Parramatta Eels: Round 1 Team Comparison

STAFF WRITERS | January 23, 2017 - 9:19am

After a season that is best forgotten, the Parramatta Eels will be looking to make a mark on 2017 early.

The salary cap scandal that plagued 2016 did more than just distract the players, it tore the team apart. Popular players Junior Paulo and Nathan Peats left mid-season, while star signing Kieran Foran failed to see the year out with the club.

The team that will run out onto Brookvale Oval for Round 1 of 2017 is barely recognisable when compared to the 2016 team.

2016 Round 1 Team

With a completely new spine for 2017, the Parramatta Eels will be hoping to click early.

Superstar in the making Bevan French will start the season at fullback, hoping to continue his form from the end of 2016.

Corey Norman will take on a new role of halfback after spending much of his career playing five-eighth. Joining him in the halves will be the versatile Clinton Gutherson, who will be hoping a full pre-season training in the halves will have him prepared to lead the team.

The spine isn't the only new component to the team though, with Parramatta restocking their team with a host of new signings across the park and it's likely a few of them will be donning the blue and gold for Round 1.