The highly anticipated and fervently desired resurgence of the Parramatta Eels went from pre-season optimism to cold dose of reality in rapid fashion when they turned in a lackluster performance in their season opener against the Brisbane Broncos.
Parra was on the short end of a 17-4 score in front of over 17,000 fans at Pirtek Stadium.
The Eels played solid defense, but the attack lacked cohesion, with the result being what appeared to be a reprise of the last 30 years of futility.
Parramatta savior Keiran Foran was a late withdrawal due to injury. He should be back for the next round against premiers North Queensland next Saturday, providing the first true opportunity for Eels supporters to evaluate his potential as the second coming of Peter Sterling.
Five-eighth Corey Norman was unable to appear in the second half after straining his neck in the first. A trip to the hospital was described as cautionary only and he should be available for next week.
The schedulers have been somewhat cruel to the Eels this season, giving them the teams from last year’s Grand Final in the first two weeks of the season, but if they can again play solidly on defense and ramp up the scoring and make a good showing against the Cowboys, hope will remain intact.
