Eels Blogs

Game Day Blog R23 v Souths: Baba Yaga is Back

There are bogeys. Then there's Baba Yaga. The one you send to kill the bogeyman.

Every horror movie has a demon that just won't die. Jason. Freddy. Michael Myers. Wayne. South Sydney.

Unfortunately, recent history has felt like watching the same h

Round 23 Team List v South Sydney Rabbitohs (Indigenous Round Week 1)

1. Isaiah Iongi

2. Brian Kelly

3. Will Penisini

4. Jordan Samrani

5. Josh Addo-Carr

6. Ronald Volkman

7. Mitchell Moses (c)

8. Sam Tuivati

9. Tallyn Da Silva

10. Luca Moretti

11. Jack Williams

12. Kitione Kautoga

13. Jack De Belin

Interchange:

14. Saxon Pryke

15.

Poppa’s Corner: A Day in Paradise

I just left the Bamboo restaurant in Kuta Bali, having  booked lunch at 1pm for a 2.05pm start of the Eels v Tigers game. It is a sports' bar restaurant that shows Rugby League and AFL on a plethora of giant screens.

We were anticipating a great afte

Game Day Blog R22 v Tigers: The Wounded and the Weight of Expectations (W16-13, Take the Win)

UPDATE, Post Game: It’s not clear how a team can win with19 errors to 15, completing at 67% to 77%, and 45% possession.

The Eels led 12-0 at half time and probably left another two or three tries out there. Then the game completely flipped. The Tiger

Round 22 Team List v Wests Tigers

1. Isaiah Iongi

2. Brian Kelly

3. Will Penisini

4. Jordan Samrani

5. Josh Addo-Carr

6. Ronald Volkman

7. Mitchell Moses (c)

8. Sam Tuivati

9. Tallyn Da Silva

10. Jack Williams

11. Kelma Tuilagi

12. Kitione Kautoga

13. Jack De Belin

Interchange:

14. Dylan Walker

Game Day Blog R21 v Panthers: Battle of the West (L24-18 as Another One Slips Through Our Fingers)

It's the 116th Battle of the West.

But for the Eels, recent history is ugly.

They have lost 5-straight to Penrith. The worst losing streak against the Panthers in their history. Their last win against them came three years ago, in 2023.

But the migh

Round 21 Team List v Penrith Panthers

1. Isaiah Iongi

2. Brian Kelly

3. Jordan Samrani

4. Araz Nanva

5. Josh Addo-Carr

6. Ronald Volkman

7. Mitchell Moses (c)

8. Sam Tuivati

9. Tallyn Da Silva

10. Jack Williams

11. Kelma Tuilagi

12. Kitione Kautoga

13. Jack De Belin

Interchange:

14. Dylan Walker

15.

Why I signed Luai: Jason Ryles answers critics after shock transfer

From Adrian Proszenko at the SMH

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/why-i-signed-luai-parramatta-coach-answers-critics-after-shock-transfer-20260715-p60fgw.html

Parramatta coach Jason Ryles predicts Jarome Luai will form a formidable halves combination t

Jarome Luai to Join Parramatta Eels in 2027 (Official Club Statement)

Jarome Luai agrees to play for Parramatta in 2027 as Tigers fallout continues

Jarome Luai has agreed to play next season at the Eels following his dramatic split from the Tigers.

It is understood Luai will have a one year stint at Parramatta before taking up his rich deal to join PNG in 2028.

Perth had expressed an interest in l

Game Day Blog R19 vs Roosters: The Boogeyman and the Blueprint (Valiant L28-12)

It has been 18 years since the Eels beat the Roosters outside Parramatta.

Should we talk about the boogeyman, or his assassin, Baba Yaga? It is hard to tell.

While the Roosters are hot favourites, both teams are depleted, missing their Origin stars.

Looking forward: The recruitment discussion

Jarome Luai appears the latest target who has surfaced on Parramatta's radar. The Tigers half who is already on his way to the PNG Chiefs for 2028 is on the look out for a 1 year deal as Wests make room in their salary cap.

The position of 5/8 has be

Round 19 Team List v Sydney Roosters

1. Isaiah Iongi

2. Brian Kelly

3. Jordan Samrani

4. Araz Nanva

5. Josh Addo-Carr

6. Ronald Volkman

7. Mitchell Moses (c)

8. Sam Tuivati

9. Tallyn Da Silva

10. Jack Williams

11. Kelma Tuilagi

12. Kitione Kautoga

13. Jack De Belin

Interchange:

14. Dylan Walker

15.

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3. Iongi for me, just involved a heap and had to make countless try savers because of our poor front line defence. He's a good one. 

2. Pezet - lot of flack but he was great good kicking game and gave us structure. Great game from him. 

1. Walker. All

Game Day Blog R18 v Manly: The Price of Experience (Gutsy 23-14 win)

“Can you salvage something from this season?” the reporter asked Jason Ryles yesterday.

“Absolutely. It’s about our younger players’ exposure to NRL every week," Ryles replied without hesitation.

“They are getting a lot of lessons at the moment.”

“T

Ryles: No Sugar Hits. No Shortcuts.

 This week we learned a little more about Jason Ryles.

"I was like a duck. The feet were going under the water, that's for sure."

"My heart was going. Don't worry about that."

Jason Ryles admitted to Triple MMM he only looked calm when helping to re

Round 18 Team List v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

1. Isaiah Iongi

2. Brian Kelly

3. Jordan Samrani

4. Sean Russell

5. Josh Addo-Carr

6. Ronald Volkman

7. Jonah Pezet

8. Luca Moretti

9. Tallyn Da Silva

10. Jack Williams (c)

11. Kelma Tuilagi

12. Kitione Kautoga

13. Jack De Belin

Interchange:

14. Dylan Walker

15.

Game Day Blog R17: Souths Smoke Sloppy Eels, 32-12

UPDATE: Eels were their own worst enemies tonight completing at 47% in the second half, and making a mind-boggling 18 errors for the game. With the ball, the Eels played side-to-side shift footy which largely proved ineffective and contributed to

Round 17 Team List v South Sydney Rabbitohs

1. Isaiah Iongi

2. Brian Kelly

3. Jordan Samrani

4. Sean Russell

5. Josh Addo-Carr

6. Ronald Volkman

7. Mitchell Moses (c)

8. Luca Moretti

9. Tallyn Da Silva

10. Jack Williams 

11. Kelma Tuilagi

12. Kitione Kautoga

13. Jack De Belin

Interchange:

14. Dylan Walk

Game Day Blog R15 v Raiders: Response or Reward? (W15-12, Gritty)

Besides pride and bragging rights, the R.S. Cup is at Stake.

Both met at Parramatta once in a blue moon. Twice in a decade. This is one to frame.

Both are struggling. One win separates them. The Raiders have won two of their last five. The Eels one