The Eels have the talent to break their long premiership drought – but can they finally put it all together when the pressure is on?<\/p>\n
RECRUITMENT: Plenty of traffic in and out over a busy summer, with Isaiah Papali'i and Nathaniel Roache (both Warriors) and Keegan Hipgrave (Titans) adding more muscle up front.<\/p>\n
STRENGTHS: Plenty of depth and a strong forward pack, mixed with strike power out wide. Strong top four contenders again.<\/p>\n
WEAKNESSES: The Eels have been thereabouts plenty of times in recent seasons, but seem to lack the self belief in the big end-of-season games. Last year, for example, they started well but then scored a mere 28 tries in the final 10 regular-season matches, the second worst record in the league.<\/p>\n
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MAN UNDER PRESSURE: If the Eels are to win their first comp since 1986, Mitchell Moses is the man to lead them to the promised land. He plays brilliantly against the poor sides – he needs to lift against the Eels' title contenders.<\/p>\n
ONE TO WATCH: Signing Bryce Cartwright was a gamble by Brad Arthur – but it may just pay off. A genuine talent on his day, he has had a couple of poor seasons but could be a bargain buy.<\/p>\n
WHAT THE BOOKIES SAY: To win comp $13, to make finals $1.67 (via Sportsbet) WHAT MOLEY SAYS: With the Roosters on the downward slide and Cam Smith leaving the Storm, the Eels will never get a better chance to win their fifth title.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"