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Eels-By halves
By halves...Tim Smith and Brett Finch hold the key for Parra. Pic: Adam Head Parramatta Eels By Cornell van der Heyden and Wires PARRAMATTA Eels begin the season with plenty of questions to answer after an average 2006 and the loss of a host of high-quality players (and a coach) in the off season. It's been 21 years since Parramatta last lifted the trophy, and Michael Hagan will do well to win it in his first year with the club, although that's exactly what he did at Newcastle. The Eels' run of victories at the back end of the 2006 season augers well for the start of the 2007 campaign. The Eels have plenty of size, pace and talent out wide but finding enough go ahead in the forwards and ensuring quality distribution from the halves, Tim Smith and Brett Finch, will be Hagan's challenges this season. That, and the fitness of arthritis-ridden star forward Nathan Hindmarsh. Key Player: Nathan Hindmarsh One of the premier forwards in the game. A tireless workhorse in defence and a powerful ball-runner, Hindmarsh will again be the key figure in a strong Eels pack. Underwent toe surgery in off-season related to ongoing arthiritis condition. One to watch: Brett Finch After a tumultuous few years at the Sydney Roosters, Finch will be hoping his move out west to the Eels will produce a more consistent season. With a strong forward pack, and talented backline, his partnership with Tim Smith in the halves will likely be crucial to Parramatta's hopes of ending a 20-year title drought. With AAP Source: http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/eels |