The Parramatta Eels farewelled CommBank Stadium in 2023 with an ugly, error-riddled effort as the Roosters finished them off with a 34-12 defeat. All parties got it wrong for the Eels as coaches and players combined for frustrating repeat failures - including a seeming allergy to defending scrums.

Sixties and Forty20 lambast the lack of effort and the technical failures of the team given the Roosters - who were far from great themselves - were able to run away with the win. The conversation turns to the future and what lies ahead for the Eels in 2024 and beyond. How does Parramatta reinvigorate their roster? Who can they even target?

There was a sliver of light beaming through at CommBank last night though. The NSW Cup curtain raiser saw the Eels knock off the Roosters with a huge contingent of Flegg (and even SG Ball eligible) players carrying the torch. Joshua Lynn and Matt Arthur starred while other prospects like Charlie Guymer and Sam Tuivaiti stood tall in the 22-12 win. Their progress over the upcoming preseason becomes a point of pivotal focus given the state of the NRL roster for next year.