NRLW Eels squad analysis and best 17

The Eels are back for their second season in the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership and Dean Widders' side will no doubt be on the hunt for their first finals campaign.

Losing by just a point to the Roosters earlier this year, who went on to win the premiership, shows how competitive Parramatta were in their inaugural campaign until their season was cut short on points differential.

The Eels will go into the 2022 season as the most inexperienced squad in the competition with 13 rookies, the most of any other side, who could potentially make their NRLW debut this season.  

The Eels have added young guns Losana Lutu and Cassey Tohi-Hiku, Najvada George, Zali Fay and Luisa Yaranamua to their squad but retaining experienced players has been a challenge for Widders in the off-season. 

Star fullback Botille Vette-Welsh is unavailable for the 2022 campaign due to a season-ending knee injury, but the club also lost star hooker Nita Maynard (Broncos) and rookie half Emily Curtain (Titans).

With the side just missing finals on points differential in last season season, it will be up to returning skippers Tiana Penitani and Simaima Taufa to lead the Eels’ next generation of stars on the hunt for the 2022 NRLW title.

Possible best 17

1. Gayle Broughton 2. Abbi Church 3. Rikeya Horne 4. Tiana Penitani 5. Tess Staines 6. Brooke Walker 7. Tayla Preston 8. Kennedy Cherrington 9. Rueben Cherrington 10. Filomina Hanisi 11. Christian Pio 12. Ellie Johnston 13. Simaima Taufa 14. Seli Mailangi 15. Vanessa Foliaki 16. Najvada George 17. Ruby-Jean Kennard.

Biggest Strength

The already developed combinations between the rookies will be a huge boost for the Eels. 

Several of the new signings have already played together in the NSW Under 19's squad and the Eels' Tarsha Gale squad.

Not only will the club welcome back prop Kennedy Cherrington to the west this year, her younger sister Rueben will be joining the blue and gold as well.

Despite their rugby union background in Perth, the Cherrington sisters have already had success in rugby league.

Kennedy was awarded 2020 NRLW Rookie of the Year and Rueben, who plays at hooker, produced a starring performance in her team’s Tarsha Gale grand final win which lead to her selection in the Under 19’s NSW team.

Biggest Question Mark

Settle on a pair of halves who can match up against the likes of Rachael Pearson and Raecene McGregor will be a big challenge for Parramatta.

The departures of Emily Curtain (Titans), Maddie Studdon (unsigned) and Sereana Naitokatoka (unsigned) leaves a big question hanging over who will control the team in 2022.

New signings Losana Lutu, Brooke Walker and Tayla Preston will be amongst the new recruits vying for the positions.

Draw snapshot

Parramatta have a tough start to their 2022 campaign, taking on the reigning premiers the Roosters at CommBank Stadium.

The Eels will enjoy back-to-back home games when they return when they clash with the Dragons in round two.

They'll wrap up their regular season with three away trips against the Knights, Titans and Broncos.

The opening round of the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership kicks off on Saturday, August 20. Real hits. Real highlights. Unreal action. Secure your seats at NRL.com/tickets