‘It has the potential to blow up’: Why early NRL finals exit could trigger mass Eels exodus
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Senior Daily Telegraph journalist Paul Crawley has warned that the Parramatta Eels could be set for a turbulent summer if their finals dreams are ended by the Penrith Panthers.
The two sides meet on Saturday night in a sudden-death finals clash after Penrith were shocked by South Sydney.
But speaking on NRL360 on Fox League, Crawley said that wasn’t enough and warned of an intense fallout if the Eels didn’t make their way past the Panthers.
“Go back to the start of the year,” Crawley said. “Would the pass mark have been beating Newcastle in week one of the finals or advancing through week two?
“Prior to this year Brad Arthur had a record of six finals appearances with one win – over the Broncos in 2019.
“If they fall at this hurdle this weekend then I think it has the potential to blow up at the Eels in the off-season.”
Crawley went on to allude to the fact half the Eels squad was coming off contract next year.
There are a lot of different issues that need to be addressed. Brad Arthur’s relationship with (football manager) Mark O’Neill is one. Clint Gutherson’s contract going forward, they’ve got three back-rowers (Marata Niukore, Ryan Matterson and Isaiah Papali’i) who come off contract next season.
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