Parramatta Eels legend Jarryd Hayne

It may have been a long time between drinks for the Parramatta Eels, but they are primed for a premiership assault. 

With that, they have seen many talented players come and go, some superstars, others stars in their own right.

When you break it down, just who makes an Eels all-time 17? Some names spring to mind but will we shock you?

Here we go; our top 17 Parramatta Eels players of all-time:

  1. Jarryd Hayne – Perhaps one of the most gifted players we will ever see. Speed, skill, step, smarts, awareness, Hayne had it all when he started and only developed it even further. A truly masterful player.

2. Luke Burt – The blonde-haired kid who made an impact with his speed, became the club’s second greatest ever point-scorer. Smarts, speed, awareness, Burt was a long-term mainstay on the wing and fullback.

3. Michael Cronin – People know of Cronin for his point-scoring exploits but many forget how good he was at breaking tackles at the Eels, as well as his support play out wide.

4. Steve Ella – The ‘Zip Zip Man’. Was there anything he couldn’t do? Speed, agility, goal-kicking, anticipation and a deft touch, Ella was a player of the highest quality.

5. Eric Grothe – A swashbuckling tackle buster, the man they called Guru was a dynamic ball-runner who shrugged off would-be defenders with ease.

6. Brett Kenny – One of the most gifted players of his era, Kenny was a prolific try-scorer. With astute anticipation, acceleration and a fast step, Kenny could produce opportunities from nothing.

7. Peter Sterling – A flawless kicking game, a resolute defender despite his size, a savvy technician and a smooth ballplayer, Sterling had it all.

8. Nathan Cayless – A rugged, resolute prop, Cayless was made club captain at a young age and took honour in donning the captaincy. A club stalwart that led from the front.

9. PJ Marsh – A quick and nifty player in and round the ruck, Marsh often played as an interchange hooker but could start in a pinch.

10. Fuifui Moimoi – A powerhouse forward, Moimoi would run the ball like a steam train. He bulldozed over defenders and made them look silly on a regular basis.

11. Nathan Hindmarsh – The most capped Eels player, Hindmarsh was a quality player. With some pace in his early days and strong runs, defence became Hindmarsh’s strong suit in his later career.

12. Peter Wynn – Injuries threatened to derail Wynn’s career but he dug deep and forged out a successful Eels career, winning three premierships. A tough bruiser on the edge.

13. Ray Price – A dual international, Price was a dogged, tough and courageous forward who always put his best foot forward. As hard as they come, Price was afraid of no man when he stepped onto the field.

14. Mark Laurie – Consistency was the name of the game for Laurie. He worked hard every week and stood out as a top Eels player for his many years at the club.

15. Tim Mannah – One of the club’s more recent loyal players, Mannah was the one constant for the club through years of inconsistency and upheaval. The heart and soul of the Eels.

16. Daniel Wagon – A tremendously versatile player, Wagon could cover back-line spots and the back-row/lock positions. He was not flashy but he was a tireless worker and an unheralded player.

17. Dean Widders – The ultimate supersub. Not once, not twice, but often, Widders spark and intensity off the bench would revitalise the Eels side in attack.

Parramatta Eels legend Brett Kenny

By ricky

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