NRL 2012- 10th Position

Chopping and changing an entire team must be the in thing these days. Parramatta have shown they are keeping up with the trend, 20 players either coming in our out of the revolving door at the Eels. Whilst it was time for a clean up, the signings are not too impressive.

When so much pressure is placed on a footballer not playing in the halves, you just have to wonder if money is being spent in the right places. Jarryd Hayne is a world class footballer, without a doubt. However to lead and control a game from the number 1 position, as well as fill all the rolls a traditional custodian has is next to impossible. Parramatta tinkered with Hayne at number 6, a failure at best. The signings of Chris Sandow and Ben Roberts should mean Hayne returns to fullback, where he is at his devastating best.

Although a new halves combination will always take time to gel, it will be interesting to see how the similar games of Sandow and Roberts match up with Hayne's unpredictability. All 3 love to have the ball in their hands, coach Stephen Kearney will need to find a means to utilise their ability.

The Key Signing- Whilst the big money signing sitting next to him in number 7 has drawn all the talk, Ben Roberts has plenty of natural ability. At Canterbury, he was under-used and under-rated. At Parramatta, he finally has the chance to make a claim for the number 6 jersey. A sharp running game alongside a decent kicking game will take the pressure of Jarryd Hayne. Needs to work on his defence otherwise holes will be left in the Parramatta line.

The Key Loss- Parramatta have lost one of the most under-rated utility players in the game. That under-rated that many probably have not even noticed the West Tigers new addition. Versatile back Joel Reddy will be a loss for the Eels. Reddy has shown to be well adapt at playing on either centre or flank, as well as slotting into a play-making role when required. Pace and strength are his assets, something the Tigers fans will come to enjoy

Strengths- Looking at the Parramatta squad, I just cannot seem to pin point a key strength. The Eels strongest asset is probably a squad filled with good experienced footballers. It will be the likes of Hindmarsh, Burt, Hayne and Tonga which the Eels will look to to guide the younger heads around the pitch.

Weakness- You have to go back to 1986 to see the last time the Eels have lifted the trophy. Despite coming so close on several occasions, the pressure continues to mount on the players, the coach and the club. Stephen Kearney is the club's 5th coach in the last 5 years, a position he will look to hold onto longer than his predecessors. After a shocking season in 2011, the pressure is already on the inexperienced coach who is yet to prove himself at First Grade Level.

The X Factor- On his day, the most explosive, talented and creative footballer of any era. Jarryd Hayne needs to form an early partnership with Sandow and Roberts. Hayne needs time on the ball in dangerous situations. He should be at first receiver when the defensive line is scattered as nobody reads the game like he does. Try telling that to his halves as they sure like the ball also.

One to Watch- Struck by a horror run of injuries in recent years, Ben Smith has only managed 126 games in 8 years of first grade football. But with a full season behind him, Smith is primed to return to his barnstorming best. Equally capable of playing in the centres or the back-row, Smith's versatility matches his mixed ability. A solid running game and defence as well as a healthy habit of picking up tries will ensure a positive 2012 as Ben looks to move on from the injuries which have plagued his career.