Brad Arthur is under intense pressure to get a key — and deeply personal — selection right for the grand final, with the final make-up of his side to make or break the Eels’ chances of ending their premiership drought.
The Eels have done a great job to get to the decider after years of finals heartache, but considering the players that are leaving the club at the end of the season, right now represents a golden chance to break the longest title drought in the NRL.
Reed Mahoney (Bulldogs), Isaiah Papali’i (Tigers), Marata Niukore (Warriors), Oregon Kaufusi (Sharks) and Tom Opacic (Hull KR) are all moving to other clubs at the end of the season.