Eels Season Preview

Team: Parramatta Eels

Last year: 14th

Gains: Chris Sandow (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Ben Roberts (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Willie Tonga (North Queensland Cowboys), Esi Tonga (Gold Coast Titans), Taulima Tautai (Cronulla Sharks), Jamil Hopoate (Manly Sea Eagles) Jon Mannah (Cronulla Sharks).

Losses: Daniel Mortimer (Sydney Roosters), Jeff Robson (Cronulla Sharks), Paul Whatuira (retirement), Joel Reddy (Wests Tigers), Carl Webb (retirement), Etu Uaisele (Penrith Panthers).

What has to go right: Sandow has to learn to live with the weight of expectation that has brought down many a No.7 since club legend Peter Sterling vacated the jersey over two decades ago. If Jarryd Hayne can play at somewhere near his best and stay on the park the Eels could be a force to be reckoned with this season with the likes of Willie Tonga, Chris Sandow, Ben Roberts and Luke Burt also lurking in the backline.

What could go wrong: Sandow loses confidence or can't gel with his new team-mates. They'll need a bit of luck with injuries too as depth is not exactly a strong point for the Eels.

Nightmare headline: Sandow, Hayne suffer serious injuries.

Dream reading: Sandow helps Eels end premiership drought

Predicted finish: 14th

Orme says: They've got the backs to do something if the forwards can get them rolling. Time for second-year coach Kearney to deliver now that he's been able to recruit some of the players that he wants. The potential is there both on the paddock and in the coaching box, but the jury is still out on both Kearney and his men. They have the cattle to challenge for a top eight spot but it's more than likely going to be another long year for the Blue and Gold army.