Parramatta fans, the good news is you'll finish in the top four. The bad news ... the premiership drought will be, at least, another year longer.
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That's not meant as a shot to Eels' fans. In fact, there's plenty of people around the game who would love to see a western derby grand final against Penrith for the first time in history.
The Panthers are playing their part, but, unfortunately, the Eels aren't.
Parramatta sits fourth on the ladder, but is ninth on points for.
They're just over a converted try ahead of 13th placed St George Illawarra.
There's no dramas with their defence, which is comparable to the top three sides in Penrith, Melbourne and the Roosters.
But to have any chance against that trio, you must have multiple ways to break down their defence.
In two of their last three games, the Eels haven't scored a try.
Parramatta hasn't won a comp since 1986.
Earlier in the year, it looked a genuine chance as teams couldn't break down the Eels' defence and they had enough firepower to score.
Even though it's a shortened season, the NRL remains a gruelling, gut-wrenching 42.2km marathon.
ALSO IN SPORT:
The Eels have hit the wall around the 30k mark and there's no coming back, despite the likely double chance.
