Round 16 marks the final “breather” moment for the Parramatta Eels – the last bye before the run home to the finals. Realistically, the finals series will be unlikely to include the Eels after those 12 points are finally stripped. Nonetheless, the Eels continue to play the type of football typical of a finals contender. So, with the team establishing a solid base moving forward, it’s worthwhile examining how those players new to the Eels have fared.

Michael Gordon

The reliable custodian is destined to be only a short term performer for the Eels, having secured a contract with the Roosters from 2017 onwards. Gordon’s greatest contribution in this season has been his positional play in defence. Far too often, the 2015 Eels were caught out through attacking kicks to our fullbacks who didn’t know their trade. That has become a thing of the past with Gordon in the #1 jersey. Naturally, he has been no Jarryd Hayne in attack, but his goal kicking and defensive plays have rectified a major problem from last season.

Bevan French

Though not new to the Parramatta club, 2016 has marked French’s debut as an NRL player. Those fans who have followed Bevan’s amazing NYC performances were expecting nothing less than a successful transition to the big stage for the slightly built young star. Though probably more at home at fullback, his pace has been shown to advantage on the wing, notching up four tries in his first 3 appearances.

Importantly, French has not overplayed his hand, choosing not to throw himself into the heavy hit-ups that are typical of the strongly built NRL wingers in today’s game. Instead, French has been the perfect man to be on the end of a final pass – and half chances have been converted to tries. It’s early days, but Bevan French looks to have a long career ahead of him in the blue and gold.

French – We saw his explosive pace in the 9s, now it’s on show in the NRL

Michael Jennings

“Jenko” certainly has his critics. They cite a decline in scoring opportunities for Semi Radradra as evidence that Jennings is not the ideal centre partner for the flying Fijian. I would argue that Jennings himself is a heavily marked player and any perceived lack of ball for Semi has been because this side of the Eels attack has been subjected to greater defensive scrutiny.

Additionally, people compare Jennings’ service to that of Brad Takairangi. This is a misplaced comparison as they are two completely different styles of centre. Taka is a centre whose greatest strength lies in his ability to engage his opposite number and in the process supply an offload to his unmarked winger. Semi was certainly on the end of some quality offloads last year. In contrast, Jennings uses his own evasiveness and pace to put himself into space and to then look for support from his winger. Nonetheless, combined, these two have added 17 tries for the Eels this year, a tally that would indicate a more than decent union.

With so few games with the Eels under his belt, Jennings should be pleased with his contributions thus far. The understanding between our backline stars can only get better, so I’d rate Jenko’s arrival at the club as a positive one.

Clinton Gutherson

This bloke is a favourite of TCT and is quickly becoming a fan favourite too. Starting the season on the wing, Gutherson was a solid performer who looked to be slowly finding his feet in a new club. That all changed with his  stints at fullback and centre. Without doubt, Gutho has been a revelation, both with his versatility and his confidence. On display has been great passing skills, strong charges, high quality defence, not to forget a genuine game sense.

A prime example of Gutho’s game sense can be found in the quick offload to Bevan French in the Darwin clash against the Titans. This was a key moment. A dropped ball by the Titans in the Eels half was quickly scooped up by Gutherson and just as quickly tipped on to French. The resulting open spaces that French scorched over on his way to the line only came about because of this split second play. It could be argued that Parramatta’s comeback in this match really started at this moment.

Gutherson may just go down as the best value Parramatta recruit in recent seasons. He’s certainly only going to get better!

Clinton Gutherson – an incredibly astute recruitment decision.

Kieran Foran

There can be no doubt about the ability of the Kiwi star. He is a class player who can play both skilfully and tough. However, we must be honest in our appraisal of the Eels marquee recruit. Be it due to circumstances either outside of or under his control, it’s hard to find a case for Foran being a strong contributor to the Eels performances this season. Given his season ending injury, that situation will be impossible to change in 2016.

Therefore, the jury is still out on Foran’s value to the club until 2017. He’ll certainly have plenty to prove next year. Let’s hope that he gets that opportunity. Perhaps we might even look upon Foran’s return to the field next season as being the equivalent of a recruitment to the 2016 team.

Rory O’Brien

This late bloomer came to the Eels on the back of only three first grade games with the Dragons. Rory himself probably didn’t expect an Eels debut by mid season, yet injury and circumstance have provided him with an opportunity.

After only two games off the bench, it’s definitely too early to make a call on his value. However, his numbers (averaging around 9 metres per run) have been encouraging for what has only been a couple of short stints on the field. A player of his size and impact could prove useful for an Eels team looking for value players.

Beau Scott

I’ve saved the best for last here. In Beau Scott, the Eels have found themselves the embodiment of what they want from all players who pull on a blue and gold jersey. Hard, skilful, resilient, uncompromising – mix these qualities in with a genuine leader and you have perhaps a player who will help to shape the culture of the Eels playing group for years to come. Pride in performance is key. Maximum effort. Nothing less.

I’ve watched a bit of Beau Scott at training, in addition to his matches this season. He trains the way he plays. Hard. No half measures. No excuses. He expects, no demands, the same from his team mates. He shows them AND he tells them. This is the mark of a great leader. Little wonder that Brad Arthur has handed the responsibility of captaincy to Scott this year. I have the feeling that this role might just stay with him in 2017.

Beau Scott – Is there a more influential recruit?

A Final Thought

Whilst still acknowledging the importance of retaining the best players, it must be stated that the turnover of players at any club through recruitment and releases is crucial in taking that club forward. Without stating the obvious, the players coming into a club must be able to do a better job than those who have moved on. Given the Eels results this season, I’ll give the new recruits a massive tick of approval.

Eels forever,

Sixties

All images courtesy of the Parramatta Eels

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