I wish i knew exactly.
Being a Parramatta fan for as long as i have, i have seen some highs and lows. This season so far has been a low. How can a team go from making the grand final one year, to be equal third last with by far the worst for and against record nearly two years later? There are many arguable reasons. Everyone knows that the Eels success in 2009 was off the back of one of the most incredible efforts by a player made in a season. Even in the beginning of the season when they were playing pretty bad, Jarryd was doing good things, and it seemed all of a sudden everyone decided to show up to the party. A bad result of being pretty much untouchable for a lot of that year is the ego that comes with it. I believe Hayne's biggest problem with his footy is his attitude, when things don't go his way he gets the sooks, and when he isnt playing well, very rarely do the rest of Parramatta.
Parramatta's 2011 recruits were colorful to say the least, lets have a look at the whole team.
Jarryd Hayne- He can do it all, run, kick, pass and tackle. When he is on he is without a doubt on of the best going around. Biggest problem is his attitude, when he gets that right he is the ultimate weapon. Could easily make a move to the #6 in the future ala Lockyer.
Luke Burt- A crafty veteran of the club and game. Very good goal kicker, support player and never stops trying. But as he is getting older he is having limited impact in his kick returns or defence.
Jakob Loko- This time last year he was barely in the NYC. Is a raw talent at the age of 18. Big, strong and fast. Despite being shown up in defence he is a must for the rest of the season as he is a player of the future.
Joel Reddy- The center dubbed as "The Rocket Man" missed the first few rounds of the competition this season due to injury. Since coming back he has been disappointing, particularly in defence, which is meant to be a strong point in his game. Is off contract at the end of the year and if Parramatta gain a strike center, may find himself without a contract extension.
Jordan Atkins- Has had limited opportunities so far in the few first grade game he has played, but has been very solid when given the shot. Good under the high ball, strong kick returns, he is one of the few i have been impressed with.
Daniel Mortimer- Touted as a long term play maker for the Eels in 2009, Mortimer has been very disappointing so far this season .Tries his best all the time but looks lost when in possession,has a terrible kicking game and equally bad passing game. Is targeted in defence and is found out regularly. Needs a stint in Wenty at the least.
Jeff Robson- Tries he best every game and has a handy short kicking game and can tackle, but would not be the first choice half at any other NRL club, which says it all.
Tim Mannah- One of the Eel's shining lights. Does not stop in attack or defence. Has great leg drive and makes good meters. A Parramatta favorite, should retain his spot in the NSW side this year.
Casy McGuire- An Ex-Eel who has come back from a four year stint in the ESL, has been our most dangerous attacking option apart from Hayne. Gives good service from dummy half and has a been very good in defence. Matt Keating could learn a thing or two from him.
Fui Fui Moi Moi- Our most dangerous forward, the human wrecking ball breaks tackles at will. Has just been recently selected in the kiwi squad for the Anzac test V Australia, he is getting older and will be 33 when his contract expires at the end of 2012.
Nathan Hindmarsh- Will go down as Parramatta's favorite son, and with good reason. Hindmarsh has saved countless trys with his efforts in defence over the years while at the same time his iron man like performances have diminished his attacking game. Still making a tremendous effort in defence, so big it's one of the best in the NRL, he offers little in attack. Hindmarsh will also be 33 when his contract expires at the end of next year. Next years performance and potential injuries will decided if he will play on after 2012.
Taniela Lasalo- After making his debut for the blue and gold in 2009, he has seemed to cement himself a spot in the starting 13 for 2011. The relatively quick second rower knows how to hit a hole and should play a big part in the Eels future.
Ben Smith- The center-turned-second rower has been well below par so far this season. At his best, Smith is a hard working second rower who has the advantage of playing like a center in attack. Too many dropped balls and constantly giving away stupid penalties may see him being dropped when Reni Maitua returns later in the season.
Justin Horo- A shining light for Parramatta last year in a dismal season, the lock/second rower has seemed to have developed the dreaded "Second Year Syndrome". The Eels faithful have yet to see the best of Horo this season so far.
Matt Keating- The 24 year old has spent the last few weeks sitting on the sidelines due to a hand injury he received from his dog. Over the years he has shown promise of one day being a solid first grade hooker, but so far this season has been shown up by a 30 odd-year-old Casey McGuire. Offers little in attacking flair in running, kicking or passing.
Shane Shakleton- After his season was cut short last year in round one after a horrific hamstring injury, the red-headed second rower/prop has made the most of a injury free start to the 2011 season. With solid attack and defence, he has been rewarded with a City Origin bench spot.
Billy Rogers- A Stephen Kearney recruit from the Melbourne Storm, Rogers has shown very little talent in the limited time has been giving in first grade.
Mitchell Allgood- Showed alot of promise in all the games he has played so far this year. Big, strong and quite fast, he could be the player to take over from Moi Moi when he decides to move on.
Carl Webb- New Eel Webb has only made one appearance for his new club due to injury problems. On the wrong side of 30, he will need to shrug off any more injuries to have an impact in first grade.
Ryan Morgan- A little known center given a shot in the starting line up by coach Kearney for round one showed some promise in the first few rounds, but has a long way to go to be a good first grader. Currently out due to injury.
Chris Walker- Did not do too much wrong in his few performances in the blue and gold. Was mostly played in the centers where he struggled in defence due to his best position being on the wing. Another player on the wrong side of 30. Has a recurring ankle problem.
Paul Whatuira- The 2 time premiership winning center came to Parramatta from the ESL after having past mental problems. Has played one game in first grade in round two and was severely found out in defence and showed little in attack. Off contract at the end of the year.
Anthony Mitchell- Crafty little hooker who has been given limited opportunities by Kearney. Has potential but is off contract at the seasons end and is tipped to leave.
Etu Uaisele- A back up winger, has shown some promise but should not be a first choice pick.
The Fact of the matter is, you cannot expect to compete in the NRL with a team that has that many players who are just not upto standard, expecially in the key positions of #6 and #7.
The way i see it, the 2011 season for Parramatta is a right-off, Stephen Kearney should drop under performing players and blood players like Pat Ohanlon, Rory Brien, Cameron Breust, Marmin Barba, Brad Murray or Karl Filiga etc for the benefit of next year.
Regardless, it will be a long season for suffering Parramatta Eels fans.
