Sterlo: Eels will play Finals in 2015

Quote:

EELS legend Peter Sterling says the first month of the season has convinced him his old club is going to return to finals football for the first time since they made the grand final in 2009. Sterling tells RLW some of the biggest positives he sees from Parramatta, which has two wins and two losses from the first four rounds, revolve around the form of fullback Will Hopoate and five-eighth Corey Norman, the emergence of John Folau, the toughness of the forward pack and the direction under coach Brad Arthur. “I tipped them to make the finals before the season started. I always thought that after coming close last year they should step up and make it this year,” Sterling says. “Plenty of mention was made about Jarryd Hayne leaving and that was obviously a blow, but on the positive side I thought it would be the making of Will Hopoate, going back to fullback. He’s playing very well. “I thought Corey Norman would probably take on more responsibility as well, and that is happening. I didn’t think we’d see John Folau emerge until midway through the season, but he’s here now and he’s making an impact. “They’re a tough football team and that starts up front, in the forwards. They’ve recruited well and they’ve got the right man at the helm, in Brad Arthur. “There will be some hiccups along the way, with young players, but apart from the first half against the Warriors I like what I see so far. “Parra should have played finals football last year and based on the natural improvement it is reasonable to expect from the team and their early-season form, they should play finals footy this year.”

http://ift.tt/19z1JFd

Sterlo: Eels will play Finals in 2015