WITH Jarryd Hayne producing arguably his best season, the Eels appeared top eight certainties mid-year.
But the young side went on to lose seven of 11 to end the season, including shock losses against easy beat opposition in the final two rounds.
The round 12 injury to Nathan Peats was a huge loss, but on the positive side, Parramatta unearthed a host of young guns.
The future looks bright. But how many times have we said that?
What they did right:
Won against top teams: The Eels beat three of the top four sides this year, with the Rabbitohs the only gun side they failed to win against.
Played exciting football: Any side featuring Jarryd Hayne will be good to watch. But add Chris Sandow and Semi Radradra and you can’t take your eyes off them.
Unearthed talent: Semi Radradra, Nathan Peats, Manu Ma’u, Tepai Moeroa, Kenny Edwards, Junior Paulo, Pauli Pauli – the list goes on.
Won at home: The Eels produced their best football at Pirtek Stadium, winning seven of nine at their regular home ground.
What they did wrong:
Defence: They may boast the best attacking player in the competition, but Parramatta’s defence was left wanting in 2014. The Eels finished the year as the fourth worst in the comp - only basket cases the Tigers, Sharks and Raiders performed worse.
Lost against poor teams: Parramatta lost four games against bottom five sides – two against Newcastle, and one each against the Raiders and Tigers.
Consistency: The Eels never won more than three games in a row.
Relied on Nathan Peats: The Eels won at 67 per cent with their star signing in the side. They won at just 50 per cent once he got injured.
Best player: Jarryd Hayne – The NSW hero topped the team in every key attacking stat – tries (20), linebreaks (26), tackle busts (132), linebreak assists (24) and try assists (16). Take Hayne out of the team and it’s any wonder where they would have finished.
Most disappointing player: Fuifui Moimoi – The club cult hero ended the year in NSW Cup as coach Brad Arthur blooded a succession of young guns. Once known as one of the hardest players to bring down in the NRL, he busted just seven tackles for the year.
Surprise packet: Semi Radradra – From Fijian kava farmer to NRL’s second top tryscorer, Radradra completed the transformation in just three years. One of the most feared runners in the NRL, Radradra notched 19 tries (second in the comp behind Jarryd Hayne) and 18 linebreaks.
Key events:
• Following on from a wooden spoon year and the messy exit of Ricky Stuart, the Eels appoint Brad Arthur as head coach just prior to the pre-season.
• They start very well under their new mentor, winning four of six to begin the season.
• Chris Sandow is recalled to the first grade side following personal dramas – to great success.
• Nathan Peats is ruled out for the season in round 12. The season goes into freefall.
• Brad Arthur decides to rest Jarryd Hayne twice in post-Origin matches. They lose both.
• Arthur refuses to grant cult hero Fuifui Moimoi a home farewell, naming him in NSW Cup.
• The Eels lose seven of their last 11 to bow out of the finals race. They are belted in their last two games by battlers the Knights and Raiders.
Conclusion: The Eels fell in a heap after a promising start to the year. They’ll be relying on their young guns to consolidate and provide Jarryd Hayne with some support in 2015.
Story by Tom Sangster
Replies
the boys need to do some serious work on there defence in the off season
We have a lot of depth next year
A lot of young guys from the NYC will be pushing for 1st grade next year.
If Sandow, peats, Hayne, In particular stay injury free we should be in top 8 next year.
The Sandow/ Norman combination will be a better one next year.
We did have a lot of injuries this year that didnt help. I think I counted 13 injured during the year at one stage, which was worse then the tigers and panthers injury list.
If we can get Watmough as well we will have a good forward pack with a bit of experience. If Mossop can stay injury free he might make a good impact too.
Eels to finish 7th next year.
I don't think we'll have too many players from the NYC pushing for a first grade spot next year. I think the ones that are better than 50/50 chance are: Fabian Goodall, Halauafua Lavaka, Ryan Matterson. Then the 50/50's are: Nathan Davis, Zach Dockar-Clay, Kaysa Pritchard. That's for next year though, I've got no doubt that in future years a few more guys will be pushing for first grade.