You must have flash player to view media.
Warrick Nicolson | 07/02/08
VIDEO - Nathan Cayless talks pre-season predictions
STATE OF PLAY
Parramatta reached the Final Four for the second time in three years, falling to Melbourne in the Preliminary Final 26-10 in 2007.
But with a playing roster brimming with fresh new talent and seasoned veterans, a Grand Final appearance may be in the offing for the Eels faithful, if the side can reach the Preliminary Final stage once again in 2008.
Last 3 Finishes:
2005: 3rd
2006: 8th
2007: 4th
ROSTER ROUND-UP
After a couple of aggressive off-seasons when the club bought in some big name players to get over the now twenty-one year premiership hump, the Eels have made just one significant purchase for 2008 with the addition of South Sydney discard Joe Galuvao.
The former Penrith premiership winning second rower is far from over the hill at 29, but he alone hardly off-sets the depth the club lost with Aaron Cannings, Blake Green, Ian Hindmarsh and Timana Tahu all departing.
If Coach Michael Hagan decides to go with Krisnan Inu and Jarryd Hayne as his new centre combination, the Eels will certainly have more attacking potency on the edges.
The defensive drawback may be off-set if Ben Smith can transform himself into a decent finisher, as he will likely still defend at centre alongside Hayne but play on the wing in attack.
Eric Grothe will play on one wing while youngsters Joel Reddy and Taulima Tautai will keep the pressure on Ben Smith for the other spot.
First choice fullback Luke Burt, who missed the team’s run home into the Finals through injury is back, and will compete against Inu in a pre-season duel for the goalkicking duties.
Tim Smith and Brett Finch form one of the most creative halves duos in the NRL and the talent in the outside backs should see their crisp service converted into points.
Smith may face a tough first month from the boo-birds given his off-season indiscretions, but he is a player with plenty of ability and has an opportunity to take the next step in his evolution as the Eels best halfback since the great Peter Sterling.
The two Nathans, Hindmarsh and Cayless, are the foundations upon which Parramatta’s forward pack is built on.
As some of the younger members of the unit mature in 2008, the Eels should reap the benefits from their development under those two standout performers.
Mark Riddell is the undisputed number one hooker at the club now that PJ Marsh has moved on to the Broncos.
However, with only unproven rookies Matt Keating and Anthony Mitchell on the depth chart, Riddell could face a long season with long minutes ahead of him, for the first time in his career.
The pack fills out nicely with FuiFui MoiMoi, Chad Robinson, Daniel Wagon, Josh Cordoba and 2007 sensation Feleti Mateo certain to feature in the top squad. Young forwards to watch out for in 2008 include Weller Hauraki, Junior Paulo, Brendan Oake and the fan’s tip to be the next big thing – soon to be 20-year-old backrower Tim Robinson.
STRONGEST LINE-UP
1. BURT, Luke
2. SMITH, Ben
3. INU, Krisnan
4. HAYNE, Jarryd
5. GROTHE, Eric
6. FINCH, Brett
7. SMITH, Tim
8. CAYLESS, Nathan
9. RIDDELL, Mark
10. MOIMOI, FuiFui
11. HINDMARSH, Nathan
12. ROBINSON, Chad
13. MATEO, Feleti
14. GALUVAO, Joe
15. WAGON, Daniel
16. CORDOBA, Josh
17. KEATING, Matt
FEARLESS FORECAST
Expectations are always high in Parramatta at this time of year.
Season 2008 is Hagan’s second in charge and the team certainly has the right balance to be a Minor Premiership contender.
As for the big prize – the NRL Premiership Trophy – the Eels need their key position players Tim Smith and Mark Riddell to fire at the pointy end of the season, otherwise this year could end just like the previous twenty-one… with the premiership drought continuing and the Parramatta Stadium grandstands not burnt to the ground.
PREDICTED RECORD: 17-7
PREDICTED FINISH: 3rd
Send to friend
* Required field