I had a long discussion with AI (Chat Box) over this and this is what came out. I like the format the actual discussion will I am sure raise the ire of many.
1EE EXCLUSIVE: The 2027 Parramatta Eels 22-Player Squad Platform
The Starting Side (1–13)
- 1. Isaiah Iongi (Fullback): A dynamic, lightning-quick young fullback built to inject raw speed and modern ball-playing options from the back.
- 2. Josh Addo-Carr (Winger): A premier, established Test-level speedster brought in to score tries and provide veteran edge presence, subject to standard league suspension windows.
- 3. Will Penisini (Centre): A rock-solid, home-grown edge who forms the cornerstone of the Eels’ right-hand side.
- 4. Jordan Samrani / Bailey Simonsson (Centre): A highly physical, heavy-running duo locked in an intense positional battle to provide strong yardage and defensive punch out wide.
- 5. Brian Kelly (Winger): An experienced outside back and joint recipient of the Ken Thornett Medal.
- 6. Jarome Luai (Five-Eighth): A marquee premiership-winning playmaker signed to overhaul the left-edge shape and direct the attack.
- 7. Mitchell Moses (Halfback): The undisputed Club Captain and dominant structural orchestrator who dictates the general play kicking game.
- 8. Jack Williams (Prop): The back-to-back Ken Thornett Medal winner and engine leader starting up front.
- 9. Ryley Smith / Tallyn Da Silva (Hooker): A highly explosive, youthful dummy-half pairing designed to generate rapid ruck speed.
- 10. Spencer Leniu (Prop): A premier, wrecking-ball recruit arriving to inject relentless power yardage into the starting pack.
- 11. Jaydn Su'A (Second-Row): A top-tier representative enforcer brought to the club on a long-term deal to punish defensive lines.
- 12. Kitione Kautoga (Second-Row): A brutal, high-impact starting forward capable of tearing edges open with powerful line running.
- 13. J’maine Hopgood (Lock): An elite, high-workrate engine room linchpin who balances middle defence with smooth ball distribution.
The Primary Impact Bench (14–17)
- 14. Junior Paulo (Interchange): A veteran heavyweight forward deployed off the pine to act as a devastating impact weapon while managing his knee recovery.
- 15. Luca Moretti (Interchange): A highly efficient, ultra-reliable middle workhorse locked in through 2027 to provide immediate defensive steel at lock or prop.
- 16. Christopher Petrus (Interchange): An Australian Schoolboys representative forward signed until 2028 to inject raw aggression off the bench.
- 17. Sam Tuivaiti (Interchange): A powerhouse young prop boasting an elite physical frame who has been specifically profiled away from reserve grade to anchor the future pack.
The Extended Fringe & Pathways Platform (18–22)
- 18. Saxon Pryke (Extended Bench): A high-workrate junior system middle utility player re-signed long-term until 2028.
- 19. Ronald Volkman (Extended Bench): A creative backup playmaker providing halves depth and injury coverage.
- 20. Araz Nanva (Extended Bench): A rising junior outside back acting as immediate cover across the wing and centre channels.
- 21. Matt Doorey (Extended Bench): A mobile local junior back-rower under contract through 2027 who provides reliable second-row and middle depth.
- 22. Ryda Talagi (Extended Bench): A massive young pathway prop signed long-term until 2029 to provide future middle muscle.
Replies
I would like to see Volk on the bench for impact aswell as doorey, Missing a strike centre but otherwise a team that should be capable to push for the 8
Hi mate,
do 1 of the 2 centres or hookers listed, revert back to the extended bench?
4. Jordan Samrani / Bailey Simonsson (Centre):
9. Ryley Smith / Tallyn Da Silva (Hooker):
Good point, I think we can actually say the top 13 is actually 15 to bring out your points.
I suppose when you think of it, I had forgotten its really a top 6, so that would bring the two hookers and centres into it and probably Volkman as well who needs to have a spot.
I think Petrus probably fits in that 6 category as well, if not further out in the 22.
I don't think I have ever done a team list before, but it was fun discussing it with AI because every time I changed an idea or what ever the adjustment gets made and he rationalises it. Its probably more my side more than AI's, that said i would still like to see some recruits in there.....we have taken a licence by putting lienu in as well at this stage.
Am i missing anyone that is obvious btw, one thing that is worth noting and discussing, is Brian Kelly a better centre than a winger, he has proved a revelation but in my heart I feel we need to do better. I know he was very effective as a winger, can he offer that as a centre?, I have always had a feeling that Samrani because of his jumping ability could be a very effective winger, he can "sniff" out a try....also feel he is not quiet dynamic enough as a forward, handy just the same. I am thinking of Corey Oakes being such a similar type of player, who wanted to be a forward but proved to be an outstanding winger, John Ribot was another like that......my question...could Samrani be a replacement for Lomax?
Also missing Gymer and Brown, both of who will play NRL in 2027
It is a good side, but you can't have Ryley and TDS on the field at the same time :P
What happened to Brown?, he outplayed Tuivaiti this year and how does Ryda Talagi get ahead of him?.
Sack Ai