Eels Blogs

It came to my attention while looking at the current pff contract players that a lot of recent legends of the game are off contract & may retire at the end of the year so I've decided to analyse each player and see the chances of them retiring.

Jonathan Thurston - (Age 35): JT has already copped a lot of flack at the start of the season for playing 1 season too long while he did silence the critics against the Titans, JT is quite clearly past his best & already has retired from rep footy. Expect this season to be JT's last hoorah. 

Cameron Smith - (Age 34{Will be 35 at seasons end}): Smith is one of few names on this list who I can see playing for next year. He is still the greatest hooker in the game & is vital to the storms structure. However he is soon turning 35 and its just a matter of time until Smith decides he cant play anymore & with the emergence of Smith's successor Brandon Smith becoming a regular on Bellamy's bench. Smith may retire to protect Melbourne's future.

Billy Slater - (Age 34{Will be 35 at seasons end}): A similar situation for Slater with Smith here. Slater may play on next year if he is fitting to do so. If the storm fail to make the top 4(which will only be the 2nd time doing so in 11 seasons) Slater may decide to retire to help rebuild the Storm which would be seen as a disappointing result. The rumours of Bellamy leaving the Storm at the end of the year as well may force Slater to leave as well & personally I see Slater a 1 Club man.

Paul Gallen - (Age 36{Will be 37 at seasons end}): The fact that Gallen will soon turn 37 & is still one of the elite forwards in the game is astounding. However Gallen is unfortunately slowing down & if rep footy retirement already if the Sharks fail to make the 8 this will unfortunately conclude Gallen's tremendous career.

Sam Thaiday - (Age 32{Will be 33 at seasons end}): Sammy Thaiday is no longer a representative player and is not even a starter at his club the Broncos anymore. With Thaiday now lower down the pecking order he may hang up his boots in best interests for the promising young Brisbane Forwards. 

Luke Lewis - (Age 34{Will be 35 at seasons end}): Luke Lewis is another player I can see playing on after this season he is still fit & is one of the most skillful second rowers in the comp. However his rep days are behind him & niggling injuries may force Luke Lewis to retire. 

Brett & Josh Morris - (Age 31{Will turn 32 at seasons end}): Both are off contract next year & no longer in the representative picture. If the Bulldogs fail to make the 8 again they may be forced to leave especially with the recent salary cap dramas surrounding the club. I dont think any other clubs would be looking to buy them however they can move to England if they dont want to hang up the boots just yet.

Robbie Farah - (Age 34): One thing is for sure Farah wont be at the souths next year. Farah is still a solid hooker who can definitely assist another team like the Eels or Knights. However at 34 Farah may decide to conclude his career. 

Ryan Hoffman - (Age 34): Hoffman is one of the names on this list we know is definitely going to retire at the end of this season. After saying he signed at the Storm to retire. 

Beau Scott - (Age 33{Will be 34 at seasons end}): Scott is no longer in the side for Parra after some poor showings. This has proved that he is past and looks likely to retire at the end of the season. 

Peter Wallace - (Age 32{Will be 33 at start of next season}): Wallace may decide to continue playing however Penrith have a great young Hooker in Wayde Egan who they will like to develop unfortunately coming at Wallace's expense. Wallace may retire & turn his hand at coaching. 

Jacob Lillyman (Age 34): Jacob signed a 1 year deal at the Knights to mentor their young forward pack. Jacob may play origin due to Queensland's lack of options in the front row. But if he doesnt make it expect Lillyman to retire. 

Chris Heighington (Age 35{Will be 36 at start of next season}): Chris has the same situation to Lillyman however he is no chance of playing Origin expect the Vet to retire this year. 

John Sutton (Age 33{Will be 34 at start of next season}): Sutton is still a a handy player but Souths are dawning a new era & With Suttons age expect to see him retire as a legend for the club. 

Other Notable Players who will probably retire at the seasons end: David Gower, Lewis Brown, Sam Tagatese, Frank-Paul Nu'uausala, Greg Eastwood.

If all these players retire at the end of the year its going to be a sad Grand Final Day.