To say 2016 was a season of ups and downs for the Eels would be a huge understatement. I honestly can’t remember a more headline dominated season for any club, bar possibly the ASADA plagued 2014 Sharks season.
By all reports the salary cap scandal that has loomed over the club for so long is now done an dusted, with all attention and efforts directed back to on-field activities.
Kieran Foran’s whirlwind stint at the club did more damage than good, and the club can now move on and forward, although anger still remains over the NRL’s decision to green light his return to the game.
A mixed pre-season won’t have many fans worried, as all attention looks to be firmly on round one.
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Weakness: Inexperienced spine
The likely spine of the Eels is one of the game’s most inexperienced, in terms of both NRL games played, and games played in their position.
Clint Gutherson has just 29 games to his name, and without the exact number of games, he has previously been seen as an outside back, rather than a half.
Cameron King has 21 games under his belt, and hasn’t played at NRL level since 2015, during his time at the Cowboys.
Bevan French has played just 13 games, and despite an incredible debut season, will have plenty of extra responsibility as the likely full time number one.
Corey Norman has played 127 games, almost double the experience of the rest of the Eels spine combined.
Strength: Try scoring potential
Semi Radradra is a try-scoring freak and has topped the try tally previously. Bevan French scored 19 in just 13 games last season.
Michael Jennings has never had trouble finding the line, although he’d probably like to better his 2016 output.
Brad Takairangi is a monsterous outside back capable of trampling anyone in his way. New signing Kirisome Auva’a had a big hand to play in his side’s 2014 success. Josh Hoffman had a brilliant 2016 season at the Titans.
John Folau is one I expect to burst back onto the scene in a big way in 2017. He’s big (understatement), quick, and I see no reason he won’t add to his NRL experience this season.
Best Player: Corey Norman
It’s arguable that no player is more important to their side in 2017 than Corey Norman.
Norman enjoyed a breakout season in 2016, although off-field issues ultimately ended it early, and finished off what little chance the Eels had of playing in the finals following their point deduction.
In terms of natural talent, Norman is at an elite level. He showed in 2016 what he is capable of, and really could have challenged for individual honours.
Whether or not he can produce similar football with the added pressures laid on him due to recruitment decisions is the million dollar question.
Pressure On: Bevan French
At just 21 year of age, and with less than 15 NRL games under his belt, young Bevan French enters 2016 with the world on his shoulders.
19 tries in his 13 appearances have set a high benchmark in terms of expectation for the youngster, who will likely make his move to fullback permanent.
With all the skills to become a massive star, French will have to show experience beyond his years in 2017 as sides look to pressure him.
Second year syndrome has brought down plenty of talented youngsters in the past, but this kid is special, and I expect huge things. Unfortunately though, so does everybody else.
Prediction: 10th
This Eels side could be absolutely anything. It’s not impossible that this side may be in genuine contention for a top two spot come the end of the season, yet not impossible that they be out of the finals race with rounds to play.
The fortunes of young Bevan French will have a huge say in their 2017 season, as if the youngster can continue his rapid rise, and become more involved, the sky is the limit.
The Radradra circus is a big distraction, and the player himself will be looking forward to playing football.
The Eels just lack that little bit of class, and a lot of experience, in key positions, and will be relying on Corey Norman, two rookies, and an untested number six.
There’s just too many variables to confidently predict anything higher than a 10th placed finish.
