Eels exit race for Sandon Smith

Parramatta have reportedly dropped their interest in signing Sydney Five-Eighth Sandon Smith. The decision is based on the club placing their attention to other options, mainly in house optoins including Joash Papali'i.

Now i do believe they are looking at Papali'i and even in future Talataina, although i also wonder if there is a target that Ryles is looking at that he knows or might know is available that is not known as available if that makes sense. I don't know, the club is very good at keeping information in terms of recruitment sown shut. Anasta did let slip slightly of a target Ryles could be interested in but stopped before he said the actual name. I would put money, not a lot, on us still signing a 6.

https://www.zerotackle.com/team-drop-out-of-race-for-sydney-roosters-playmaker-sandon-smith-223588/

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    • I would prefer us to go externally but it shows how we didn't have a plan B to Galvin. Papali'i was fine on Sunday night, he played a very vanilla game and defended well. All he needed to do to get job done. But did not convince me he is the future at 6 for this club.

      • The only way Joash works at 6 is if Iongi Moses and whoever is at 9 take over the majority of playmaking. If Joash can hold his own defensively eventually the attack will come for him. We can also use our money in other areas of the team 

        • In that case Eli, anyone can play 6 really. Papali'i as a runner at the moment has not shown too much but limited chances as well. I think it could be a reason for Ryles chasing Da Silva to have more creativity around the ruck and free up Moses and whoever plays 5/8.

          • Yeah it's difficult to judge Joash off one game, give him a full offseason at 6 and he might come out of his shell in attack. As long as he does simple things well at this stage and we stack 1-7-9 I'm ok with it 

            • I would have no issues with Papali'i at 5/8, just do not believe for a second that they have decided that already and are just applying a smokescreen. Not until perhaps the first trial in 2026 will i believe Papali'i is our future 6. Even then Talataina will be right behind him.

              • Your right again LB, I think Campbell is my hope if we don't have Sandon Smith. Cannot imagine why Ryles would not like him....I think he is a beauty and meets all our needs. I have always felt just the same that Roosters won't let him go.

                • Poppa you agreeing with me I feel is not great for not only this site but the world itself hahah. The world could end soon 

          • Iongi seems to be much more then just a working full back. Plenty of playmaking in him 

            • He is similar to Dylan Edwards, though can pass a ball. Penrith i think are seeing him as one that got away.

      • He'll be a great six, give him time and space. Remember Ryles came from a system that developed three reggie fullbacks into superstars.

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