It’s that time of year again.
Early March, where hope lives in the hearts of every rugby league fan.
So many “what ifs”.
For Parramatta fans, the hope has so often turned to despair.
The last time the trophy headed to blue and gold territory, Bob Hawke was Prime Minister, John Farnham’s ‘You’re The Voice’ was on top of the charts and petrol was 50 cents a litre.
But there is certainly a positive feeling around Parramatta this year; a feeling that Brad Arthur and his team may just break the Premiership drought that extends back to 1986.
With the heartache of last year’s exit to Penrith in the Finals firmly in their mind, the Eels know that we’re well past a top eight or even top four finish being acceptable. Eels fans have been there, done that for too many years now – it’s time to go a few further steps down the road.
The Eels trialled well in the pre-season and will be buoyed by their 36-0 demolition of Penrith in their final hitout of the pre-season. Yes, it’s only a trial, but any win of that magnitude, especially against the defending Premiers, gives you a strike of confidence.
While the side lost to the Dragons in their first trial, there was enough there to show that this Parramatta team may be a little tougher and hungrier than last season.
Working in Parramatta’s favour is a return to their beloved fortress Commbank Stadium, after spending much of last season in Queensland. Big crowds are expected for most home games and that may be enough to ensure the Eels finish in a strike position come Finals time.
Also working in their favour is the consistency they bring into the 2022 season. While they lost a host of players, most of them were middle of the road or depth players, and there’s no significant loss that would impact the side’s chances in 2022. The addition of Bailey Simonsson and Mitch Rein to the squad will bring some much-needed freshness, but it’s important that the bulk of the team from the last few seasons are on deck to ensure the hunger remains after disappointing Finals campaigns of the past.
In the pre-season, Joseph Paulo spoke about owning the lessons of the past, specifically referencing his dropped ball in the 79th minute of last year’s Semi Final against the Panthers.
There is something to learn from that mantra of ‘owning it’.
Parramatta need to own their past failures, their past years of falling short of expectations after promising so much at the start of a campaign.
Own it and improve on it, and anything is possible.
Parramatta’s 2022 NRL campaign begins at Commbank Stadium on Sunday, March 13 at 4.05pm against Gold Coast.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.