Imperative to Make Top 4 to Win Grand Final

History has shown that since the McIntyre System was introduced in 1999 the only teams to win the grand final has been a top 4 team. The closest anyone outside the four has gone was in 2009 when Parramatta challenged from 8th place.

This doesn't mean that someone outside the 4 won't win in the future. However being consistent winners throughout the season and making the top 4 is the preferable path to take.

With that being said can Parramatta be this consistent team?

Do we have the necessary players?
Do we have enough cover when injuries and suspension hits? History has shown that teams with low injury counts usually are the most consistent performers. Parramatta hasn't had a low injury year for as long as I can remember.
How will our young spine perform? Will Bevan handle the rigors of a full season? Will Gutherson be a competent half? Who will be our dh?
Can we improve our attack, which was poor last year, even before our points deduction.
Can we improve our defence even more this year? Top teams usually have very good defence.

These are just some of the questions that need to be answered as we start the new season.

"HFK, Fair point. Sure, we could. But balancing incoming youth with experience is almost a perennial issue. A constant cycle. It never really goes away. At least not for too long. "

Replies

Longfin Eel February 18, 2017 at 11:42am

I think a lot hinges on Norman and Gutherson. If they can stay on the park anything is possible. The rest of the team seems to have good backups who can slot in. Like any team, if the halves fire the whole year you have a top 4 team.
Thooper Dooper Maltese Sparrow February 18, 2017 at 11:45am

I reckon we need to buy a top line half to have a decent chance;)
This reply was deleted.
- Adam Magrath February 18, 2017 at 12:59pm
  
  How are your balls going Slugg, still tripping over them?
The Offside Eel February 18, 2017 at 2:38pm

I think we are a top 8 team but i just don't think we have the spine to be a top 4 side
Hugo February 20, 2017 at 3:13pm

Look the competition is so tight that any of the 16 teams could win the premiership. Even the inept leadership of Greenberg and the total inadequacies of the referees can't keep this great game down. It's truly the premier product in sport.
As for the Eels, I won't slash my wrists if we miss the 8. All I want is off field stability - a back office to be proud of.
Once we get that rock solid foundation we will start to win premierships - may not happen for a couple of years but that's football.
Coach Jim February 20, 2017 at 3:39pm

Yes