Parramatta Eels 2014 Season Review | By ERL With the 2014 season now all but over, ERL will take a look at the year that was, reviewing each club’s performance, analysing the clubs weaknesses, stand out performers, and, of course, the flops. I thought it would be only fitting to kick things off with the Parramatta Eels, on the back of news that superstar Jarryd Hayne-also considered one of Para’s favourite sons-would be leaving the game he loved to peruse a career in the NFL. If anyone can pull off such a feat, it’s Jarryd Hayne. Right out of the gate, Parramatta looked positive. A big win at home to the Warriors round one gave Parramatta fans some hope that the whole Ricky Stuart debacle was behind them. The tide quickly changed though, with a second round thrashing at the hands of reining premiers the Roosters 56-4, followed by a narrow loss to Manly round 3 22-18, it seemed Parramatta were destined for three consecutive wooden spoons. When head coach Brad Arthur agreed to a 3-year deal at the end of 2013- on the back of the announcement coach Ricky Stuart would be heading to his beloved Canberra Raiders-coach Geoff Toovey, and, many of the Manly players, hinted on the impact the loss of Arthur would be at Manly, and how Parramatta would benefit greatly. Having nothing but praise for the assistant coach. “ It’s a massive loss to the club,” a croaky voiced Toovey admitted. “He (Arthur) will do great a Parra next year, we now have to find a replacement, that wont be easy”. After those back-to-back losses, the Eels were quick to turn things around, notching up three wins on the trot, including an impressive victory over the Roosters, who, only four weeks earlier, thrashed them by 52 points. Now firmly cemented in the top eight, Parramatta were again a force, impressing at every outing, it was like re-living the eighties all over again, the kings of the west were back. Along with Jarryd Hayne, Chris Sandow and Will Hopate, Nathan Peats was outstanding for Parramatta. Peats, for much of the year, would prove to be the difference. Not only was he impressing coach Brad Arthur; the gutsy rake would not go un-noticed with Blues coach Laurie Daley. Many tipping Peats to replace injured blues incumbent Robbie Farrah. It was as if Life couldn’t get any better for Nathan Peats and the Eels. But, like any fairy tale, there’s the ghastly beast that lingers in the back ground, ready to pounce at any opportunity. That moment would be in their 38-12 loss to Penrith Panthers on rd. 12. Peats took a heavy knock to his knee. Although Visibly in pain, the champion played on, resulting in the need for season ending knee surgery. A massive blow to the Eels 2014 campaign. From that point on, the Eels dropped off. Although Jarryd Hayne was out standing, along with Tim Mannah, Chris Sandow and mid season purchase Isaac Deb Gois, Parramatta seemed to lose their composer, their mojo if you like, suffering heavy losses at the back end of the season. But, due to good work early on, Parramatta were still in contention to play finals footy for the first time since 2009. The Eels would be in a three-way tug-of-war for eighth position with the Broncos and Warriors still a chance. It would all come down to the final round. Parramatta was off to the nations capital to battle it out with the Raiders. The equation was simple; win and you’re in. Considered one the hardest road trip in the NRL, the task would not be an easy one. What ensued was a good old fashion touch up. Leaving Parramatta fans heart broken, Broncos and Warriors fans on the other hand were left smiling from ear to ear. It seems ironic how the Eels fate rested in the hands of their former mentor Ricky Stuart. But, as we all know, the football gods work in mysterious ways. Co-Captain Tim Mannah described the loss as one of the hardest he’s had in his career. “It was just a real empty feeling” Mannah reflects. “All the boys new we blew a really good chance, no one new what to do”. 2015- If the Eels are to be successful in season 2015 first thing they need to do is move on from Jarryd Hayne. As hard as that is to do, it’s a must. Also, they will need to recruit smartly. Hayne leaving for the NFL leaves an enormous void in the roster, it also frees up a mountain of cash. With rumours doing the rounds that they are on the verge of signing Anthony Watmough, Parra desperately need another superstar. My predictions- Israel Folau or Brett Stewart. Seasons Best: Without a doubt Jarryd Hayne. The Flop: Corey Norman. Although Norman showed glimpses of brilliance throughout the season, he was not convincing enough. Norman was once touted by the great Arthur Beetson as a future captain of Queensland. The kid has immense talent, he needs to knuckle down and take control in 2015. 2015 Arrivals: Beau Champion (south Sydney), Shannon McPherson (Salford), Cody Nelson (Titans), Danny Wicks (uncontracted) Departures: Jarryd Hayne (NFL), Liam Foran (London), Daniel Harrison (London), Ben Smith (retired), Willie Tonga (Catalans). 2015 prediction-:14th. Jarryd Hayne is just to big a loss. If Norman and Sandow step it up another gear than maybe a top eight finish. They have a very good coach in Brad Arthur, so anything is possible. Wins: 12 Losses: 12 Finished: 10th Emerging star: Semi Radradra. ERL rating: 6 out 10 Written by: Peter Fegan , Everything Rugby League Video Upload: FootyTube NRL Subscribe:https://youtube/channel/UChCo9VhO2sNqmM_9ywBt2pA
Posted on: Fri, 17 Oct 2014 07:03:59 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015