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
I'd chase Jayden Campbell or Sandon Smith
Id be doing everything thing I can to get Katoa to us to play 6/7. Once our spine is settled we can focus on other areas with what money is left.
Talataina seems to be progressing well, and so I'd hold off on the 6. Tell Hawkins and Joash it's between them during pre-season for the 6.
Apa Twidle I'd start playing at left centre in Cup, maybe partnered by Richie Penisini as LW, and groom this duo to take over our left backline by end of 2026 or 2027.
If Joash doesn claim 6, he can go back as Cup fullback. If he does claim 6, Hawkins can go back to cup and I'd sign a Fullback for cup that can cover the backline and with some experience. Corey Allan, someone like that.
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For the forwards, I'd only sign a top prop. That is it. If we do, I'd start Tuivati in Cup next year to get him used to big minutes. Readying him to take over Junior.
Otherwise I think I'll go with the same set of forwards for next year plus the youngsters.
Araz nanva is playing left centre and is progressing nicely....
Yeah I like Nanva but just rate Richie and Twidle more.
Actually Richie might be a better centre considering his good defence, so he could challenge his brother for a spot.
I just suggested the above configuration cause I really want Twidle to have a spot, and a bit of a pathway for the NRL.
I am not worried about Twiddle leaving the Eels. Every NRL team has a decent fullback where buying Twiddle is not really an upgrade of what they have. Players like Fualaago, Brimson, Gray are not even first choice fullbacks at their club and are proven in the NRL. So no real club would go for Twiddle.
For next year, Twiddle will be a backup fullback but given his skills, becoming a utility like Walker & Watson should not be out of the cards. Could cover fullback, centre, 5/8 and lock with his current skill set. Like you said, I think given our current roster, centre is probably a spot I would like to see him train at.
Knights are signing Sandon Smith as a hooker
I'd go for Jayden Campbell as a 5/8
Also would try to sign Cooper Bai from the titans as well
If we had to sign a cheap stop gap type id be looking at Clifford. Whoever they bring in has to be able to take the line on and have some size. Clifford would do a job next to Moses if the plan is to elevate Lorenzo soon. Campbell would be a home run or wishart would be close to that to
First and foremost, we are in desperate need of a quality half that can compliment Moses or replace him if he's injured or on rep duty.
Someone who can play eyes up footy, create chances and remain composed to complete our sets - something Dylan Brown has not really lived up to.
An aging DCE could alleviate some pressures however it would only be short term.
The problem being, our current forward pack may not be at the potential required for us to benefit and pursue such lofty Premiership goals under a DCE / Moses tutelage.
Wishart is a curious possibility; however, he is more of a defensive half option than someone who can be a menace in attack.
He is still young, comes from good stock and a winning culture / environment, so he would have to be considered.
Players discussed at length like Smith and Pezet don't move the needle much with what we have in house. They're both seen as back up options at their current clubs and even though Smith has improved and had a decent year, his tackle effiency of just under 85% is not great and he is not a major threat in attack to make up such deficit.
I was surprised with Pezets' kicking game against the Panthers last week but he would be low on my list due to mainly his FG playing inexperience.
Katoa is the gun half at present but he is untouchable.
The only player I regard as a dangerous commodity and a priority half to sign would be Campbell.
What he lacks in defence at present he makes up in attack many times over.
He is a young and developed player, excels in the 1, 6 or 7 position and can take over the reign from Moses when he calls it a day.
If we are looking at in house due to going externally after some big name quality forwards then I would go with Lorenzo next year.
With a full pre season with the squad and solid half depth options within our club then I would give the kid a crack. Surround him with a quality, defensive minded edge and load manage him throughout the year to ensure his body / mind remains in tact.
2026 - 2029
6 Campbell / Lorenzo & 7 Moses
I would play Talataina in one of the remaining FB games to see how his body and speed of play will adjust. Frim all what is written about him, he seems to be a good player. Question is, is he ready for the FG physicality.
On the forwards, Junior had been past his use by date unfortunately. He no longer bends the line and most of the time turn his back during hit ups instead of shoving the defending players.
I would get Josh Kerr for a year or two since he still has the heart to dohard yakka. If Averilo is still unsigned, then we should get him as well since he has the speed and can play center, wing and fullback.
Tualagi should not play in FB until his laziness in defence is corrected. He always too slow to get up after a tackle, just like Lane before. Doorey is trying hard but seems he eqsily gets fatigue and injury/ error prone.
Lastly and surely, I will look for another R&R person who can also go around to scout young players and can make good signings.
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