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?
Kelly is exactly the player I thought he was a run first physical type and he's produced since being here but we need better.We can't be satisfied with what we have.Zero depth in the outside backs and very little xfactor or genuine pace outside of Fox.
If we lose your man JAC we are in deep shit in the speed and scoring tries out of nothing stakes.
I remember a time when we had 3 outside backs who all scored nie on 15 plus tries each in the same season and one of them was Ken Sio.We haven't got one outside back in the last 3-4 years whose scored 15 plus tries consistently have we.I could be wrong here but I don't think I am.
No the game is based on athleticism now I mean have a look at Newcastle and Redcliffe outside backs hell even the Gold Coast Canberra that's the direction you want to go when building a back 5.
Samrani misses the pace and agility element these outside backs of the mentioned sides have.I used the phrase URGENT ATHLETICISM all last off season if we aren't looking for that we are screwed especially in the outside backs and back rowers.
I can't disagree on Samrani's lack of real pace, but Sivo didn't have any either, I am not sure what extra sprint training would do for him but my comparison's with Oakes and Ribot definately fall short on the pace side with our man.....your point is valid untill we get someone better.....and yes we should be looking!
Also missing Gymer and Brown, both of who will play NRL in 2027
Aknowledged Brown as a mistake for Ryda and arguably I suppose Guymer for Petrus.
Your points are valid Finney, Brown for Ryda and Guymer for Petrus.....that's probably getting up about 26.....means we still have some room for some recruits.......if we get Leniu then I don't think we need to chase anyone if Junior doesn't stay.
It is a good side, but you can't have Ryley and TDS on the field at the same time :P
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