NRL SuperCoach 2016: Parramatta Eels study guide says it is a team on the rise

THE Parramatta Eels should look forward to a season of considerable improvement following astute recruiting in the off season. And that can only mean good things for serious SuperCoaches.

THE Parramatta Eels should look forward to a season of considerable improvement following astute recruiting in the off season.

Players such as Michael Jennings (Sydney Roosters), Michael Gordon (Cronulla Sharks), Beau Scott (Newcastle Knights) and star recruit Kieran Foran (Manly Sea Eagles) give the Eels experience and a much stronger presence on the field.

This coupled with the Eels playing all the three major bye rounds makes them very compelling from a SuperCoach perspective. Gordon from the outset and Semi Radradra prior to round 12 are must haves. The challenge is to then find a few more hidden gems from mid-range players like Manu Ma’u and Nathan Peats.

Will these players be the difference on your SuperCoach team?

PLAYER MOVEMENT

Ins: Kieran Foran (Sea Eagles), Mitch Cornish (Raiders), Michael Gordon (Sharks), Beau Scott (Knights), Michael Jennings, (Roosters) Clinton Gutherson (Sea Eagles), Cameron King (Cowboys), James Hasson (Sea Eagles), Keiran Moss (Panthers), Rory O’Brien (Dragons), Scott Schulte (Cowboys), Kelepi Tanginoa (Cowboys), Honeti Tuha (Knights), Matthew Woods (Tigers)

Outs: Chris Sandow (Warrington), Will Hopoate (Bulldogs), Darcy Lussick (Sea Eagles), Joseph Paulo (Sharks), Reece Robinson (Union), Beau Champion (retired), Richie Fa’aoso (retired), Josh Aloiai (Tigers), Ben Crooks (Castleford), Zach Dockar-Clay (Panthers), Fabian Goodall (Sea Eagles), Tui Kamikamica (Union), Halauafa Lavaka (Sea Eagles), Ryan Matterson (Roosters), Adam Quinlan (Dragons)

PREDICTED BEST 17

Michael Gordon, Semi Radradra, Michael Jennings, Brad Takarangi, Clinton Gutherson, Corey Norman, Kieran Foran, Tim Mannah (c), Nathan Peats, Junior Paulo, Beau Scott, Manu Ma’u, Anthony Watmough. Interchange: Isaac De Gois, Tepai Moeroa, Danny Wicks, David Gower

Michael Gordon gives stability and experience at fullback replacing the numerous players tried in the position by the Eels in 2015. Keiran Foran replacing Chris Sandow (Warrington) at halfback is a key change, whilst Beau Scott adds a wealth of experience in the second row. The Michael Jennings signing from the Roosters could see him switching to the right side giving the Eels attacking potency on both sides of the field.

GUNS

Semi Radradra ($512,900)

Parramatta boast the most expensive SuperCoach player, with Radradra priced at $512,900. The 2015 top try scorer with 24 tries from only 18 matches and the best average of 81.11 is a near-certainty to be top try scorer in 2016 if he remains injury free. Semi has the ability to bust 100-plus and is likely to score multiple tries often in games this season. His ability to gain metres, break tackles, make line breaks and score tries makes him a must have for SuperCoach in 2016, but the question is when to bring him in.

Parramatta Eels winger Semi Radradra is the most expensive SuperCoach player but can he do the business in 2016?

There are a few points to consider. Although Chris Sandow had his issues he provided Semi with multiple try opportunities especially as he was the only viable attacking option for the Eels in 2015. With Foran, Norman and Jennings now in the Eels backline there are definitely more options in 2016. Does that free up Semi even more or does it spread the scoring around? Even more key however is which side Jennings plays on. Semi established a very potent combination with Brad Takairangi in 2015. This hopefully continues in 2016 but may mean Jennings will need to switch sides. At the very least, Semi looms as a must by the first bye round (round 12) and he will be a captaincy contender in each of the major bye rounds. At $512,900 you can take the gamble that he may lose value in the early rounds, but jump on any time prior to round 12.

VALUE

Michael Gordon ($285,900)

Michael Gordon will finally give the Eels stability in their fullback position where numerous players were tried unsuccessfully in 2015. At the Sharks Gordon had to share the fullback position at times in 2015 with Valentine Holmes and Ben Barba, but he has the No. 1 jersey locked in at the Eels.

Michael Gordon could hopefully be Parramatta’s answer to its fullback woes.

A noted goal kicker, Gordon has the potential to not only provide solid and reliable SuperCoach points but also increase in value. Additionally he has dual position coverage at both fullback and centre/wing. He looms as a must have in initial SuperCoach teams.

BYE COVERAGE PLAYERS

The Eels are the only team who play all three bye rounds making some of their key players compelling for bye coverage. Contenders include:

Nathan Peats ($367,400)

Nathan Peats is a very solid SuperCoach scorer with a 2015 average of 58.11. Depending on how he is used he has the capacity to play 80 minutes and has dual position coverage at both hooker and back row. Peats is a player who always gives his best and will not let you down from a SuperCoach perspective.

Parramatta's Nathan Peats will be good in the byes.

Manu Ma’u ($341,700)

Of the Eels back rowers, Manu Ma’u is the most likely to play 80 minute games in 2016. He has the ability to break the line and with Keiran Foran joining the Eels is likely to have more attacking opportunities to back up his base line scores. He looms as a must have especially during the bye rounds.

Daniel Alvaro ($195,900)

Daniel Alvaro has huge potential but is awkwardly priced at $195,900. He had limited opportunity in 2015, playing seven games, averaging 22 minutes and scoring 34.43 points, including two tries. With ageing back rowers like Anthony Watmough and Beau Scott, Alvaro could have his opportunity in 2016. If he is on the interchange for the Eels in round one he could be an astute buy.

Manu Ma’u is the most likely to play 80 minute games in 2016.

NO GO ZONE

Anthony Watmough ($297,900)

Anthony Watmough used to be a SuperCoach prime player and many could consider him again especially with the potential of more minutes due to the reduced interchange (2015 average 54 minutes). He however seems past his prime and is injury prone.

ROOKIES

The Eels have considerably more depth across the park in 2016 and it is highly unlikely that any rookies will figure in early 2016 squad contention.

First Name	Last Name	Pos 1	Pos2	Price
Daniel	Alvaro	FRF		195,900
Mitchell	Cornish	HFB	FE	235,000
Isaac	De Gois	HOK		186,700
Kenny	Edwards	2RF		229,500
Bureta	Faraimo	CTW		264,400
John	Folau	CTW		226,000
Kieran	Foran	FE	HFB	312,200
Bevan	French	FLB	CTW	113,800
Michael	Gordon	CTW	FLB	285,900
David	Gower	FRF	2RF	273,700
Clint	Gutherson	CTW	FLB	240,000
James	Hasson	2RF	FRF	133,300
Michael	Jennings	CTW		320,700
Luke	Kelly	HOK	HFB	200,200
Cameron	King	HOK		133,300
Manu	Ma'u	2RF		341,700
Tim	Mannah	FRF		339,500
Tepai	Moeroa	2RF		247,300
Ryan	Morgan	CTW		212,000
Kieran	Moss	FLB	CTW	113,800
Cody	Nelson	2RF	HOK	219,100
Corey	Norman	FE	FLB	312,100
Rory	O'Brien	FRF		143,300
Pauli	Pauli	2RF	FRF	144,200
Junior	Paulo	FRF		323,300
Nathan	Peats	HOK	2RF	367,400
Kaysa	Pritchard	HOK		163,800
Semi	Radradra	CTW		512,900
Scott	Schulte	CTW		113,800
Beau	Scott	2RF		257,500
Brad	Takarangi	2RF	CTW	234,300
Kelepi	Tanginoa	2RF	FRF	166,900
Peni	Terepo	2RF	FRF	168,800
Vai	Toutai	CTW		148,600
Honeti	Tuha	CTW		113,800
Joseph	Ualesi	2RF		113,800
Anthony	Watmough	2RF		297,900
Danny	Wicks	FRF	2RF	265,600
Matthew	Woods	2RF		113,800

Supercharge your NRL Supercoach team! Unlock more news, stats and analysis with a free upgrade to SuperCoach Gold included as part of a digital subscription. Subscribe today or call 1800 287 087