But despite the turbulent season, young forward Daniel Alvaro has proven he’s one of the club’s rising stars.

The former Mittagong junior played 17 first grade matches for Parramatta in 2016 after making his debut for the club in 2015.

“I’m pretty happy with this year. It’s a shame the way it ended. If we hadn’t lost the points we would have finished eighth. But it’s encouraging for next year,” he said.

In the midst if salary cap dramas, Alvaro said it was business as usual for the players.

“The coaching staff and the older boys really sheltered us from all that and kept a really good vibe going.”

While Alvaro didn’t find his way over the try line in 2016, he still racked up some impressive stats. 

He finished the year with 204 hit ups, 452 tackles and made 1594 metres.

Alvaro was also named in the Rugby League Players Association Academic Team of the Year. 

Now with a taste for first grade, Alvaro said he would love to keep his spot in 2017 but knew he had plenty of work to do in the off season.

“We’ve got a few new guys next year so spots are up for grabs,” he said.

“You can always get better at everything so I’ll just keep trying to chip away one thing at a time.” 

Daniel has signed with the Parramatta Eels until the end of 2018.