IT’S not often you could use the word admirable to describe the season of club which has been dogged with controversy.
But that’s exactly the way to best describe how the Eels have performed on the field.
Despite the cap scandal which forced players out and into retirement, the removal of the board, Kieran Foran walking from his contract and of course of Corey Norman’s indiscretions, the Eels still turned up to play even when at times it must of felt like they really had nothing to play for.
Things just didn’t go right for the Eels in 2016.And this steely attitude was echoed in their defensive efforts during the year.
They finished the season in the top half for points and tries conceded, finishing 5th and 7th in the competition respectively.
BY THE NUMBERS
| PLAYER | FIGURE | |
|---|---|---|
| MOST TRIES | BEVAN FRENCH | 19 |
| MOST TRY ASSISTS | COREY NORMAN | 21 |
| MOST ERRORS | MICHAEL GORDON | 28 |
| MOST TACKLES | ISAAC DE GOIS | 631 |
| MOST METRES GAINED | SEMI RADRADRA | 2643 |
| SUPERCOACH | MANU MA'U | 1273 (57.9av) |
THE STAR
Parramatta’s season was sprinkled with impressive individual performance by players right across the park.
Winger Semi Radradra had his moments, Corey Norman was impressive after losing halves partner Kieran Foran and Clint Gutherson had a breakout season.
It’s not often the coach is the star but here we have Brad Arthur.But without doubt, the MVP of this side has been coach Brad Arthur.
As things crumbled around his side he, against the odds, instilled in them a gritty resilience and they turned up to play even when doing so seemed pointless.
THEY SAID IT
“It was continually reported that we were a basket case, but we’re not,” coach Brad Arthur said.
“We’re a strong club. We’re going to make sure we move forward.
Parramatta coach Brad Arthur did an amazing job keeping his side together in 2016.“The fact that they all want to stay ... the players sell a team and a club.
“They’re the ones who talk, they’re the ones who help you recruit other players.”
WHO’S IN, WHO’S OUT?
OFF CONTRACT: Mitch Cornish, Bureta Faraimo, James Hasson, Luke Kelly, Cameron King, Cody Nelson, Jeff Robson, Kelepi Tanginoa, Vai Toutai.
GAINS: Jamal Fogarty, Siosaia Vave (Sea Eagles).
LOSSES: Kieran Foran (released), Michael Gordon (Roosters), Anthony Watmough (retirement), Tyrell Fuimaono (Rabbitohs).
2017 FORECAST
Had the club’s cap dramas not torn apart their campaign, the Eels would be sitting on 30 points and competing in the finals. While they may still feel the fallout of the salary scandal into next year, Parramatta has all the traits needed to rise from the ashes of season 2016. If they stay healthy, Corey Norman stays out of the headlines and coach Arthur can continue to inspire his troops, the Eels are set for happier days in 2017.
The Eels endured a season plagued by drama.
Replies
I was scrolling down, waiting for the point of the article and then it ended... At least it's not bad news and portrays the club in a good light for 2017.
I object to the Foz pic!!
First comment actually.
Sly work from the fong!
I know your quite intelligent frankie and though you might deny it but fatima's come from the name of prophet mohomeds wife.
You also used the same phrase on Jamal fogarty with jamal's name coming from an arabic language.
Grow some balls fong you cyber Warrior and quit the racist jibes.