This year’s draw is much worse for the Parramatta Eels than it was last year. The NRL released the complete schedule for the 2024 season on Monday, with the Sharks emerging as the biggest beneficiaries as they will play the top eight teams from this year the least.
Sadly, Parramatta did not have as much luck, as they faced 13 games against the top eight teams from 2023—tied with South Sydney for the most. In addition, they have to play five teams directly after having a bye the week before.
The Eels will only face two of the bottom four teams from the previous season twice, but they will also play all five of the top five teams twice. For the club and supporters, it is just another kick in the teeth following a difficult opening to the 2023 campaign that saw them start the year 0-3 in the league.
One of the first Twitter accounts to protest the Eels draw was Ladies Who League. “Set aside the difficulty of the draw; I understand. But I just don’t get this. On X, the account stated, “No team should have to deal with this.”
The NRL draw from the previous year was also met with scathing criticism, with Matty Johns claiming that the Eels draw was a “complete oversight” on the part of the NRL. On The Late Show with Matty Johns, he stated, “I’ll say this about the Eels.” In terms of the draw, this has been a total oversight. They play Manly tonight after a bye, Penrith the following week after a bye, and the Roosters the following week following a bye.
That must not occur. Currently, you have a team like Penrith who will sit and have a two-week lead-up to play. In summary, it ought not to occur.
