Spoilt for choice: Eels' outside backs

With Josh Hoffman's arrival at Parramatta, competition for spots in the Eels' NRL backline in 2017 will heat up.

PARRAMATTA'S WEALTH OF OPTIONS IN THE OUTSIDE BACKS IN 2017:

Michael Jennings (centre) - 212 games, 121 tries: The classy Australian and NSW representative is guaranteed a spot in the centres.

Josh Hoffman (centre, fullback) - 158 games, 47 tries: Hard-running 28-year-old Hoffman signed a three-year deal with Parramatta on Tuesday. A genuine backline utility.

Brad Takairangi (centre) - 102 games, 19 tries: A rangy and gifted ball-player, he is the incumbent centre alongside Jennings and recently signed a two-year contract extension.

Semi Radradra (wing) - 68 games, 60 tries: Despite a tumultuous 2016 season, the powerhouse international is a shoo-in for the Eels' right wing position despite his recent Kangaroos snubbing.

Vai Toutai (centre, wing) - 34 games, 15 tries: At 23, the tackle-busting outside back will be hoping to add to his games tally after seven starts in 2016.

Clinton Gutherson (halfback, fullback, centre, wing) - 29 games, 9 tries: The creative ball-player impressed in a handful of outings in the halves this year. The utility is a strong chance to be Corey Norman's long-term halves partner.

Bevan French (fullback; wing) - 13 games, 19 tries: A elusive with speed to burn, French has been promised first crack at fullback in 2017 after a stellar debut season. Was the club's leading try-scorer in 2016.

Bureta Faraimo (wing) - 15 games, 9 tries: The hard-running 26-year-old, known for his finishing, appears set for the fringes after just two games in 2016.

John Folau (centre, wing) - 8 games, 4 tries: The younger brother of Wallabies star Israel Folau played only one game in 2016 in round 26. At 193cm and 111kg, the 22-year-old could be just as much of a line-breaker as his famed sibling.

George Jennings (centre) - 5 games, 2 tries: The highly rated brother of Michael has joined the Eels after five games with Penrith. Like his brother, appears silky and elusive.

Honeti Tuha (wing, fullback) - 0 games, 0 tries: Did not play in the NRL this year after joining from Newcastle at the end of 2015. Was solid for Wentworthville in the NSW Cup.

Scott Schulte (wing) - 0 games, 0 tries: The 20 year-old versatile back joined from North Queensland at the end of last year. Also featured prominently for the Magpies.


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Source: AAP



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