Ryley Smith has opened up about the apprehension of Tallyn Da Silva joining the club, but has said they both lean on each other and it works well. Seems Ryles has definately been clear in communication with both lads over their roles to make them happy and content. Now, both are young (23 & 21) eventually Da Silva will want to be a starter of course. Smith is free to negotiate in November. That will be a big decision for Parramatta moving forward on their future at the position. But for now, both players can just develop and get better at what they are doing.
I was a big advocate for Da Silva, mentioning to give him time and a pre-season to get better. Then seeing him in pre-season i was underwhelmed and unfairly turned on him, putting support fully on Smith. He shut me right up on Sunday in a performance that i contend won us the game. Purely by changing momentum as soon as he was on. Now will he do that every week at this point? No, but his confidence would sky rocket, as would the notice of Smith who wants to keep his starting spot.
Though right now, Smith is the type of Hooker that suits starting and Da Silva suits coming off the bench, just suits it 100%. By 2028 would that change? Perhaps it could swap. But with Da Silva signed til 2029, the expectation must be he is to put a lot of pressure to be the starter and not just be a bench, impact player. Though with PNG set to talk in November and Smith off at the same time, it is a big decision for Parra moving forward. The hope would be by the end of 2026, Da Silva's minutes go up from 55/25 split to possibly 45/35 split. Perhaps even with Smith staying on the field playing Walker's role and with Walker starting and possibly could start for the year with Hopgood out, that could be an avenue where Da Silva comes on, Smith stays on and occupies that middle of the field to feed forwards and assist Moses & Pezet.
Though in conclusion, it is great both of them understand their role while also encouraging healthy competition.
https://www.zerotackle.com/eels-hooker-opens-up-on-thriving-one-two-punch-combination-231848/
Replies
I just need to see an improvement in his service off of both hands and passing off the deck and defensively can he stand up in the middle all while playing big minutes.Early on in his career. I forget about the splash plays and want to see the basics as that's what will get him by TDS that is.
Ryley Smith I'd like to see a tad more physicality from him and for him to continue to build on his kicking game out of dummy half.Running isn't his strength which is fair so we basically have two hookers that a different types.
Parra right now are middle of the ruck dependent we have to be secure there first.Smiths guy right now can TDS build his game enough to give JR the trust to start him I don't know.
Well if Da Silva is to show it, it has to be this year as a decision on Smith needs to be made sooner rather than later.
How do you get all the attributes into one player.
Rylie Smith, chases harder then anyone, does the 1%ers, tackles non stop, Rarely misses a tackle, an everready battery that is all heart. Great service, but hardly ever runs or ask questions of the defence.
Tallyn, Hasn't got the stamina to last, regulary lies down in the ruck after a tackle, fatigues quickly and it shows in bad defence, dosnt chase as hard as Rylie, and dosnt make the number of tackles as Rylie, misses too many tackles. His attacking ability and running ability is far superior to Rylie, always asks questions of the defence and is better in attack then Rylie.
The team needs all these attributes during a game. Interesting to see which one develops quicker.
Da Silva reminds me a little of Benny Elias. Can be selfish and looking to turn the game upside down by himself, learning to get his passing and game organisational skills in focus, should be his first priority. Yes he has pace and can sniff a " barge over" but his passing is mediocre, as is his game sense. Riley is a terrier and his work rate is first class, horses for courses i guess
Smith's workrate is high though this year i have found he has had a few times of "what the hell was that?" where 2025 he rarely had that. Not sure if he is trying to upstage Da Silva by doing what he does?
Da Silva's passing i felt was a little better on Sunday.
Ryley as the ball 13 is interesting. Wondering if it can work out and he can be Walker's replacement while also covering the 9.
Supereel mentioned he sees Smith as a Brandon Smith type off the bench.
Ryley is head and shoulders above TDS right now and will easily be poached if we don't lock him up now.
TDS has speed, but is a typical tigers player, needs a lot of work to get his game right. Bringing him off the bench is the perfect position for him. Getting him to start would be a disaster due to many current flaws.