NRL 2024: Ethan Sanders ready for NRL debut for either Eels or Raiders amid halfback injury crisis

Round seven showed Brad Arthur needs to make changes at the Eels, meaning a first grade promotion for halfback Ethan Sanders could be on the cards. If he doesn’t act soon though, another injury-hit club could poach him.

APRIL 21, 2024: Ethan Sanders pictured playing for the Eels against the Sydney Roosters in a reserve grade game at Wentworth Park, Glebe. Picture: Damian Shaw

Is Ethan Sanders ready to play NRL?

Whether it’s for Parramatta or Canberra – who are both in desperate need of a halfback – the teenage sensation might have answered the question at Wentworth Park on Sunday.

Just 48 hours after the Eels were described as a part-time football side by their own coach, and 24 hours after the Raiders lost Jamal Fogarty for 12 weeks, Sanders showed why he could be the next young halfback in-the-making.

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur has so far opted for the likes of Daejarn Asi and Blaize Talagi to replace the injured Mitchell Moses.

But if the Eels still refuse to play him, it may be the perfect time for the Raiders to up the ante on trying to bring one of the NRL’s hottest prospects to their club.

The 19-year-old plays a perfect style of game to slot in what will be desperately missed in Canberra, with Fogarty rupturing his bicep and set to have a lengthy stint on the sideline.

Ethan Sanders was a standout for Eels in reserve grade against the Roosters while their first grade side was torn to shreds by the Dolphins. Picture: Damian Shaw

Fogarty would also provide a soundboard for Sanders to learn off while out, helping the young gun through his first steps, which would be invaluable at his age and experience.

While the Eels’ NSW Cup side went down in a tough 24-20 loss to a physical Roosters side, Sanders was easily the best performer in a losing side.

From scoring a try to having a hand in every single one of the Eels points, Sanders is hammering down the doors to get his first crack in the NRL.

His personal performance was not the only upside from his game either, with both former NRL players Mika Sivo and Zac Cini looking like superstars off the back of some classy Sanders touches.

Is it time for Brad Arthur to give the 19-year-old a call? Picture: Damian Shaw

Sanders took on the line multiple times in the game, with his second effort plays almost getting the Eels home throughout the match.

Similar in size and strength to boom Tigers rookie Lachlan Galvin, Sanders has the confidence of a 150-game veteran in the NRL.

Throughout the entire game all the Eels attack ran through Sanders, with the young half frequently playing both sides of the ruck.

It came a week after setting up three tries and two line breaks against Western Suburbs.

If the Raiders can’t get their man, then they also have a handy halfback in their NSW Cup team in Adam Cook.

Although unknown to the average fan, Cook has been nothing but dominant this year, which may give his Raiders coach a bit of relief.

In try assists, kicks, and kicking metres Cook is leading the competition, with his Raiders also in the top four of the competition.