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.
Good blog & lots of great responses, Super.
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 should be 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.
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 .
The Bulldogs Kikau is coming off contract he what we need, players like him Tino, Hass they will take you to another level, no players that are no better that what's coming through our grades.
I would be ripping the band aid off and going with Lorenzo Talataina for 2026. If we decide to sign someone, Pezet could be the go due to his ability to be a 7 as well. Lincoln Fletcher i do not know much about but could he be ready come 2027? Perhaps but at the same time i have also heard very mixed things.
If you go with Talataina and he works out, he is your 5/8 for next 15 years. But who is the 7 moving forward? Well that is hard as Fletcher is going down the path of Sanders where Moses is in his path for the next 4 years. Fletcher i believe is 19 next year? But when he is seeing some FG in 2027 & 2028 as a 20/21 year old still has a few years left of Moses. So do you just try and wrap Fletcher up til 2029 at least with the plan of him being our future 7 in 2030 when he is 23 years of age which is a nice mature age.
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