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 think Brown only outplayed Tuivita in his carrys. Tuivita is a better defender.
In the long run, do you see Tuivaiti or Brown being more worthy to invest in? Do you see Ryda and/or Nunn pushing in the future either as Props?
Hopefully both of them will come through, maybe we don't have to choose yet! There will be attrition with our young middles, but these two will be our long term future (hopefully). Haven't seen anyone come through better than Junior in the last 15 years or so?
Definitely Brown over Ryda. Ryda looked off the pace in his game this year so unless a massive preseason I can't see him jumping Brown. Starting line up probably best we can put on the field, hopefully the Spencer signing comes through. Bench would include a back and a utility/hooker as well, so Smith/TDS/Volk and whoever misses out from Bailey and Sanrami. Is Harrison Edwards here next year? Personally he is not in my team, but Ryles seems to like him.
Yep, Brown is definitely one I missed and should have included, yes over Ryda for sure! Good pick up 47, I agree with Edwards and he doesn't make it in the 22 but yes to top 30, playing him in Cup as Hooker is a natural and we will always need that 3rd choice hooker.
Agreed on Edwards as 3rd string hooker at this stage (unless someone young coming through early enough?) He isn't a natural hooker, and doesnt offer anything as a back rower or middle, so he isn't in my 22 either. Ryles obviously sees something I am missing though.
In think he is honest and solid....if someone like him finds himself off to PNG or Perth, then he can get a win win contract after he finishes his contract here.
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