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 like what you are saying Bup. You have to let the coaches coach, but there's no reason why the club can't set a goal for players to remain fit in key areas.
Focussed training and health would definitely go a long way to address some of the issues we have seen with that in recent years. In fact we have some of the best medical facilities in the country in the Parramatta / Hills area, so let's use that to our advantage.
Maybe need to inject a bit more sports science as that is an area that could be lacking. The club should look to build in that area and partner with some of the nearby Universities, who already have the knowledge and facilities.
I think Lorenzo looks the next 5/8 to be given a chance in 26
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We also have to assume that Moses will only be fit for 1/3 of the season as susual and therefore who will be back-up half.
That's what hawkins was brought to the club to be and he can be a solid back up 7 when needed. Sign a strike 6 like Jayden Campbell and you'll be on the way to the finals
Geez, Super. Giving us the Boeing stick without so much as a single flying lesson in experience as Footy GM?
Remember Ash Taylor? Tim Smith. Without being a fortune teller, we need to stay fluid. As halves, the list of six have 10-15 years if they make it. We need to keep the development pipeline. Also, it's JR's call, isn't it?
Short term, 2026
If we can't recruit or JR isn't keen on DCE, Campbell, Sandon Smith — I'm thinking Hawkins at six. He's the oldest of the lot, 26. The most mature. Walker is another who could fill in but it's better to keep in his current middle spine-link-with-footy-nous role.
Best 17 is the constant aim to ensure maximal chances of winning.
Mid-term 27-28
Bulk up Hawkins. Transition into Talataina, Pap, Volkman, Lynn, Twiddle or whomever is killing it. If not, we're looking externally for halves.
Need to keep a long list and track of guys like Ethan Sandon, Galvin, Jet Cleary, even Sexton. Track how they evolve and opportunities to grab them. Katoa would be great, but I doubt Phins would ever let him go. He's their future.
Long-term 2029-2030 onwards, post Moses
Hopefully, sorted by the mid-term solution. Also, I'd eye a potential Iongi switch to six as his body bulks in 3-5 years if we get a future one from Twiddle/Little Pap.
Also, we need to plan captaincy beyond Moses. I'm thinking Smith. Passion. Tireless team player. Quote composed. Could be glue.
Push other longer-term strategies
In consultation with Jim/The Club to help us on the negotiation table and as a more attractive destination with post career opportunities.
1. Set up a Halves Academy, or elite halves program, perhaps via the COE. Sterlo is an ambassador. I'd also include other spine members to develop.
2.Set up Satellite Academies in other states, country, NZ, PNG, Fiji, Island countries using relevant guys like Sivo, Semi, Junior, Cayless brothers, Cronin, Sterlo, as well-paid ambassadors there. Set up programmes for youth sponsorship etc. Get scouts scouring every corner possible.
3. Use our business relationships at the negotiation table using whatever business clout we have at the negotiation table that really wants to help push the club forward. I know Jim and the club have been working overtime re-building these relationships.
4. Build a long-term relationship with a Super League club. Maybe Leeds Rhinos or Wigan to establish a relationship with Caddick Construction or Mike Danson, probably one of the wealthiest SL owner. Perhaps even French-club Toulouse and the US. It makes the club a place that can open international doors for players.
6. Build closer relationships with Kings School up the road and schools in near localtities, even primary and kindies.
7. Reach out to all our celebrity fans to give them Gold Access to the club and mingle in the COE, Leagues, at the Ground, Club etc. The Mentalist, Simon Baker.
8. Plan long-term satellite Eels communties as havens for Eels families and kids. Talk to Jim/Club about building community housing/estates partnership with our developers /businessmen to provide housing. Places like Bella Vista, Carlingford (James Ruse School), North Parramatta (Kings), Epping, Baulkhim Hills, Castle Hill near schools and amenities.
9. Further the above, set up a Eels' Golf course with a Luxury Resort near one of those community satellites with and a helicopter to woo recruits. Imagine being able to pick up new recruits in a helicopter or private jet to meet up over golf in our own resort? Lifetime golf membership for all Eels players who have given at least 50 games of service or whatever. You get the drift.
10. All of the above are just ideas off the top of my head that the club may already be in the process of doing and needs more strategic refinement and long-term partnerships and consortiums. It's pretty ambitious, but why not shoot for the stars, even if you miss some, you never know.
I agree , a private jet to whiz potential recruits out to Kellyville after their tour of our Stadium would be a great way to impress them. That'd slash a few hours off their daily commute and they could take some time to look down on their potential new Toongabbie residence .
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