Next 7? - the Roar - Eels Blogs

It has been over two decades since Peter Sterling left the Eels but the curse lives on with a successor to the rugby league legend still yet to be found.Kieran Foran this morning walked out on a $5 million contract with the Parramatta club in a new twist in the Eels saga.The search is now on for a player to partner Corey Norman in the halves.Who could fill the vacant spot in the Parramatta side?Mitchell CornishThe only viable option currently contracted with the Eels, Cornish played 15 first grade games at the Raiders before signing with Parramatta.At 23 years of age he offers plenty in the halves and has previously represented the Junior Kangaroos, captaining the side in 2013.He needs time to develop into a regular first grade footballer, however he has a strong case to make and would do a good job given time to settle into the role.Jarryd HayneCurrently on a rugby sevens odyssey, Hayne is rumoured to return to the blue and gold in 2017 and a switch to five-eighth could be on the cards.The Eels have a host of no. 1 options in a talented backline including Bevan French and Clinton Gutherson, Hayne could mentor these young players and will offer plenty in attack if he plays alongside Norman at standoff.He made the switch from rugby league to the NFL. Who’s to say he can’t make the switch from fullback to five-eighth?Cameron CullenWith Kane Elgey to return from injury next season, Cameron Cullen will move down to fourth on the Titans’ pecking order in 2017.The Eels could offer the young half a lifeline with Cullen showing plenty of promise in his rookie season.The Burleigh junior has plenty of room to grow and at the age of 22, could build a legacy at the Eels.Blake GreenGreen made his NRL debut for the Eels way back in 2007 and could finish his career at Parramatta.The 29-year old signed with the Melbourne Storm at the beginning of last year and has shown his maturity after a four-year stint in the UK with Hull KR and Wigan.If the Eels approach Green with a good offer, it is likely he will return home and offer some much need experience in a young Parramatta side.Benji MarshallAn experienced footballer, Benji Marshall is unlikely to stay with the Dragons beyond 2016.The veteran may only have two or three more years left in him however he would offer a safe option for the Eels given his big game experience in grand finals and test football.Daniel MortimerAn Eels junior, Mortimer is on the outer at the Titans and is set to return to Sydney at the end of the season.Mortimer has played over 100 games at first grade level and would prove a good option for Parramatta albeit off the bench as a utility to provide much-needed energy and spark in attack.Jamie SowardSoward recently left the Penrith Panthers to allow the club to utilise young duo Nathan Cleary and Te Maire Martin.The former State of Origin star has returned to the London Broncos on a six-month contract having previously played at the club in 2013.With the Broncos unlikely to receive promotion to the Super League for 2017, Soward might look to the Eels for an opportunity to finish his career playing at the top level.Jackson HastingsThe signing of Luke Keary has cast doubt on the future of Jackson Hastings at the Roosters.The young half has been linked with the Dragons as a replacement for Benji Marshall.Hastings has plenty of potential and is touted as a future Kangaroo.He would be a perfect fit at the Eels and would be a viable long-term option for the club.Sam WilliamsCurrently sitting behind Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer at the Raiders, Williams is a promising young player and has proved himself to be a regular first grader.He currently isn’t being given the opportunity to play at the top level by Ricky Stuart meaning the Eels would be a perfect fit for the Canberra junior with a halfback spot currently vacant.The Eels won’t be limited to the above options with a number of other players off contract at their respective clubs.Cooper Cronk is off contract at the end of the year however, he is set to stay in Melbourne. Peter Wallace’s contract also ends this season although like Cronk, Anthony Griffin wants to keep him on at the Penrith Panthers to mentor the young halves pairing of Nathan Cleary and Te Maire Martin.Ryan Matterson appears to be another option with the signing of Luke Keary to the Roosters, Trent Robinson however will be keen on keeping him at Bondi as a bench utility.Kodi Nikorima is in a similar situation at the Broncos, it appears as though Wayne Bennett will not budge on the young Kiwi unless a sizeable offer is made, Parramatta don’t have much room in their salary cap for such a signing.Ben Hampton would certainly take up a role at the Eels if given the chance currently sitting behind Blake Green and Cooper Cronk at Melbourne. He showed what he is capable of in 2014 however, he won’t be Parramatta’s first option.Cody Walker appears destined to sign with the Broncos after a contract bungle at Souths. If it doesn’t go through however, Parramatta could pounce on the utility. Zach Dockar-Clay left the Eels last season to take up a contract with the Panthers. The former Junior Kangaroo is well down the pecking order at the foot of the blue mountains and Brad Arthur may look to bring him back home.There are also a number of former NRL stars plying their trade in the Super League.Chris Sandow set the world on fire with the Warrington Wolves and is in white hot form. At the Eels from 2012 through 2015, it seems too big a gamble for Brad Arthur to make after he struggled to make an impact at the club.Another big gamble is Todd Carney who continues to star for the Catalans Dragons. The 2010 Dally M medallist has matured, if the Eels are to offer him a contract it seems unlikely the NRL would register it due to his past behaviour.Albert Kelly has developed into a star at Hull KR since arriving in 2015. The Kempsey junior played NYC for the Eels in 2008 and 2009 before leaving for the Sharks. Kelly could offer plenty for Parramatta having improved drastically during his UK odyssey, he is now a regular first grade footballer.The Eels currently have a number of players in their squad that could wear the no. 7 long-term. Luke Kelly shapes as an option however, he is a fringe first grader at best and wouldn’t be able to cope with the rigour of the NRL.Kenny Edwards has slotted in at five-eighth throughout the season showing what he can do. If Brad Arthur and the Eels decide to look inside their club, Edwards looms as an option as he offers size and energy and did a good job filling in earlier in the season.Jeff Robson has just returned to the Eels from the Warriors, turning 34 in August he would only be an option for 2017 until Parramatta can find a long-term replacement.Brad Takairangi could make a positional switch to five-eighth. The jury is still out on the centre however, with the Eels having excess outside backs Takairangi would be the best suited to making the switch into the halves.Roarers, can the Eels lift the Sterling curse? Who will be the man to do so?You can find Riley on Twitter @rileypettigrew

Replies

Derby July 9, 2016 at 9:46am

I would go Hastings if not then Green.
Clintorian July 9, 2016 at 10:04am

We need a halfback, not a 5/8.

Corey Norman is our ball runner, we need someone to steer the ship and allow Norman to play his natural creative game. This will also help if Hayne returns.

An organiser with a strong enough kicking game and good defence would be our best option. Not exactly sure who that is though...

Trent Hodkonson?
Hugo July 9, 2016 at 5:37pm

Look for a robust straight runner. I cant over emphasize this trait. The best thing about Foran was the fact he straightened up the offense giving those players outside of him room to run. Norman is our across the field runner. Next - Someone who can hold thier own in defence.
Look for a Jeff Robson clone.
- My Bob > Hugo July 9, 2016 at 5:46pm
  
  Morts?
- 2oct9gwvbwwon > Hugo July 9, 2016 at 5:48pm
  
  totally agree Fathead, a direct half Keary would have been fine but I would be happy with hastings/williams or even sezer if ricky is already sick of him, buy his players off him

This reply was deleted.

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