Eels Blogs

Replies

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  The Captain May 19, 2026 at 5:25pm

  https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/parramatta-eels-star-dylan-wal...

  Yeah these sources are usually pretty on the money for Super League stuff.

  I mean on the one hand I get it - he's probably looking to secure a good final contract to see out his years in professional sport. But on the other hand he is very, very high up our squad in terms of talent and experience. We are a much less threatening team in attack without Walker today.
  • 

    JC > The Captain May 19, 2026 at 5:49pm

    He doesn't offer much the way the game is currently officiated, when was the last good impactful game from walker?.

    If we can't play the style of footy ryles got him in here to play than there is no point in offering him a longer contract. 
    • 

      The Captain > JC May 19, 2026 at 6:35pm

      

      I agree for the most part - but if we're comparing him to the rest of our squad, I'd say he's been one of our more successful players in attack for the minutes he's played (especially off the bench). That probably speaks more to the lack of effectiveness of the rest of the team though. I guess my point is, of all the players we could let go, Walker wouldn't have been at the top of my list.
      • 

        Poppa > The Captain May 19, 2026 at 6:42pm

        

        I am only guessing Cappy but both Volkman and now Walker are presenting this path, my question is, is this just the managers doing their job.

        It is going to come back to alternative packages, given the way the games going and you had a contract coming up, why not follow this course?
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          The Captain > Poppa May 19, 2026 at 7:43pm

          

          No shade on their managers for doing their job - I assume if we wanted to retain them we would have already had the convos and locked them up so I assume they've been told that they're not in our longer term plans. You don't sound out Super League unless your options in the NRL are effectively dead in the water. Let's be honest, who is going to swap living in Sydney for living in Leeds if they had a choice? 
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        JC > The Captain May 19, 2026 at 8:26pm

        

        I would play walker at 6 against the knights,  I don't think we can afford to play either volkman or pezet as our defence isn't good enough to counter the 5+ tackles per game both miss. I think we need to start picking our best 17 from here on In taking defence and errors into consideration.  Volkman, pezet, Kelly and to a lesser extent penisini would not be in my 17 and you can add guymer to that list until he plays some good footy in reserve grade.
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          EA > JC May 19, 2026 at 8:41pm

          

          I think JR may actually put Papalii at 6 over both Volkman and Pezet as his defence is superior.

          His attack is probably the weakest from those 3 as when he runs the ball he tucks the ball under his arm which immeditaly allows the defence to focus on him since he shows he wont pass. Secondly, his passing accuracy is horrible. But as you said, we cant afford shit defence right now so he may get chosen there.

          I also think the 'future starts now' needs to somewhat be done. So Russel and Tuilagi adios. Keep Pezet only when Moses isnt available. Mataele and Walker are not confirmed so can stay in the team. I am happy for 18th and 19th man be players who are leaving because they normally wont make the field and I would rather the rest players be in NSW cup developing.

          1. Ionig
          2. Fox
          3. Nanva
          4. Samrani
          5. Penisini 
          6. Papalii
          7. Moses/Pezet
          8. Tuivita
          9. Smith
          10. Mataele
          11. Williams
          12. Kautoga
          13. JDB/Guymer/Pryke/Edwards
          14. TDS
          15. Walker
          16. Paulo
          17. Moretti
          18. Twiddle
          19. Russel
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  Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin May 19, 2026 at 6:13pm

  Jesh, O'neill must have some great signings lined up, if we're baulking at Dylan Walker 
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    Poppa > Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin May 19, 2026 at 6:43pm

    Yes Chiefy, maybe you should withdraw the petition, can we afford to lose the "MON".
• Yehez May 19, 2026 at 6:51pm

  In general I actually don't mind it. 

  I think I can see Paulo playing as the ball 13 and getting lesser minutes next year.

  Plus we have Guymer who I think is better as a 13. 

  Plus we have Doorey and Hopgood back, yes it is ACLs but they can come back and contribute.

  Plus we have Koina and to a lesser extent Lokeni looking good in the 13 in the lower grades. 

  And that's before we sign someone.

  Some players have to leave.