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Two Hooker discussion

Poppa's Corner: A Very Special Young Man Who Just Happens to Be a Parramatta Player

Two Hooker discussion

The Eels currently have somewhat of a good dilemma. Who is the future? Is it Ryley Smith or Tallyn Da Silva. Both very different style of Hookers with different paths to first grade. Da Silva was a prodigy from Western Suburbs, playing SG Ball to FG in the space of a few months, only 18 when debuting. Smith was a cricket prodigy while grinding his way through the Penrith system, he impressed so much so quickly he made his NRL debut and stayed in the team ever since, despite only playing 4 NSW…

Poppa's Corner: A Very Special Young Man Who Just Happens to Be a Parramatta Player

In our well-justified praise of Ryley Smith, there is a big thing being missed: his ability to read the game and footy IQ. He is a couple of plays ahead and anticipating every move both in defence, primarily at present, but also in setting up the attack. He is remarkably intelligent as a footballer, and I suspect he is smart off field as well. Just watch how he puts himself in position to harass the kicker when the opposition are on the 4th and 5th tackle. Just watch the way he reads the…

Who Said Trials Mean Nothing?

It doesn't change the better part of the last three years, but we won the 2026 Witzer Pre-season Challenge on the back of some encouraging trial form. Gus Gould says trial results mean nothing. What matters is physicality, fitness and energy within systems. The Eels passed that. The first trial vs the Sharks was a 40–6 cakewalk. The second vs the Roosters, a contender, essentially a full-strength, was a better test. The Roosters drew early blood, before a lightning storm put a blowtorch on…

Matto most likely gonna medically retire

Wouldn't be suprised if the announcement comes in the coming weeks.Postive sign is it frees up a lot of cash and finally good riddance.Cant keep overpaying a player that can't even crack first grade.His times up by the looks of it now:

Your best 19 vs Storm

Based on the pre-season trials, training reports, and incumbency, I’ve settled on a top 19 that largely picks itself — particularly the starting top 13, which I think is pretty much locked in.Samrani, for mine, has done enough to be locked into a bench spot. His pre-season form has been consistent, and he offers enough impact and reliability to justify selection.The toughest call was Guymer vs Doorey. While Doorey has shown some positives, we’ve also seen a few defensive blunders during the…

Melbourne's Matterson offer

So it becomes more clearer, the $300k offered from Melbourne included $211,000 of that going towards Matterson's contract and $89,000 as a transfer fee. Instead of what we thought of $300k transfer fee and maybe taking Matto as well. So many felt the transfer fee was going on the cap of $211,000. Not correct, that would be for Matto's contract. That is not a great deal.https://www.zerotackle.com/could-mattersons-injury-break-lomax-deadlock-230722/

Irony is Even Deader

I posted this earlier on Hoe's blog, which was poor placement."Isn't it Ironic, Don'tcha think?

Shark Attack..... Moses told to be wary of the surf!

Parramatta has moved their pre season training to Lennox Head for this week.They have been warned that when your luck is out, you need to be very careful going into the surf! in Northern NSW.Parramatta officials are very wary of these danger's as Cronulla Sharks have been preparing to go North for the ambush for sometime. Mitchel Moses has been specially fitted with a shark proof vest but there are concerns that even paddling in the surf could be dangerous for Mitch's notorious "shark bait"…

Poppa's Dilemma, Welcome to my Corner, come in and have a Cuppa with a Silly Old Bastard. I think it's New Year Shortly?

Well we have been having a few dilemma's around here lately and I am getting confused, from what I can tell we have a lot of problems telling our left from our right. We don't have this problem at home because my wife is always right and I am constantly being left out. They tell me I am getting old and stupid! A man named David call him Poppa, because thats who everyone knows him as maybe suffering from some cognitive issues, he  invited two of his friends over—both of whom were also battling…

Keaon done deal

As of Thursday, December 11, 2025, South Sydney Rabbitohs forwardKeaon Koloamatangi has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Parramatta Eels, but it is not yet officially announced by the clubs.  Soon to be announced.