It is fair to say that Parramatta Eels fans have experienced more heartache than most in the past few seasons.

This includes three wooden spoons since 2012 as well as having to endure the repercussions of the now infamous salary cap scandal that led to the club being docked 12 competition points and fined $1 million by the NRL.

However, since the appointment of Brad Arthur as head coach, performances have been on a steady incline at Parramatta, barring the unexpected train wreck that was the 2018 season. This upturn in performances has led to Arthur attracting and assembling a top eight quality squad, but inept talent identification and salary cap management throughout the years has led to the Eels losing some serious star power that Brad Arthur and previous Eels coaches would no doubt have loved to have at their disposal in the recent trying times.

Here are the top 10 players the Eels have let go, not re-signed or released since 2000.

8. Clinton Schifcofske

Known widely throughout rugby league circles for his time in the lime green of the Canberra Raiders, Schifcofske began his career with the now defunct South Queensland Crushers before heading south to join the Parramatta Eels.

In his three seasons at Parramatta Schifcofske helped the Eels to three consecutive preliminary finals, playing every game in his first season and featuring regularly at fullback.

At the end of the 2000 season and without a contract with Parramatta for next season, the Raiders identified the then 24-year old as a player of potential and promptly signed him to join the club ahead of the 2001 season.

Schifcofske made an immediate impact in the nationโ€™s capital, being named Canberra Raidersโ€™ player of the year in his first season at the club, as well as in 2004. His consistent form and leadership qualities resulted in him being made club captain in 2006, and in the same year, he made his State of Origin debut at fullback for the Maroons in the series decider. He would go onto feature one more time for Queensland.

During his time at the Raiders, Schifcofske was renowned for his evasive running style, and deft kicking game both off the tee and in general play. He was also a trailblazer, being one of the first fullbacks to be deployed as a second five-eighth out the back of set plays in the early to mid-2000s thanks to his classy kicking and passing abilities.

By the time he hung up the boots after a swansong in rugby union with the Queensland Reds and Irish club Ulster, Schifcofske had racked up 1604 career points to sit 9th in Australian rugby leagueโ€™s all-time point scoring list.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 17: Clinton Schifcofske of the Raiders is tackled by Ben Smith of the Eels during the round 19 NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the Parramatta Eels held at Canberra stadium on July 17, 2005 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

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