The Parramatta Eels have hit the ground running and are determined to prove that the 2022 season was not a fluke.
The Eels made a fairy-tale run to the 2022 NRL Grand Final where they lost 28-12 to the Penrith Panthers. It was the final game in Parramatta colours for Isaiah Papali’i, Reed Mahoney and Oregon Kaufusi.
Despite the departure of a number of star players, The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio said Parramatta coach Brad Arthur is confident that he has the talent to get the Eels back to the Grand Final.
“I managed to catch up with Brad Arthur (and) there isn’t any sense of a hangover,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“The Eels have copped their medicine and they are ready to go again.
“(The 2023 season) will be about who he replaces those players that have exited the club.
“There are four names that Brad nominated (to replace) Papali’i.
“Newcastle forward Jirah Momoisea, ex-Raider and Warrior Jack Murchie, former Bulldog Matt Doorey and NSW Cup talent Toni Mataele are the four guys in the running for that back row position.
“They are all no-names and we’ve hardly heard of them (but) Arthur is confident he will get something out of one of those players.”
Arguably the most important player to leave the club is hooker Reed Mahoney who has joined the Bulldogs on a four-year deal worth $2.4 million.
Riccio said that Josh Hodgson, Mahoney’s replacement, has already impressed for his new club in the early stages of pre-season.
“I spoke to Brad about Josh and he has moved within five minutes of the Eels’ training facility,” Riccio added.
“He was banging down the door to start training, he came a couple of days earlier and has not missed a session.
“The impressive parts already within one week that Brad Arthur has noticed is his ability to bring his teammates together and be a leader of voice.
“He really is the clear dominating voice and player in the middle.
“If he fires, the Eels won’t miss a beat.”
The Eels will kick off the 2023 NRL season when they host the Melbourne Storm at CommBank Stadium on March 2.