra’s departure to French rugby has left a gaping hole in Parramatta’s left wing. Placing Hayne there would be the most logical move.
If that’s the case it may take a few rounds before it becomes clear, with Gutherson’s 2018 season projected to start a few rounds late as he eases into match fitness, leaving the fullback position French’s for the taking.
However, his versatility and experience will allow him to slot in anywhere Arthur sees fit.
Parramatta Eels coach Brad Arthur. Photo: Emma MurraySource: News Corp AustraliaAnd if his performances match his ability, look out.
The stars are finally aligning for Parramatta. They’ve got the playmakers, the depth and the strength.
If their 2017 finals campaign was anything to go off, this year will prove a treat.
Over the next month, foxsports.com.au will be previewing your team’s best 17.
As always, there will be some contentious decisions — and some unlucky omissions.
Scroll down and leave a comment to have your say.
NB: These line ups don’t take into account current injuries (unless they’re season ending) or suspensions.
THE LOCK
Mitchell Moses
The mid-season arrival of the ex-Tigers playmaker came just in time to fill the shoes of then injured half Corey Norman.
After a rocky start in blue and gold, Moses hit his straps to become one of the side’s best players as they rocketed into the top four.
The command he has over his teammates will prove invaluable as the Eels aim to play back-to-back finals for the first time since 2007.
His combination with Corey Norman has the potential to light up the NRL and it by the end of 2017 it was already electrifying.
Mitchell Moses during a Parramatta Eels NRL pre-season training session.Source: Getty ImagesTHE BUBBLE
Cameron King
Fans were left disappointed after first choice hooker Kaysa Pritchard was stretchered off the field during round 16 last season.
But King’s promotion to the starting hooker role not only injected fire into an injury-depleted side, but proved that he, as a first grade player, was worth more than just a fleeting mention.
His consistency in the back end of the season earned him a one-year contract extension.
Despite rumours that Pritchard will bounce back into first choice hooker, King’s first grade assignment is not yet complete.
THE RISING STAR
Nathan Davis
After ending his stint at the Titans with a broken leg after only eight rounds, Davis returned to his junior club early in 2017.
The young centre will await his turn in reserve grade due to the bustling utility roster.
Having scored nine times from his 18 appearances for Wentworthville, he is a strong candidate as an injury replacement.
IT’S A BIG YEAR FOR …
Jarryd Hayne
After a mediocre season up on the Gold Coast, there is no doubt that the most controversial player in the NRL right now has fans shifting in their seats.
Everyone expected something special upon his return from the US, when he backflipped on his promise to return to his home club to chase a much larger pay day on the Gold Coast.
Ex-Titans coach Neil Henry laboured tirelessly to sculpt the two-time Dally M Medallist back to his pre-NFL superstar mould, though his efforts were ironically repaid with the sack.
Jarryd Hayne and coach Brad Arthur (left).Source: Getty ImagesIt’s not the backdrop Hayne would have liked to his homecoming and his off-field woes continue to follow him. The Eels will be hoping desperately that they don’t bleed into his on-field performances.
Signing for a less-than-desired $500,000 price tag either indicates that Hayne is desperate or has something colossal to prove coming back home.
He’s been given another lifeline. Whether he will capitalise on it is another question.
THE BEST 17
1. Clint Gutherson
2. Bevan French
3. Michael Jennings
4. Brad Takairangi
5. Jarryd Hayne
6. Corey Norman
7. Mitchell Moses
8. Tim Mannah
9. Cameron King
10. Kane Evans
11. Manu Ma’u
12. Beau Scott
13. Nathan Brown
14. Tepai Moeroa
15. Daniel Alvaro
16. Kenny Edwards
17. Kaysa Pritchard
OTHERS: Kirisome Auva’a, Nathan Davis, David Gower, Josh Hoffman, Suaia Matagi, Will Smith, Peni Terepo, Siosaia Vave, Tony Williams.
Replies
I have a serious problem with that team list. We have Beau Scott as an edge forward, and Tepai on the bench. Tepai has a great season, and would definitely start. Also, Kaysa is on the bench, which we know BA doesn’t like as he wants an 80 minute hooker, and if he did, it would be Will Smith. I reckon the bench would like up like
14. Scott
15. Alvaro
16. Edwards
17. Vave/Matagi/Terepo/Smith
Agreed on Scott, he's a middle forward these days. I think the 17th player could be dependent on the opposition, ie where you need extra strength then it's Vave or Matagi. Where you need some mobility it's Terepo and where you need that extra spark in attack it's Smith or Kaysa/King. Horses for courses.
But of course these lists are based on having all players available, which almost never happens anyway.
You reckon Arthur doesn't like a dummy half on the bench? As soon as Pritchard was ready to go he was straight back into the 17.
There's plenty of videos online showing how to fill a GAPING HOLE... Try pornhub for starters!
lol or Snakes rape dungeon.
I wouldn’t say that’s the best 17
Will Smith on bench over Kaysa.
Why Smith over Pritchard? While some have said and rightfully so he filled the utility spot well last season, yet having Pritchard on the bench would not devalue the team in any way, especially the aspect of the amount of players who can cover other positions as well.
King could stay on the field to cover the 7 spot if needed as he did that well at Wenty and captained that team for a while also. Edwards has also played in the backs, and having Hayne back means he could go into the 6 spot as needed.
How would BA fill a gaping hole? He should ask me I’ll tell him.
While I like Smith, I would think he would be too small for a centre spot, he's the same weight as Pritchard, and one the biggest criticisms he gets is his size.
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
of 8 Next