The Eels have resisted the temptation to go out and bulk buy despite going from grand finalists to also-rans in the space of 12 months last year.
The club has signed just two 'name' players - Kelma Tuilagi (Sea Eagles) and Morgan Harper (Sea Eagles) - with coach Brad Arthur putting his faith in his existing squad to turn things around.
The Eels have the talent - no doubt about it - but need to show more consistency and grit in the tight games than last season when they finished a win out of the finals with a poor 12-12 record.
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With one of the best halfback combinations in the league in Dylan Brown and Mitch Moses, a consistent fullback in Clint Gutherson and strike power all over the field, the Eels are a finals team - if not top four.
Tuilagi looked sharp in last weekend's opening round of the trials, leading the Eels in run metres and making a strong line break in the disappointing loss to the Raiders.
Mark him in for a spot in the 17 - possibly even the starting 13.
The other new face, Harper, is more of a defensive than attacking centre but that could be what the Eels need.
He reads defence well, rarely lets his opposite number get the upper hand over him and has experience and speed.
The talented Will Penisini has one centre position locked up but he will battle it out with Sean Russell and Bailey Simonsson for the other spot.
Arthur's other big decision - and it could make or break the Eels - will be who starts in the key hooking role following the retirement of Englishman Josh Hodgson.
Joey Lussick has the edge in experience of the two contenders but youngster Brendan Hands has plenty of potential and looked good when given his chance last season.
Arthur may well play it safe and have both in his 17 - but the question then becomes which one starts and who comes off the bench.
Gains: Kelma Tuilagi (Sea Eagles), Morgan Harper (Sea Eagles).
Losses: Jack Murchie (Huddersfield Giants), Josh Hodgson (retired), Andrew Davey (retired).
COWBOYS' BEST 17
1. Clint Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Will Penisini 4. Bailey Simonsson 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitch Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 10. Junior Paulo 11. Ryan Matterson 12. Shaun Lane 13. J'maine Hopgood 14. Joe Ofahengaue 15. Bryce Cartwright 16. Joey Lussick 17. Kelma Tuilagi
The Eels have resisted the temptation to go out and bulk buy despite going from grand finalists to also-rans in the space of 12 months last year.
The club has signed just two 'name' players - Kelma Tuilagi (Sea Eagles) and Morgan Harper (Sea Eagles) - with coach Brad Arthur putting his faith in his existing squad to turn things around.
The Eels have the talent - no doubt about it - but need to show more consistency and grit in the tight games than last season when they finished a win out of the finals with a poor 12-12 record.
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READ MORE: Seibold's swipe at former club ahead of Vegas opener
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With one of the best halfback combinations in the league in Dylan Brown and Mitch Moses, a consistent fullback in Clint Gutherson and strike power all over the field, the Eels are a finals team - if not top four.
Tuilagi looked sharp in last weekend's opening round of the trials, leading the Eels in run metres and making a strong line break in the disappointing loss to the Raiders.
Mark him in for a spot in the 17 - possibly even the starting 13.
The other new face, Harper, is more of a defensive than attacking centre but that could be what the Eels need.
He reads defence well, rarely lets his opposite number get the upper hand over him and has experience and speed.
The talented Will Penisini has one centre position locked up but he will battle it out with Sean Russell and Bailey Simonsson for the other spot.
Arthur's other big decision - and it could make or break the Eels - will be who starts in the key hooking role following the retirement of Englishman Josh Hodgson.
Joey Lussick has the edge in experience of the two contenders but youngster Brendan Hands has plenty of potential and looked good when given his chance last season.
Arthur may well play it safe and have both in his 17 - but the question then becomes which one starts and who comes off the bench.
Gains: Kelma Tuilagi (Sea Eagles), Morgan Harper (Sea Eagles).
Losses: Jack Murchie (Huddersfield Giants), Josh Hodgson (retired), Andrew Davey (retired).
COWBOYS' BEST 17
1. Clint Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Will Penisini 4. Bailey Simonsson 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitch Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 10. Junior Paulo 11. Ryan Matterson 12. Shaun Lane 13. J'maine Hopgood 14. Joe Ofahengaue 15. Bryce Cartwright 16. Joey Lussick 17. Kelma Tuilagi
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