SEN’s Mat Rogers firmly believes the Parramatta Eels are set for another underwhelming season in 2024 due to the lack of X-factor players on their roster.
After a Grand Final appearance in 2022, Parramatta largely struggled in 2023 and failed to consistently put wins together on their way to a 12-12 record and 10th-placed finish.
Rogers said the Eels are unmatched in terms of their effort on the field but don’t have the star players to compete with the elite teams in the competition.
“I’m just a bit worried because you know what you’re going to get,” Rogers said on SEN 1170.
“You have a coach who will give it his all and you have a captain (in Clint Gutherson) where if you had 17 of him on the field, you’d make finals every year.
“There’s good leadership there that will try to get the best out of this team but can they be consistent enough throughout the year?
“They’ve got some solid players but they just don’t have an X-factor.
“Gutherson is an overachiever. The skillset and effort he puts in (is great) and he is my favourite player to watch and there’s daylight for second.
“Mitch Moses has phenomenal talent and we have seen it from time-to-time but consistently, he has got to raise his game.
“He has to put at that (elite) level more often and bring the other players through.
“I worry for Parramatta this year.”
The Eels host the Bulldogs in Round 1 on March 9 at CommBank Stadium.