The Parramatta Eels have fewer questions than most clubs, but they also have fewer answers when they head into this year’s November 1 free agency opening window.
The primary explanation for the Eels’ poor performance in 2023 is this. After making it to the grand final in 2022, the blue and gold team would have been devastated to finish outside of the top eight in 2023, but that is precisely where the season ended.
Brad Arthur is now searching for answers and perhaps under a lot of pressure if a similar campaign is to take place in 2024.
It’s very obvious that opinions on Parramatta’s centres and wingers are divided. Although Maika Sivo and Will Penisini are surefire starters for any other team in the competition, there is some debate over who will start at centre and wing.
No one on Parramatta’s team has offered to lock down a spot, but young players Sean Russell and Haze Dunster, who have contracts that expire in 2025, will be tough competitors.
There will also be Morgan Harper, who has performed admirably if he wasn’t forced to tackle Siosifa Talakai while he was with the Sea Eagles.
However, further depth is still required, as well as, to be honest, a player who will demand that the other players do better.
This is Taylan May.
He will move into the centres when he returns from an ACL injury sustained against the Panthers. His agility, quick feet, and defensive prowess should facilitate a seamless transition.
His versatility as a centre and winger may ultimately make him a very desirable target for most of the opposition, driving up his price well beyond Parramatta’s means, but he is a player they should be considering.
