NRL legends believe the Parramatta Eels’ struggles can be partly attributed to a “mismanagement of money”, which required a “mini clean-out” to fix.
The club has struggled for consistency since it lost Reed Mahoney, Isaiah Papali’i, Marata Niukore, Ray Stone, Oregon Kaufusi and Nathan Brown among others since their 2022 grand final loss to the Panthers.
The side’s “embarrassing” 48-16 Magic Round flogging at the hands of the Storm – particularly their second-half effort – was the proverbial straw that cost coach Brad Arthur his job after a lengthy tenure at the club.
But former NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler said that mass exodus was triggered by their salary cap and personnel issues in the wake of their 2022 grand final appearance.
He said the roster left behind is not strong enough to contend for a premiership regardless of who the coach is.
“They failed two years ago, and then they let go six forwards and no backs,” he said on Nine’s Freddy and the Eighth.
“I couldn’t understand that … (the departing players) were all part of their starting (lineup) or they played a big part coming off the bench.
“They’ve had no depth to replace them since.”
Named in the starting lineup against the Rabbitohs on Saturday night are props Reagan Campbell-Gillard (30) and Junior Paulo (30), Joey Lussick (28) at hooker, Shaun Lane (29) and Bryce Cartwright (29) in the second row and J’maine Hopgood (25) at lock.
Parramatta missed the top-eight in 2023, and look destined for the same fate in 2024. Trent Barrett has been named as interim coach.
The side have battled without star halfback Mitchell Moses, who has been injured since suffering a broken foot in round three, with the Eels winning two of their first three clashes but just one of their last seven in his absence.
“It just shows there’s a mismanagement of money when you’ve got to lose that many forwards in one go, then (when) your halfback is out you can’t compete,” Fittler said.
Also on Freddy and the Eighth, Andrew Johns suggested a “mini clean-out” was required Eels pathways program.
He also said should the Eels lose Campbell-Gillard or Junior Paulo, there were few in the club’s junior ranks putting their hands up to make the step up,
He pointed out Parramatta’s junior clubs were once almost “unbeatable”. Its NSW Cup side sits eighth on the ladder, and its Jersey Flegg side 13th of 14.
“A mini clean-out,” Johns said.
“Not cleaning out the whole house, maybe just cleaning out the pantry.”
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