Parramatta again failed to back up an impressive win after going down to the Sydney Roosters 31-24 in Magic Round.
With an up and down form line, questions have been posed over the Eels’ ability to challenge for the premiership and SEN host Greg Alexander pondered whether they’ve got what it takes to go “a step further” in 2022.
“They’ve definitely shown they’re up for the big game,” Alexander said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“They beat Penrith, they hadn’t been beaten in 21 games at home until then.
“They were able to beat Melbourne back in Round 3 at AAMI Park, both Melbourne and Penrith were away games.
“There’s no doubt they’ve got the talent to win big games.
“They’ll be up the top this year, but can they go a step further?”
Rugby league great Cameron Smith agreed with Alexander and added that consistency is the key issue holding Brad Arthur’s side back.
“I agree completely, consistency is their issue,” Smith said.
“They don’t have any issues getting up for any big games, they’re the only team that has beaten both of those teams in the competition.
“It’s not about getting up for the big ones, it’s about going week-to-week and it’s ongoing.”
While there are still obvious question marks hanging over the Eels, Alexander is more confident in them this year than in previous seasons due to the form of halves pairing Dylan Brown and Mitch Moses.
“I’ve got no doubt that Mitch Moses and Dylan Brown are better big-game players than they have been previously,” Alexander explained.
“When you look at their seasons recently, they’ve been good through the regular season but haven’t won the big games.
“I think they’re in a better position this year than they have been in previous years because of that fact.”
Smith added that the Eels would want to find their best form sooner rather than later as “huge” personnel changes for 2023 means the club’s premiership window is closing.
“If they’re going to do something in this competition, it has to be this year,” Smith said.
“Think about the players that they’re losing, Reed Mahoney is gone, Isaiah Papali’i gone, Marata Niukore, (Ray) Stone – personnel changes after this year are huge.”
Parramatta will be hoping to bounce back when they host Manly at CommBank Stadium on Friday night.