The worst case scenario has become a stark reality for the Eels

I feel I have been here before, but now speculation, hypotheticals, possibilities - they have become stark reality at the Parramatta Eels.

It is three star players now gone and counting, and you can add Blake Ferguson, who's moved on as well from their squad this year.

Junior Paulo could be next to go. There is reportedly some overseas rugby interest in Maika Sivo.

Oh, what a state of play for a club that is cashed up, they are certainly not paupers, consistent finalists, you’ve got to remember almost beat Penrith week two of the finals this season.

History could have been rewritten. Yet stability at the club has been ripped apart more than three months before the 2022 season gets underway.

What a challenge for Brad Arthur and his coaching team to keep this side united. The headlines are already written.

If this team falters early next year, you know that commitment will be questioned. It is pressure long before a tackle has made or a ball kicked.

But the people I feel sorry for in all of this, has to be the fans, you're told to pick and stick.

At the Eels you haven't won a premiership since 1986. Let me spell that out in a different way. Any Parramatta fan under the age of 35 wasn't on this earth when they last experienced premiership glory.

Hard today to keep the head up and be positive. How could all this happen to a seemingly strong club?

This system we have in the NRL where you can negotiate with players 12 months in advance of them coming off contract is killing Parramatta.

I make the point again, and we predicted this, the Eels could run out for Round 1 next year with four of their starting forward pack already signed with rival clubs for 2023. That is ridiculous. How is that good for the game?

But I will make the stronger point. How is that good for the fan? You buy your ticket, you buy the jersey, support the club till you die … but stay a mushroom.