To those with knowledge of the Eels' lower grades, do the Eels have players coming through in the outside backs who might be within 1-2 years of a) breaking into first grade, and/or b) have the potential to be star outside backs?
I think the Eels' pack is fine for 2026, with cover at both prop and backrow and promising forwards both established and emerging.
But the Eels seem thin in the outside backs? WE have three players who are "set": Iongi at FB, Will Penisini at (right) centre, and JAC at left wing. Right wing and left centre seem open. Russell grabbed left centre in 2025 but now competes with Kelly and maybe Simmonson? Backup centres R. Penisini and Samrani. Right wing could be Simmonson, Russell or Kelly. Backup Tago?
I was thinking of the Eels' thinness in the outside backs when reading an article about the Dolphins, who have an abundance of riches by comparison. Consider their Centre options: Bostock, Farnworth & Cobbo. I think all three would probably walk into a centre spot at the Eels? Dolphins could even run Tabuai-Fidow at centre. And Dolphins were already the highghest scoring team in 2025.
My guess is the Eels really cannot afford to suffer long-term injuries to their only "set" outside backs (JAC, W. Penisini & Iongi)? Moreover, the Eels might be in trouble if they lose two outside backs to long-term injuries? Who from the lower grades might be able to assume a FG spot? And who in the lower grades gives hope of unearthing attacking weapons in the outside backs?
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Murray Taulagi is still available and not sure why. But I would be keeping an interest in him at least.
He'd be a sturdy pick up and wouldnt break the bank either
I reckon we will end up with him.
What do you fellows like about M Tualagi?
For outside backs the best ones coming through SG ball and HM would be Rokusuka (19) Sorovi (18), Bloomfield (18) Seuseu (16) and Moala (18). You never know with outside backs because a lot of them make their NRL debut very young.
I assume the club are also waiting to see if Alamadine (21), Nanva (22) and Richie (21) kick on.
Who would be your top pick to make it, EA?
I'm not as an avid watcher of lower grades as some else on here (I'm overseas), but from the little I see only Richie Penisini seems destined for first grade. And He's good. Just needs to stop being injured. Otherwise he's great.
Otherwise, jury very much out on Alemaddine. And Rokosuka is exciting. But both are at least 2 years away from consideration. They'll be mostly Flegg this year.
There is plenty of excitement lower down but we're talking 18 years and younger. Sorovi, Davis, Broomfield, Moala all have raps.
Yehez, is R Penisini better than V Penisini?
Re outside backs: are we not now in love with Joash Papalii, Russell, Simonsson, Samrani, Penisini 1 and Penisini 2, Kelly, That's 7 for 3 spots available. Dosnt ignite fear in opposition but that's whom the club have chosen.
To think of the players that have been available to sign the last 12 months. Cobbo , Staggs, Best, Lomax, Farnworth, Iro just to name a couple.