Eels announce Nines squad

Parramatta Eels announce 2017 Auckland Nines squad

The Parramatta Eels have today announced their squad to compete in the 2017 Downer NRL Auckland Nines tournament at Eden Park.

Five-eighth Corey Norman has again been named to captain the side which will include new signings Nathan Brown, Jamal Fogarty, Josh Hoffman, George Jennings, Suaia Matagi and Marata Niukore.

“The Nines is our first outing for the year and I am pleased that we have been able to introduce some of our new acquisitions so early in the year,” Head Coach Brad Arthur said.

“We also have some of our developing players coming along for their first taste of an NRL like environment.”

“As a squad we are looking forward to the competition and I am sure our members and fans are excited see the players out on the park for the first time in 2017.”

Parramatta Eels 2017 Downer NRL Auckland Nines squad

Nathan Brown

Kenny Edwards

Jamal Fogarty

Bevan French

David Gower

Clint Gutherson

Josh Hoffman

George Jennings

Cameron King

Suaia Matagi

Tepai Moeroa

Corey Norman (c)

Marata Niukore

Scott Schulte

Rory O’Brien

Semi Radradra

Honeti Tuha

Joseph Ualesi

Troy Dargan

"Great Blog Phil, the reality is not in the stats just the same, when you are not good enough and the stats confirm that, there is nothing to do but change.Motivation is not the driver in this case IMO. The stats actually indicate they are trying,…"

"Carlo 100 % right. BA only knows one way to coach and that is to stack the team with big hulking forwards and try to bash holes through the middle. The game has moved on from that but BA still believes that the crash plays are the future. Meanwhile…"

"Lots of those stats highlight the fact we don't have the smarts around us . When we are in a good place either metaphorically ( after a win) or " field position" we don't have someone with creative or flexible strategies to take advantage of the…"

Replies

1Eyed Eel January 27, 2017 at 4:20pm

Woohoo Troy Dargan!
- Rowdy Roddy > 1Eyed Eel January 27, 2017 at 8:16pm
  
  Can't play at this level, he struggled playing for Wenty and of course that's just my opinion.
1Eyed Eel January 27, 2017 at 4:21pm

That's a squad that can definitely win the tournament! I reckon we'll be favourites.
- Enforcer Eel > 1Eyed Eel January 27, 2017 at 4:24pm
  
  Thats a bit one eyed?
- Leith Holding > 1Eyed Eel January 27, 2017 at 4:43pm
  
  Not so sure Poppa re your forecast that King being named in the Squad equates to having the inside running on Pritchard - King was also part of last years side.
- Muttman > 1Eyed Eel January 27, 2017 at 6:09pm
  
  That's a squad that wants to win the tournament. Good stuff.
- Leith Holding > 1Eyed Eel January 27, 2017 at 7:40pm
  
  Who will run out in the 9 jersey come Round 1 is anyone's guess Poppa. If King is training and playing out of his skin prior and warrants selection, I'm all for it. If I was to visit Sportsbet presently though - IDG would be well in the market.
  
  The search for a no.9 continues.
Enforcer Eel January 27, 2017 at 4:23pm

Great squad.

Happy to see Tuha and Nuikore there.
Rise of an empire January 27, 2017 at 4:24pm

I don't think we will be favorites but we will be close
1Eyed Eel January 27, 2017 at 4:27pm

I don't think so we've got arguably the two most exciting nines player in the tournament in French and Radradra, we've taken both our top string halves and a powerful, mobile pack. If we're not favourites, we'll be good value.