There has been plenty of discussion this year about our approach to recruitment and retention.
Both Jim and Matt Beech have been forthright in the focus being on bringing through juniors. Despite that we've seen external signings during the season such as Dylan Walker, Tallyn Da Silva and Jack de Belin (for 2026).
What remains though is a focus on who will partner Mitchell Moses in the halves in round 1 2026.
Joash Papalii and Dean Hawkins have both featured at 5/8 this season alongside Moses. The club has also recruited Ronald Volkman who partnered Matt Hunter in the halves in NSW Cup, while Lorenzo Talataina has made the jump to NSW Cup with aplomb.
So, you're now the GM.
What's your recruitment/retention look like when it comes to our 5/8 for 2026 and into the future. You can't just be selecting for 2026, you need to map out your 5/8 until the end of 2029, when Moses' contract finishes.
Right now you have on the books:
- Dean Hawkins
- Joash Papalii
- Ronald Volkman
- Lorenzo Talataina
- Josh Lynn
- Apa Twidle
Talataina has been highly touted in recent years, most notably taking out the SG Ball Player of the Year award in 2025, before jumping from Ball to Flegg and into NSW Cup.
Hawkins has filled in at halfback and 5/8 this year, with the Eels playing some of their most consistent footy with Footy Dean in the halves.
Volkman was tossed into the deep end, having to begin the year in the halves in NRL after more than 12 months off due to a shoulder injury. Closer watches of NSW Cup have said Volkman is working his way back to consistent form as the Eels have moved into second.
Papalii has gone from exciting development prospect to playing fullback, five-eighth and off the bench in first grade. Jason Ryles has said Papalii remains part of the club's plans.
Josh Lynn spent 9 games in NSW Cup in 2024 but has dropped back to Flegg this year, managing just 3 games in reserve grade. It appears as though he has dropped down the pecking order.
Apa Twidle is a known name around Eels lower grades. Having joined the club in 2023, he was the fullback in that side's SG Ball premiership win. Since then he has shifted from Flegg to NSW Cup in both the halves and at fullback. This season though he has played at fullback all season in NSW Cup.
Over to you. Who is your 2026 5/8 and which halves are you retaining or recruiting to the end of 2029?
Replies
Considering Moses has maybe 2-3 years of good prime footy left im doing whatever it takes to get Jayden Campbell. Figure the rest out later but that's me
Also bring in Talakai to fire up that left edge with ado Carr and Campbell. Those 2 moves with the current roster you got something
Talakai has dined out on that one half against Morgan Harper for years now and it even got him an Origin jersey. His future isn't at centre. He's going to end up in the backrow full time.
That's why I'd grab him, dual role and can slide back to 2nd row once Richie is rolling. Can't really lose signing him
At a minimum he's bench impact player instead of the likes of doorey lol.
Talakai is impact only. Even then not much. Wouldn't trust him defensively to start on an edge. As Super said, he's lived off that half v Morgan Harper.
I'm with you Eli if I'm going after a 6 I'd go with Campbell also.
Proven young and probably better than what we have in our pathways.
Campbell can eventually slide to 7 once Moses is done and Lorenzo becomes your 6. Just go for it and have a swing lol
Wishart would be my 2nd choice, has to be a strong runner or the footy who can play what's in front of them. We have to many lateral players who want to go sideways
Easy, considering what's left on the market , the money we'd have that we are so far unable to spend , and the circumstances being reported with the giraffe.
2026 would look like this
6- Moses
7- DCE
Hawkins stays and fills in when Moses is injured all year, Papalli is fighting with Iongi for the FB position.
Why did you delete Poppas Pawnshop ?
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