After a turbulent 2024 campaign that saw the Parramatta Eels fall short of finals contention, the Blue and Gold are entering the 2025 NRL season determined to reclaim their place among the league’s elite. Head coach Brad Arthur, now entering his 12th season at the helm, has called for consistency, discipline, and renewed intensity as the keys to a turnaround year.
The Eels finished 11th last season, hampered by injuries to key stars such as Mitchell Moses and Clint Gutherson, as well as defensive lapses that proved costly in tight matches. However, the return of a healthy roster and several promising young additions have sparked optimism within the club and its passionate Western Sydney fanbase.
Leading the charge once again is captain Clint Gutherson, whose leadership and tireless work rate remain central to the team’s identity. Alongside him, Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown form one of the NRL’s most dynamic halves pairings, capable of dictating play with creativity and control. In the forward pack, Junior Paulo and Reagan Campbell-Gillard bring muscle and experience, setting the platform for an aggressive, fast-paced style of play.
The Eels have also strengthened their depth, with young talents like Blaize Talagi and Luca Moretti pushing for consistent first-grade opportunities. The club’s preseason focus has been on improving defensive structure and line speed, two areas that proved inconsistent in 2024.
Off the field, CommBank Stadium is expected to be packed once again, with fans eager to see the Eels rise after several seasons of frustration. Parramatta’s 2025 campaign will begin with a tough opening stretch against top-tier opponents, including the Penrith Panthers and Brisbane Broncos, offering an early test of their credentials.
While critics question whether this Eels core has another deep finals run left in them, Arthur and his men are adamant that the window is still open. With a blend of experience, youthful energy, and a point to prove, Parramatta’s goal is clear: return to September football and chase the club’s first premiership since 1986.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Eels’ message is simple — this is the year to strike back.
