Foxsports.com.au's 2011 NRL season preview with Laurie Daley: Parramatta, tipped to finish 12th

  • By David Weiner
  • FOX SPORTS
  • February 28, 2011 5:22AM
Parramatta Eels

Key players ... Parramatta have big hopes for Daniel Mortimer (L) and Nathan Hindmarsh. Source: News Limited

Foxsports.com.au continues its countdown to the NRL premiership season by previewing Parramatta, the team rugby league legend Laurie Daley predicts will finish 12th this year.

2011 Parramatta Eels NRL Squad

Mitchell Allgood, Jordan Atkins, Luke Burt, Karlos Filiga, Jarryd Hayne, Chris Hicks, Nathan Hindmarsh (c), Justin Horo, Tom Humble, Matt Keating, Taniela Lasalo, Tim Mannah, Manase Manuokafoa, Casey McGuire, Anthony Mitchell, Fuifui Moimoi, Daniel Mortimer, Pele Peletelese, Justin Poore, Joel Reddy, Jeff Robson, Billy Rogers, Shane Shackleton, Ben Smith, Etu Uaisele, Chris Walker, Carl Webb, Paul Whatuira.

2011 NRL Ins And Outs

NRL Transfers

NRL Preview Countdown

No.1: 'Dragons have been the most consistent'
No.2: 'The Tigers have got the world's best player'
No.3: 'Roosters still have improvement left in them'
No.4: 'Canberra tick all the boxes as team on rise'
No.5: 'Warriors on the verge of a special season'
No.6: 'The Titans will be up there once again'
No.7: 'Brisbane will be hard to beat if players are fit'
No.8: 'Souths make my eight after a major signing'
No.9: 'Dogs may start slow due to player turnover'
No.10: 'Knights have potential but need consistency'
No.11: 'I suspect Melbourne may take time to recover'
No.12: 'I have a query over the Parramatta halves'
No.13: 'I don't think the Sea Eagles have the depth'
No.14: 'This is the Cowboys' strong roster in years'
No.15: 'Penrith flew under the radar last season'
No.16: 'Cronulla don't have the class of other teams'

Premiership Favourites

Which team do you think will win the 2011 NRL premiership?

Jarryd Hayne

Jarryd Hayne
Genius ... Jarryd Hayne.
Source: News Limited

New faces: Carl Webb (North Queensland Cowboys), Reni Maitua (suspension), Jordan Atkins (Gold Coast Titans), Chris Walker (Catalans Dragons - Super League), Eni Folau (Easts Tigers - Queensland Cup), Brad Murray (Sydney Roosters), Chris Hicks (Warrington Wolves - Super League), Paul Whatuira (Huddersfield Giants - Super League), Casey McGuire (Catalans Dragons - Super League).

Out the door: Nathan Cayless (retired), Feleti Mateo (Warriors), Krisnan Inu (Warriors), Kris Keating (Canterbury-Bankstown), Jonathan Wright (Canterbury-Bankstown), Tim Robinson (Manly).

Last year: After making a miraculous late charge to the 2009 decider, everyone was waiting for a similar late run after Parramatta's indifferent start to 2010 - it never came. They peaked at seventh spot in round seven and that was as good as it got for their fans, the Eels capitulating to finish 12th. Promising half Daniel Mortimer suffered in his second year in the top grade and the mood around the Eels camp was one of discontent, ending with Daniel Anderson's dismissal with a year to run on his contract.

Do you agree with Laurie Daley's predicted finish? Post your thoughts at the bottom of the page.

Room for improvement: Consistency. In 2010 the Eels relied too heavily on Jarryd Hayne. If they are to succeed this time, Matthew Keating, Jeff Robson and Mortimer will need to steer the side around the paddock. The added experience of Casey McGuire might give some stability to the line-up, and the removal of Feleti Mateo and Krisnan Inu hints that the Eels might be prepared to sacrifice flair in this campaign. The squad is well stocked with experienced forwards up front who need to step up. The Eels have few excuses on the edges either, with the likes of Ben Smith, Nathan Hindmarsh and Reni Maitua providing size and mobility. Recruits Paul Whatuira, Chris Hicks and Chris Walker were terrific NRL players in their day but will need to show they've still got what it takes.

Game breaker: While they don't want to rely on their talisman, Jarryd Hayne, Parramatta's form inevitably flows with that of their custodian. With the power of a second-rower, skills of a playmaker, speed of a winger, and kicking game of a halfback, if Hayne can pick his moments to chime into the backline, Parramatta can come back into the premiership equation.

Rising star: Anthony Mitchell was a bolter from the blue to get a run in the Indigenous All Stars line-up, but the nippy hooker impressed in his three-game NRL stint in 2010, scoring two tries. The 22-year-old could provide a livewire option off the bench.

Is Jarryd Hanye worth the price tag for your Fantasy NRL squad? Register now to select your team!

Key arrival: Parramatta have turned to journeymen in their recruitment for 2011, and the most interesting arrival is Reni Maitua who returns from an 18-month drug ban. The Eels have provided the lifeline that will make or break the hard-running backrower's career. On his day the NRL bad boy is a dynamic, Origin-quality player, so it could prove a worthy gamble.

Coach factor: Melbourne Storm and New Zealand international players swear by the style of Stephen Kearney as a mentor, coach and a confidant. Kearney has former NRL coach Peter Sharp alongside him and a Four Nations trophy to his name. He will need to instil that same level of passion at the Eels as he had with the Kiwis, as he tries to galvanise a team who looked stale and sloppy for large portions of 2010. It's a huge first-up test for a rookie coach who will need to find the best from some of the club's older, riskier recruits.

Fox Sports Stats: "Busy recruiters in the off-season, Parramatta will be relying on the older brigade to bring them success in 2011. Carl Webb, Reni Maitua, Chris Hicks, Paul Whatuira and Chris Walker bring with them a combined experience of 760 NRL matches. They bring in 134 more matches of experience than those they replace in Nathan Cayless, Feleti Mateo, Krisnan Inu, Kris Keating and Timana Tahu who in total had played 626 NRL matches."

Laurie Daley says: "After a big turnover of players and with question marks over the halves it's hard to see them doing enough to make the eight. It's so important to have a settled combination in your key positions and they just haven't got that. Jarryd Hayne is obviously the key but it's a matter of everyone else doing their role. Both Craig Bellamy and Wayne Bennett speak very highly of new coach Stephen Kearney, as do the players that have played under him. He is reported to have his players training really hard, however, we really don't know what style they're going to play. I am not prepared to go with them at this stage."

The Adjudicator says: "Who is next out of the Parramatta trap door? Gone is the old chief executive Dennis Fitzgerald, then the coach Daniel Anderson and then the captain Nathan Cayless! What next? Stephen Kearney and Nathan Hindmarsh better look out because patience is running out at Parramatta. And with the squad resembling a retirement centre-cum-rehab clinic, they'll want the Hayne Plane to take off again and hope that little Mortimer's problems really are only confined to that dreaded second year!"

Fantasy banker/darkhorse: Luke Burt ($260K) is a safe selection. His goal kicking is prodigious; he is a regular scorer, breaks the line and will score consistent points throughout the campaign. Outside back Jordan Atkins ($160K) is as cheap as you can get at the Eels, and the former Gold Coast Titans winger - who scored four tries on debut - also knows how to find the stripe.

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42 comments on this story

  • Alf Stewart of Melbourne says… February 28, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    Parramatta have recruited quite badly, who in their right mind would take on Carl Webb....That train left the station a long time ago and he is a shadow of his former self. Parra to finish 13th

    1

  • Jecks of Sydney says… February 28, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    LOL - Never laughed so hard in my life . I will laugh even harder when Parramatta finish in the top 4. Did Daley just pull random teams out of a hat ? He honeslty can't think that Canberra will go better than Parra can he ??

    2

  • Matthew McPherson of Wagga Wagga says… February 28, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    Too early to tell on what we will get from the eels. For a number of years they have been diamonds and trash performances from them and rarely getting a consistent season. Daniel Anderson started the clean out, but was there enough removed from the club?

    3

  • Leo Fulete of Parramatta says… February 28, 2011 at 9:19 AM

    To early to say were the EELS are at this point. Few of the regulars have not played pre-season and may even start on the bench or Wenties. Whatever ou may think of the recruitment, the EELS now have a multiple players in every position. So if one goes down, another is waiting. Eels have impressed in the last 2 games over Tigers and Panthers. Can't wait for round 1. I think Eels will make the 8, but, I agree with LD, consistency in the halves will be the key. But for that to happen, fowards need to show up this year. GO EELS!

    4

  • Blu says… February 28, 2011 at 9:23 AM

    What flair did the eels have in the 2009,2010 they were the 14 and 15th worst attacking team in those years They only had hayne as the attacker can someone please tell me where was this flair the eels average 15 points per game in the last 2 season

    5

  • Harry Kimble of Lidcombe says… February 28, 2011 at 9:28 AM

    Give them a few losses and the same players will white ant the coach. Time and time again this club blame the coach for player failures. Can't wait to see the Hayne Plane crash yet again.

    6

  • Frank E of Melbourne says… February 28, 2011 at 9:48 AM

    The Eels needed to clear the decks. They were going nowhere fast after a lucky 2009. Kearney is a smart coach and he has adopted a little of the Melbourne style in his recruitment and training style. Won't win the comp but they will surprise many and book a place in the top 8.

    7

  • David Woolacott of Brisbane says… February 28, 2011 at 9:51 AM

    I think they'll halve Laurie's prediction and finish 6th. I think Mortimer's in for a decent year and, despite what people are saying about the recruitment, their forward rotation is going to be strong. The outside backs are a bit of a concern though.

    8

  • Mat of Parramatta says… February 28, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    Hey Laurie, I think you prepared this rating prior to the trial, did you watch parra beat tigers and penther. If you would ave made the prediction today, hinestly your views would be different, I reckon, parra will finish 6th. I am 35, I dont think I am OLD, Lifes just started for me...

    9

  • SwisTony says… February 28, 2011 at 10:00 AM

    Jecks ....give the pipe a rest mate. Loz is being very kind to the Eels, the only likely addition to the trophy cabinet in 2011 is made of wood. As Michael Caton of 'The Castle fame says - "Dreamin"

    10

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  • michael of sydney says… February 28, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    why is it when parra win its all jarred hayne. but when we lose we are relying on him too much. 2009 was a great team performance with even better individual performances from hayne, mortimer and moi moi. in 2010 obviosly this didnt happen. i personal am rather happy with our recruitment considering we changed coaches rather late not giving the new man much time. great mix of youth and experience. parra to make top 8 and maybe push for top 4.

    11

  • trent says… February 28, 2011 at 10:15 AM

    top 8 easy

    12

  • Mark says… February 28, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    One of the worst NSW selectors in history is writing these articles. Ennis at 9, seriously? I wouldn't give them too much credence. He will probably have the Raiders finishing 1st.

    13

  • ian of sydney says… February 28, 2011 at 10:54 AM

    well jecks of sydney, they did last year!

    14

  • rob says… February 28, 2011 at 10:58 AM

    I dont even like the Eels but theyll go top 8 this year for sure

    15

  • Cowboy Pete of NQ says… February 28, 2011 at 11:00 AM

    Haha Jecks Para top 4 ... not likely! And what do you mean he can't honestly think Canberra will go better then Para? I mean they did last year and unlike the eels they have actually got a couple of decent recruits in Brett White and Matt Orford. Eel's recruiting is nothing short of woeful this year. Seriously Carl Webb, Chris Walker, Casey Macguire and Paul Whatuira. Sound like awesome recruits .... if it was 2004.

    16

  • Sam of Canberra says… February 28, 2011 at 11:07 AM

    Jecks of Sydney, Parra in the top 4? I've never laughed so hard in my life. They have signed some absolute fossils in the off-season, I'm surprised they haven't asked Stirlo to lace up the boots. And yes he does think that Canberra will do better than Parra, just like everyone else. (i'm not a raiders fan)

    17

  • partiban says… February 28, 2011 at 11:21 AM

    top 8 easy and daley should be sacked from foxsports. How could he put knights, raiders in front of eels

    18

  • Bobo of Brisvegas says… February 28, 2011 at 11:42 AM

    Parra went great in 2009 with Morts at 6 and Robson at 7. Anderson changed them around last year and look how they went. Getting rid of Anderson was the first step to getting Parra where they need to be. In the trials Kearney has had Morts back in the 6 and Robson back in the 7 and they are going great guns. Leave them that way and Parra will make the 8 easy and all you Parra haters will look as stupid as you are!

    19

  • Jayvee of The Bush says… February 28, 2011 at 11:52 AM

    Before I started doing the sums I thought Loza might be a bit tough here. I think the Eels look pretty good. But so do all the other teams. Someone has to miss the 8. The prediction is not so much a slap in the face for the Eels, but a case in point there are other teams who may improve more. Still wouldn't surprise if they made the 8 though. Dragons, Storm, and maybe an injury free Manly may be hard to beat though.

    20

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  • mat of wollongong says… February 28, 2011 at 12:08 PM

    they will make the 8 if they play as a team not just everyone trying to be a hero they shouldn't have brought so many bums they should have keeped mateo and inu at least they won't have heart attacks after the game and carl webb is the most useless player in the comp he sucks so bad!

    21

  • Sharks Oner says… February 28, 2011 at 12:29 PM

    hahaha Mark summed it up in a nutshell

    22

  • blake of canberra says… February 28, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    They will be lucky to finish 12th, they have a worse team then last year. I am thinking wooden spoon. And Raiders will be top 6.

    23

  • Tweety of Rosehill says… February 28, 2011 at 1:17 PM

    Mateo is a massive loss as he is one of the most gifted talents Parramatta have ever had but they failed to use his talents. Kearney is there best signing as he brings a winning attitude to the club. The Eels are another North Queensland for me, so much talent so little in the trophy cabinet. Everything depends on if there halfs click as most of the top sides have great 6's and 7's. Could finish anywhere from 12th to 1st and they do have the depth to see them into the finals. I still think they rely on Hayne far to much and is see them finishing in 10th after the hayne train... sorry plane.... or this years model..... crane fails to lift parra fans to the heights so many believe they are capable of.

    24

  • Wadey mighty eels of Wagga says… February 28, 2011 at 2:05 PM

    Enthusiasm from a new coach youth and experience. Top 8 for sure. from round 4 onwards look out for the blue and gold.

    25

  • matthew of kellyville ridge says… February 28, 2011 at 3:57 PM

    Mat of Parramatta. mate trials mean nothing. but i suppose being a parra supporter you would take any win and crow about it LOL Parra for the spoon in 2011

    26

  • Sarah of Canberra says… February 28, 2011 at 4:03 PM

    Eels = Crap

    27

  • Mavian of Carlingford says… February 28, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    Go eels Stuff u all haters! hahaha

    28

  • Stuart of baulko says… February 28, 2011 at 5:41 PM

    people get stuck into anderson, saying how poor he is. and then in same comment talk about 2009... this is literally the problem with parra supporters. no faith loyalty and no brains. yes canberra will finish well above parra. parra will not make the 8 macguire to be player of the year for them. parra show signs of improvement then people start complaining about them and people get sacked. team goes horrible again. laurie daley, stupidest person in the nrl.. dragons to go back to back. Tigers storm to contend. refs get pumped... eels suck.

    29

  • Scottie of Sydney says… February 28, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    Does someone write these articles on LD's behalf? he has tipped them to finish 12th here and then in his top 11 tips for 2011 he has the eels making the finals? I am a parra fan and really have no idea what to expect, trails form doesnt mean much at all, I can see them finishing anywhere from 5th-16th.

    30

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  • joe farrugia of noosa says… February 28, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    L D you only say 12th to get more people worked up why don't you grow UP and get your head out of the proverbial scrum and stop looking in the mirror mate new coach new players here they come .

    31

  • Manny Margaronis of Canberra says… February 28, 2011 at 10:21 PM

    I'm not surprised at Daley's prediction/s.When he's commentating during a live game i find i disagree with his observation of what just took place 75% of the time ,for such a brilliant player he's not much chop as a commentator. The Eels will scrape into the top 8 with the mix of experience and young talent and an up and coming new coach. This could be an outstanding year for the raiders if their 6 and 7 stay injury free. Bring on season 2011....go the Eels!!!

    32

  • mike johnson of canberra says… February 28, 2011 at 10:56 PM

    laurie daley ur a clown.parramatta eels will make top eight.canberra supporters. u got in the top eight last year and u couldn`t win in canberra on cold freezing night against the tigers.

    33

  • JD of Central Coast says… March 01, 2011 at 7:34 AM

    Wow...I'm suprised Daley actually waited until 12th to pick Parramtta's finish...given Daley's ongoing critical commentary of the Eels over the years. Did Parra hurt you in a previous life Loz?

    34

  • Concerned of Newcastle says… March 01, 2011 at 9:37 AM

    Scottie of Sydney.They're not LD's 11 tips of 2011 but they are Christopher Boyd's.

    35

  • Grant .Morrison of Frenchs Forest says… March 01, 2011 at 11:11 AM

    If forwards perform, and Hayne gets more involved. Eels should make the eight at least. Webb will be signing of the year. As for the blues. If the selectors get it right that is. Have enough talent to beat those Queenslanders easily.

    36

  • El Bronco says… March 01, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    Hey Again Lozza, The Eels are in for a long season it will be interesting to see where they are going to get there points from you can't keep going to the (Hayne Train) well every time they need to score. I like aspects of their pack and think it will be a revitalised and very well structured pack with the departures of Cayless and Mateo although i just can't see Robson and the games most over rated kid Daniel Mortimer putting on too many opportunities. Parra for a long, long season may just beat Sharkies for the Spoon 15th.

    37

  • wazza of nsw says… March 01, 2011 at 3:54 PM

    jecks ill give it too you mate loyalty is still alive how the ?? you could think parra top 4 or even close is amazing and it has to be 1 eyed parra fan syndrome,not to mention canberra will do heaps better than your boys again this year parra 10th tops and yes i know this sounds funny from a doggies fan lol [ps dogs 5th] but we always need hope>

    38

  • shane of Gold Coast says… March 02, 2011 at 1:25 PM

    I just put 500$ on parra to win at 26$ .. Year of EEl..

    39

  • Dexter Morgan of Brisbane says… March 03, 2011 at 12:23 PM

    I agree with his top 8 pick in no particular order. Dragons Warriors Raiders Rabbitohs Titans Tigers Roosters Broncos

    40

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  • Michael of Grafton says… March 04, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    Kearney will bring effective, cooperative discipline to a club which sadly has lacked it for nearly 25 years. A winning attitude and the ability to instil confidence in those players such as Robson and Mortimer will be the key to a successful year for Parra. I think the Warriors, Raiders, Titans and the Roosters won't make the eight. Difficult as always to say who will, but teams like Parra, Manly and the Storm are great hopes for the eight!!

    41

  • Adam of Tamworth says… March 04, 2011 at 4:39 PM

    You guys are kidding - wooden spoon! Loz is a bit harsh but 12th would be the lowest they will finish. I am tipping top 8 and wouldn't be suprised to see them finish 4th to 6th.

    42

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NRL Round 1

Thursday, March 01
Knights
vs
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7:35 PM
Hunter Stadium
Friday, March 02
Eels
vs
Broncos
7:35 PM
Parramatta Stadium
Saturday, March 03
Raiders
vs
Storm
5:30 PM
Canberra Stadium
Panthers
vs
Bulldogs
7:30 PM
Centrebet Stadium
Cowboys
vs
Titans
9:30 PM
Dairy Farmers Stadium
Sunday, March 04
Warriors
vs
Sea Eagles
12:00 PM
Eden Park
Tigers
vs
Sharks
2:00 PM
Leichhardt Oval
Monday, March 05
Rabbitohs
vs
Roosters
7:00 PM
ANZ Stadium
All times are listed in EDT


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