Coming off the Grand Final finish in 2022, a lot was expected of Parramatta, but they would ultimately fall very short.
Following a 1-4 start to 2023, the Eels sat in 15th place after five rounds and although they would recover, they were unable to keep that momentum till seasons end.
Injuries, suspensions, and a lack of cohesion are what primarily contributed to the Eels' poor season.
The arrivals of J’maine Hopgood and Josh Hodgson were the Eels' headline signings and with the club’s recruitment providing mixed results in their debut season.
Parramatta would also have to contend with the losses of key figures in Reed Mahoney, Marata Niukore, and Isaiah Papali’i whose quality they were unable to restore.
The poor start for Parramatta was matched by their disappointing finish which had their finals aspirations crumble much earlier than anyone would have anticipated.
The suspension disaster involving their star five-eighth, Dylan Brown, only would add to what was an incredibly dissatisfying year for Eels fans.
Did the Eels over-deliver or under-deliver in 2023?
The expectations for the Eels this season were to at least secure a top-eight finish. It’s safe to say the Eels have UNDER- DELIVERED finishing in 11th place with a 12-12 record.
Many expected Parramatta to fall from their 2022 highs but no one could have expected that the falloff would be this drastic.
Although not a huge signing, there was a heavy reliance on Josh Hodgson to fill their starting hooker role even after coming off a serious injury last year.
It became apparent early that Hodgson was unable to withstand the rigours of the NRL season and through no fault of his own would have to retire due to injury.
This left the Eels in a lurch in the hooker position as both Brendan Hands and Joey Lussick struggled to replicate the play of Mahoney - a problem they were unable to solve all season.
The Eels forward pack outside of Hopgood seemed uninspired for much of the season, their defence in particularly took a significant step back conceding 67 more points than in 2022.
Their early season woes were typified by numerous tight losses which put into question the halves partnership of Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown’s ability to manage games.
Key figures, Shaun Lane and Maiko Sivo’s play regressed from their previous season as Lane was unable to remain on the field, whilst Sivo’s defensive lapses continue to plague his career.
Parramatta at times were excellent and when their formidable forward pack was firing, their middle-heavy attack was difficult for any side in the NRL to deal with.
When did it fall apart?
There were two periods of the season that the Eels really struggled.
Rounds 1-5 and 19-25 were where the Blue & Gold faltered considerably.
That 1-4 start to the season put them on the back foot initially and although it was alarming, many predicted the experienced Brad Arthur to right the ship.
That poor start can be pinpointed to the side not adjusting to the losses of various key pieces and a relatively tough draw.
The Rounds 19-25 dip in form was largely caused by the absence of their playmaker Dylan Brown who was suspended after being charged for off-field indiscretions.
His seven-game suspension was initially dealt with well by the Daejarn Asi and Moses halves partnership, but the latter’s callup to the NSW Blues side decimated the Eels attacking creativity.
Brown who would have been crucial during the Origin period combatting the loss of Moses, left a massive hole that the Eels could not fill.
Moses’ eye socket injury that ruled him out for the final three weeks meant that any hopes of a late finals push had little chance of eventuating.
The Eels' woes extended to their backs which were seemingly always being chopped and changed, as outside of the ever-present Clint Gutherson, the backs often missed their defensive assignments.
The Eels were unlucky at times but also underperformed in 2023.
The best period to be an Eels fan
Rounds 12-17 is where the Eels found their mojo, going undefeated during this period.
The Eels put 30 or more points in four of the five wins and it looked like they had acclimatized to the altered roster.
The Eels shot up the NRL ladder from 14th in Round 11 to sixth in Round 18, picking up eight premiership points.
MORE: other season reviews
It was the only patch throughout the year that the Eels looked dominant and capable of pulling away from their opponents with ease.
Bryce Cartwright was a welcomed surprise on the edge providing offloads and would emerge as an attacking weapon during this time.
The Eels' sweep of the Premiership-holding Panthers also cannot be overlooked, as they showed that even amongst the disappointment they can compete with the NRL’s best.
Shining light: J’maine Hopgood
Possibly the best signing of this past offseason was Hopgood who flourished into arguably one of the elite forwards across the NRL.
After sporadically appearing during his time at the Panthers, Hopgood was asked to assume considerable responsibility as the Eels starting lock.
He showcased throughout 2023 a willingness to get stuck in defensively, an aptitude for ball-playing, and seriously good tackle-breaking and offloading ability.
No one in the NRL offloaded more than Hopgood did this season as he, Cartwright, and Paulo all ranked in the top five for offload passes.
It was off the Eels second phase play that their attack looked dangerous and it was Hopgood who created much of that.
In his first proper season of first-grade footy, Hopgood displayed an excellent motor playing the full 80 minutes on numerous occasions.
He was prone to occasionally missing a handful of tackles but that should resolve as Hopgood gains more experience.
The Eels hit a home run with this signing as Hopgood at just 24 looks set to become a representative star if he continues on this trajectory.
Will the Eels improve in 2024?
The Eels will likely improve in 2024, they possess too much firepower to finish outside the top-eight for consecutive seasons.
They should make the top-eight if they play to their capabilities and can sidestep the reoccurring availability issues that hampered them.
The club has done well to tie down various key players to long-term deals, but whether it be because of salary cap constraints, or a lack of interest, they have not signed anyone for 2024.
They look set to lose Cartwright and Wiremu Greig which isn’t ideal and will be without any new reinforcements for next year.
If the Eels get off to another slow start Arthur’s coaching gig could be in serious jeopardy.
It will be a monumental task for a coach who will enter his tenth season as head coach to not only reenergise his side but to do it without any roster changes.
Considering their 2022 success, the Eels board and fans will want Parramatta to be at the very least contending for a title by going deep into the finals.
Even without any recruitment, Arthur will still have an excellent side at his disposal who can compete amongst the NRL’s elite.
Eels player movements 2024
Gains:
Losses:
Jack Murchie
Unsigned
Waqa Blake, Bryce Cartwright, Wiremu Greig, Samuel Loizou, Josh Tuipulotu
