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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No. Will was an NRL player at 18. Richie is 21 this year and is injury prone.
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.
I thought adding JAC & Lomax went a long long way to remedying a weakness the clubs had since the likes of Radradra Takarangi Sivo Opacic Fergo and alike left.We aren't in that position to lose such talent and expect to come out of it smelling of roses and with our inability to go get key guys it's starting to become a real issue.
Cobbo was a chance, Staggs, Farnworth, Best ( Best maybe given rhetoric) but none of them Cobbo (not likely) would have come to Parra. Losing Lomax was a killer but to coin one of my favourite sayings, you cannot control the uncontrollable!
We need a Staggs/Farnworth/Best to compliment the existing team synergy.
Daz, good blog and you have addressed a very pertinent issue.
This is the problem with players leaving mid contract at the end of a year (lomax). Teams cant plan properly for the following season. I reckon we probably get someone like michael gabrael if we knew lomax would be leaving before last year started. Gabrael is behind others at cronulla but with lomax gone he could have been offered a starting spot with us. Now, the problem you have identified is a major one. If two of iongi, JAC or penisini are injured we are pretty much stuffed. At least it appears so on paper.
Many wanted to see Penisini dropped last year.....i still maintain (his parents and me are the only ones) that he could be an outstanding winger.
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