The Eels’ hopes of replicating last year’s fine grand final run was in dire straits before a ball was even kicked in 2023.
They lost key forwards Marata Niukore (Warriors), Isaiah Papali’i (Wests Tigers), Ray Stone (Dolphins), Oregon Kaufusi (Cronulla) and Reed Mahoney (Bulldogs).
But the full extent of the damage could not have been predicted by anyone. In the past decade, only once has a grand finalist missed the top eight the following season.
LIVE UPDATES: All the scores and action from the US Open day nine
READ MORE: ‘Sad’ Schumacher reality a decade on from ski crash
READ MORE: ‘Senior figures’ plot to oust ‘under siege’ Tigers boss
The Eels clearly lacked the fire power of previous years up front and just couldn’t match it with the NRL elite.
While J’maine Hopgood was one of the buys of the season and Reagan Campbell-Gillard gave his all up front, the Eels’ go forward wasn’t what it used to be.
Mahoney’s departure was particularly hurtful in the key hooking role. His replacement, Josh Hodgson, missed the entire second half of the year with a neck injury that forced him to medically retire last week.
Star five-eighth Dylan Brown’s lengthy suspension for an off-field incident, and then Mitchell Moses’ injury — both in the run-in to the finals — were also massive blows.
Best player: Captain Clint Gutherson is entering the veteran class but was still the Eels’ Mr Reliable. He’s a steady last line of defence and also a tryscoring weapon.
Stream the NRL premiership 2023 live and free on 9Now
Biggest disappointment: The Eels rolled the dice replacing Mahoney with 33-year-old Hodgson. He played just one game for the Raiders last year in round one, and then missed the rest of the year with a knee reconstruction. Sadly, the move failed.
Key signing: None to date
2024 losses: Jack Murchie (released)