Parramatta's best 17 for 2017, Depth now Brad Arthur's silver lining.

Fox Sports, Brad Walsh.REMEMBER Sticky’s projector?The 13 Parramattaplayers told their services weren’t required by Ricky Stuart as he went about cleaning out a club crippled by years of below average recruiting?Former Kangaroos international Reni Maitua and Melbourne grand finalist Cheyse Blair were among them, but it’s tough to argue any of the dismissed have landed serious egg on Stuart’s face since.Depth at the Eels has long been an issue this decade, and Brad Arthur’s was tested aplenty in 2016 by scandals of salary cap and player ill-discipline.But even with the retirement of big name Anthony Watmough, the departure of even bigger name Kieran Foran, not to mention Nathan Peats, Junior Paulo and Michael Gordon, things don’t look half bad at Parra.Picking a top 17 for Arthur to work with in 2017 is no easy task, though choosing a top notch spine isn’t a cakewalk either.Foran, Gordon and Peats leave gaps in key playmaking roles, and contenders Bevan French, Josh Hoffman, Clinton Gutherson, Jeff Robson, Isaac De Gois, Kaysa Pritchard and Cameron King, are, respectfully, not in the same class.Clint Gutherson is set to be given first crack at the Eels No. 6 jumper. Pic Peter WallisSource:News Corp AustraliaBut there is depth. Wherever it’s a struggle to find starts for capable first graders Kirisome Auva’a, David Gower, Peni Terepo, Will Smith, Daniel Alvaro and John Folau among others, there is depth.That looks like it’ll get another working over before a ball is even kicked in 2017.Semi Radradra and Kenny Edwards are both due in court on domestic violence charges in the next month, casting doubt over their availability for round one.Arthur also has some cash to splash when it comes to those crucial creative positions and a market brimming with off-contract talent for 2018.For 2017 though, Parramatta’s silver lining to a couple of trying years is a squad full of grit and guts, and one that runs deeper than it has for some time.Over the next month, foxsports.com.au will be previewing your team’s best 17.As always, there will be some contentious decisions — and some unlucky omissions.Scroll down and leave a comment to have your say.NB: These line ups don’t take into account current injuries (unless they’re season ending) or suspensions.THE LOCKBrad Takairangi — The bustling three-quarter has been a popular clubman with teammates and fans alike since arriving at Parramatta in 2015.Despite more than his fair share of injuries, he’s proven himself a reliable performer and an underrated attacking threat.Brad Takairangi has been one of Parramatta’s most consistent players in recent years.Source:News Corp AustraliaThe wingers lining up outside him can attest to that.In 2015 Semi Radradra set a new Eels record with 24 tries down their left edge outside Takairangi, while Bevan French collected 13 in 11 games down the right flank with Takairangi inside him last year.THE BUBBLESemi Radradra — For all the bums on seats Semi packed into Pirtek Stadium, only to get them quickly out of them with some form of scintillating running play, his Eels legacy won’t end up as it should.The endless drama around Radradra has more than a few fans simply jack of the Fijian flyer.Now he gears up for one last season before jetting off to French rugby. But is also facing serious domestic violence charges in February, making his immediate playing future is a long way from certain.But if and when he takes the park, he needs to be at his best given all he’s put a long suffering club and fanbase through in the last 18 months.THE RISING STARJack Morris — He’s a ways down the lengthy pecking order of blue and gold second-rowers.But Morris is one to watch after being elevated to the top squad this summer.The Gympie product can hit a whole at either centre or back-row and will ply his trade with Wentworthville to start the year.A first grade crack beckons at some point after a good showing in last year’s under 20s Origin for Queensland.IT’S A BIG YEAR FOR …Corey Norman is locked in to Parramatta until the end of 2019. Picture: Gregg PorteousSource:News Corp AustraliaCorey Norman — Of all the halves with all the talent, Norman and Mitchell Pearce have the most red on their ledger heading into the new season.Both have the prowess to lead their clubs deep into September, and Norman owes the Eels plenty after a turbulent 2016 that saw him eventually suspended for eight weeks for his off-field behaviour.On it Norman was Parramatta’s offensive linchpin, with 21 try assists ranking him seventh across the entire competition.It’s what earned him a juicy $700,000, three-year contract extension despite his indiscretions last year, and Norman starts paying it back by keeping his nose clean and the Eels on point.THE BEST 171. Bevan French2. Semi Radradra3. Michael Jennings4. Brad Takairangi5. Josh Hoffman6. Cinton Gutherson7. Corey Norman8. Tim Mannah9. Isaac De Gois10. Nathan Brown11. Manu Ma’u12. Beau Scott13. Tepai MoeroaInterchange:14. Kenny Edwards15. Siosaia Vave16. Frank Pritchard17. Suaia MatagiOTHERS: Kirisome Auva’a, Daniel Alvaro, David Gower, Peni Terepo, Jeff Robson, Jamal Fogarty, Kaysa Pritchard, Cameron King, John Folau, James Hasson, George Jennings, Cody Nelson, Rory O’Brien, Will Smith, Alex Twal.

Replies

Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 January 20, 2017 at 10:07am

That looks the line up for mine. I'd probably swap Degois for King, but BA has put plenty of faith in Issac, and feel he may get first crack.
- Tanklynpjones > Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 January 20, 2017 at 10:58am
  
  I'm not sure why DeGois cops some stick from our fans, sure he's not super flashy out of dummy half, but he's super tough, fit and opponents don't score a lot through the guts when he's on the field.
  
  I think you'd find the others like playing with him.
  
  He's an old style footballer with still a bit to offer.
  
  I rate him, and King is still only potential, and he's been that way for a long time.
  
  I'm not saying he can't play, and I know he's been injured, but Isaac for me is our best hooker by a bit at this point.
- Cartons > Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 January 20, 2017 at 11:46am
  
  I'm with u Tanky.
  BA is a conservative guy. He wants tough and reliable = DeGois. I'm more than happy with his play - his biggest worry tho is the tendency to take a head knock. To lose a player for the match under the concussion rule is crippling, and also means our 14 needs to be a 9.
Parrafanatic January 20, 2017 at 10:54am

Most of the "others" will get a good run in the 9s . Up to them to show us what theve got . Think your right with King .
Longfin Eel January 20, 2017 at 11:03am

We seem to be a hooker short on the bench with that team. I don't think IDG is an 80min hooker.
CP January 20, 2017 at 11:04am

What a bench!!
Aaron Luke January 20, 2017 at 12:02pm

Literally the exact Squad I pick every time I do a team list
Michael Ericson January 20, 2017 at 12:06pm

That's a super team with plenty of cover for injuries. Seriously that's one of the best squads in the NRL. Absolutely no excuses this year not to have a decent crack at it.
Wayne January 20, 2017 at 12:11pm

What impresses me is the others list. All bar 2 have 1st grade experience and all are great back ups. No longer do we need the players on this list to rely on each week as we have done for years. But very handy players to fill in when needed.
realeel 86 January 20, 2017 at 12:41pm

Only 2 things I'd tweak

Tepai to the edge with Scott shoring up the middle and Kaysa on the bench for maybe Vave