Whilst Parramatta's problems were largely attributed to their relatively poor defence, numerous pundits claimed Parramatta's problems in 2012 were largely credited to the recurring absences of star fullback Jarryd Hayne.
Throughout the season many of the Eels players came under scrutiny and were dropped to the NSW Cup, including high-profile recruit Chris Sandow, who at the time was touted as overweight and unfit,[REF] and veteran Luke Burt.