The Parramatta Eels face a critical juncture as they approach Friday’s match against Manly at Four Pines Park, formerly known as the old Brookvale Oval.
Following a disastrous second-half collapse against the Dolphins, where they were thoroughly outplayed, the Eels are in urgent need of rejuvenation. While the absence of their key playmaker, Mitchell Moses, is felt keenly, it’s worth noting that other teams like Penrith and the Broncos have managed to secure victories despite missing their star players, Nathan Cleary and Adam Reynolds respectively. Therefore, solely attributing their struggles to the absence of their champion number 7 seems like an oversimplification.
While Mitchell Moses’ absence for up to three months is certainly a significant factor, the truth remains that the decision-makers at Parramatta must be feeling uneasy after lackluster performances against the Raiders and Dolphins, despite Brad Arthur’s proven coaching abilities. Complicating matters further is the fact that Wayne Bennett, one of rugby league’s most esteemed coaches, is currently off contract for the next season.
We’re not suggesting that Arthur’s job hangs in the balance with just 80 minutes to prove himself, akin to Jason Demetriou’s situation at Souths recently, but there’s a growing sense that the pressure from the club’s passionate fanbase might make Parramatta’s executives reconsider their stance. Arthur has shown himself to be a capable coach and a commendable individual, yet the lingering question after 11 seasons, five finals appearances, one grand final, and no premierships, is whether he remains the right person to lead the Eels to success.
Furthermore, with South Sydney also struggling and Bennett potentially unavailable until October, there’s uncertainty surrounding the coaching landscape, adding to the speculation about Arthur’s future at Parramatta.
The Rabbitohs are scheduled for a board meeting next Tuesday, and there were clear indications a fortnight ago that the club was considering parting ways with Demetriou. Initially, there were plans to bring in Mal Meninga as an interim coach for the remainder of the season, with speculation suggesting that they intended to pursue Bennett afterwards. However, the Meninga option has since been ruled out, leaving Souths with only one win out of six games at the start of the season.
Their upcoming challenge against Melbourne on Anzac Day adds to the pressure, as South Sydney has never managed to secure a victory in Melbourne since the Storm joined the competition in 1998, resulting in an 18-match losing streak. Meanwhile, Bennett has been vocal about his intentions to continue coaching beyond this season with the Dolphins.
The question now remains: will it be Parramatta or South Sydney that makes the first move in the coaching shuffle?
DOOR SHUT ON LOMAX BACKFLIP
Zac Lomax, the current leader in the Dally M Medal race, is not expected to do a sudden turnaround like Nathan Blacklock regarding his decision to join the Parramatta Eels on a four-year contract next season. Despite having until the close of business on Thursday to reconsider during his 10-day cooling-off period, all indications suggest that Lomax will indeed be heading to the Eels next year, solidifying his position as one of the standout performers in the league.
Lomax’s remarkable resurgence this season has been a notable storyline, particularly after receiving a motivational push from St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan during the preseason. Despite being dropped to NSW Cup at one stage last season, Flanagan’s encouragement has ignited a resurgence in Lomax, who has showcased his talent with six tries in seven games this year, including a standout performance against the Warriors in round seven, which included a remarkable aerial display and a crucial two-point field goal on the brink of halftime.
While Dragons supporters are fervently campaigning for Lomax to remain with the club, it appears that he is set on his decision to join the Eels. Currently leading the Dally M leaderboard with 19 points, Lomax is ahead of contenders like Tommy Trbojevic and Viliame Kikau, solidifying his status as a top performer in the competition.
THE BIZARRE REALITY AND WAITING GAME FOR TIGERS FRONTROWER
Credit to the Wests Tigers for their proactive approach in attempting to secure the highly sought-after front-rower Stefano Utoikamanu on a lengthy contract. However, there’s a sense that the in-form player is not in a hurry, given his aspiration to experience finals football.
Utoikamanu’s contract with the Tigers presents a unique situation, with various clauses affecting his future. If he earns a spot in the Blues State of Origin team and plays two games this year, it activates an option for him to stay at the Wests Tigers. Similarly, if the Tigers qualify for the finals this season, it also triggers an option for him to remain with the club. However, if neither scenario unfolds, Utoikamanu becomes a free agent as of November 1, when his current contract with the Tigers expires in 2025.
Entering his fourth season with the Tigers, Utoikamanu, like all players, desires to participate in September football. Should the contract options fail to materialize, it’s likely he will wait until November 1 to explore other opportunities in the open market.
The example of Luke Brooks, who has thrived since switching clubs to the Manly Sea Eagles, serves as a reminder of the potential benefits of a change in scenery. Once heavily criticized, Brooks is now excelling with the Sea Eagles, quietly fulfilling his role within the team.
While it’s hoped that Utoikamanu will continue his strong performances with the Wests Tigers, it’s certain that numerous rival clubs will be vying for his signature, using the success story of Brooks as a persuasive pitch.
MASSIVE CALLS LOOMING FOR CHOOKS
It’s evident that the Sydney Roosters have begun the season below the anticipated standard and are now confronted with significant decisions regarding their roster as they strive to maintain a consistent presence as contenders for the premiership.
The acquisitions of new players Dominic Young and Spencer Leniu were seen as signals of the Roosters’ resurgence as a genuine premiership contender. However, despite their additions, the team has struggled to find their style and rhythm in the opening seven rounds of the competition. Although Young has featured
in only four of the Roosters’ first six games, and Leniu is suspended until round 10, it’s clear that the team is currently grappling with more questions than answers.
Injuries to key players like captain James Tedesco and halfback Sam Walker have further complicated matters, disrupting the fluency of the Roosters’ attack. Additionally, three-time premiership-winning coach Trent Robinson faces the challenge of addressing the team’s struggles against reigning premiers Penrith Panthers and perennial powerhouse Melbourne Storm over the past four seasons.
The Panthers have emerged victorious in nine consecutive matchups against the Roosters since the beginning of 2020, while the Roosters have managed just one win against the Storm in ten games during the same period. These statistics highlight the formidable challenge that both Penrith and Melbourne pose to the Roosters’ aspirations for success.
The Roosters seem to have made a misstep in the area of player retention, which is typically an area of strength for the club, reminiscent of the astuteness displayed by the legendary combination of Jack Gibson and Ron Massey.
By extending the contract of captain Tedesco until the end of 2025, the Roosters have essentially forfeited the opportunity to retain players like Joey Manu and Joseph Suaalii, who are akin to Ferraris sitting idle in the garage. Both players are set to depart for rugby union at the conclusion of this season, although there is speculation that Manu may return to the red, white, and blue jersey as early as round 12 next season.
Meanwhile, hooker Brandon Smith has exercised the option in his contract to remain with the Roosters for the 2025 season, ensuring his presence as the team’s No. 9. Players such as Smith, Victor Radley, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Lindsay Collins, and Manu have been standout performers for the Roosters this season, despite the team currently sitting in 11th place on the ladder with three wins and four losses.
In the short term, it’s expected that coach Robinson will have the Roosters firing on all cylinders for the highly anticipated Anzac Day clash against St. George Illawarra. Given the Dragons’ recent performances, it’s predicted to be a closely contested match.
Looking ahead, the Roosters still face significant decisions regarding the optimal balance of key position players on their roster for the 2025 season and beyond.
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