Home Ground: CommBank Stadium Parramatta

Coach: Jason Ryles

TAB odds: Premiers: $34

In 2024, Parramatta initiated a significant organizational restructuring, resulting in the termination of Brad Arthur's employment and the appointment of JASON RYLES as the club's new head coach. During the campaign, Arthur, who had previously led the Eels to the 2022 grand final, faced mounting pressure and setbacks, leading to his early departure. The EELS only just managed to avoid the wooden spoon in a nightmare season that saw them defeat the TIGERS in the dreaded 'SPOON BOWL' in their season finale.

The Eels are in for a major transition with former captain Gutherson joining the likes of Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Maika Sivo in leaving the club. Gutherson's departure will likely see new signing ISAISAH LONGI take over in the No.1 jersey. ZAC LOMAX has also arrived to boost the backline after he enjoyed a stellar campaign on the wing for St George Illawarra. 

It appears that WILL PENISINI may be the only backline player with a guaranteed starting position for the opening game. He could be joined in the centres by new recruit ZAC LOMAX while the returning BAILEY SIMMONSON, who missed the last half of the 2024 campaign due to a knee injury, could start on the wing. 

SEAN RUSSELL might have a chance to play on the other flank, as BLAIZE TALAGI has left the club and new recruit JOSH ADDO-CARR is suspended for the first month of the season for being a total dumb ass and getting caught up in a drug scandal. MITCH MOSES missed the majority of 2024 but is set for a major role in the Eels' potential revival, while DYLAN BROWN  will be fine for Round 1 despite suffering a knee injury in the Spoon Bowl last year. 

BRENDAN HANDS looks to have won the race for the No.9 jersey ahead of JOEY LUSSICK after inking a new deal and is expected to start at dummy-half for the opener. SHAUN LANE, RYAN MATTERSON, and J'MAINE HOPGOOD could make an impressive back row, although KELMA TUILAGI is also a strong contender after signing an extension during the off-season. JACK WILLIAMS is likely to be used as an impact player off the pine with the new recruit joined by the likes of BRYCE CARTWRIGHT, CHARLIE GUYMER, WIREMU GREG, LUCA MORETTI and JOASAH PAPALI'I. Will be another long season for the EELS and they will likely struggle to make the top eight despite not looking terrible on paper.

First five: Storm (A), Tigers (H), Bulldogs (H), Sea Eagles (A), Dragons (H)

Last year's finish: 15th

Predicted 2025 finish: 16th

PREDICTED STARTING SIDE

1. ISAIAH LONGI

2. SEAN RUSSELL  

3. WILL PENISINI

4. ZAC LOMAX  

5. BAILEY SIMMONSON

6. Dylan BROWN

7. MITCH MOSES

8. JOE OFAHENGAUE

9. BRENDAN HANDS

10. JUNIOR PAULO

11. SHAUN LANE

12. KELMA TUILAGI

13. J'MAINE HOPGOOD

14. JOEY LUSSICK

15. JACK WILLIAMS

16. RYAN MATTERSON

17. BRYCE CARTWRIGHT

PRE SEASON: Fri 14 Feb

Knights v Eels at McDonald Jones Stadium 6:00pm

Fri 21 Feb

Wests Tigers v Eels at Leichhardt Oval 8:00pm