Parramatta are set to start Bryce Cartwright and Matt Doorey in the back row for their opening game of the season against the Storm on Thursday night.
The Eels’ back row from last year’s grand final has been completely wiped out, with injury, suspension and off-season departures forcing a reshuffle to Brad Arthur’s side.
Sources with knowledge of selections talking under the condition of anonymity told the Herald that Cartwright will feature in the Eels starting side despite not featuring in the trials. Not since 2021 has the former Panthers star featured in Parramatta’s run-on side.
It’s expected Canterbury recruit Doorey will partner him in the back row, with Panthers recruit J’maine Hopgood to start at lock.
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Interesting
Thankfully it's only rd1, we'll be fresh in no time. GO PARRA BRING ON THE STORM
Can't see it considering he has been out with a broken jaw.
What scares me is the amount of outside backs unavailable, a perfect excuse for BA to shift D Brown to centre and play his little boy at 6. God help us.
Who is this Cartwright fella. I hope this incarnation plays to some structure and then when on top does some offloading. Could be a world beater if he could understand his role.
He is a fit character and will be able to do some decent minutes. Sometimes, people just need to be given a simple role and trusted to do that role. I dont think this will happen based on the lack of faith show to him and his record of low minutes and being yanked off as soon as he steps outside that role. His flair is and will be always game breaking it is the defensive flaws that has all but stalled his career.
Agreed - needs to just do a simple job. Earn the right to offload / defend. Simple stuff
I thought maybe we would see Cartwright in an increased role this year. He's a very talented player there is no denying that, can break a game apart with his ball playing. I think he's shown an increased defensive willingness too at his time at Parra as well as a willingness to take tough carries
That sounds good for lane to return as it was bugger all for cartwheel to be ready after a broken jaw
I am surprised Cartwright is in the 30, then alone the 17......I have a liking for Cartwright but cannot help to think he is one very overated player.....Yes he has ball skills but he is like a twenty twenty cricketer, his technique does not suit the long game I am afraid, couple of flashy shots but he has had the opportunity to put bum up and head down, but seems incapable of taking it.
The non leaking of anything from the Parra camp is such it is hard to enthuse that some journo heard it on the grapevine, there's no grapevine at Parra just barbed wire and if you don't get caught in it, your likely to be rolled up in it.
As an aside we have more ball players in the current team than the harlem globetrotters, I would have though BA's total focus would be defence. Why pick a ball player back from a broken jaw first up when the focus is defence.
Sounds like another fcukwit journo to me.
I'm hearing ya pops
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