Eels Blogs

Replies

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  Tin Tim February 25, 2026 at 5:34am

  He an asset, our young forwards are playing out of their skin because of De-Bellin & Paulo they are teaching them the way. It needs to continue with an experienced prop that will teach them how to be professional & mentally strong. No better than the NSW prop Barnett. 
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  Coryn Hughes February 25, 2026 at 8:03am

  Like the player don't like the age of the player though imo this is Custers last stand.We've got enough experience in our pack id just extend Jnr and call it a day.What I wouldn't do is put a road back ahead of Tuivaiti Moretti Brown Talagi and co unless they don't believe these guys are ready.I'm expecting a lot from this young group of middles coming through that's our foundations.

  If you'd have told me Barnett was available 2-3 years ago I'd be all over it but I'm cautious now and coming back after an acl I don't think I'd do it.But I guess others are involved in this chase so it decreases the chances of this actually happening.
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    LB > Coryn Hughes February 25, 2026 at 10:24am

    Yeah he will go to Brisbane to try win a comp. Madge named him for Origin debut so connection there.
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  Nightmare Off-Season February 25, 2026 at 10:34am

  

  Would love to see Barnett at the Eels.

  He's the closest player defensively to Beau Scott in the current game (imo), and those players are so few are far between.

  They are so valuable to the defensive line & structure.

  Obviously would be preferable for this season - a player swap, or if NZ drop out of the finals race early & grant him a release. 

   

  Barnett's age isn't ideal, but, he did play a lot of his career on an edge, so he may not be as burned out physically as others his age who have been career middles. 

   

  We do seem to have a lot of genuine potential coming through in the forwards, so not sure having the older heads is as big of a concern as previous years.

  The balance between youth & experience looks far better in 2026 than 2024, imo.  

  Plus that Barnett level experience, especially rep experience, is as valuable to a team off the field as on it.

  Just opinion. 

   
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    macybrown > Nightmare Off-Season February 25, 2026 at 11:07am

    

    Omg NOS just read your beau Scott comment after I posted below. Great minds hey ;)
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  macybrown February 25, 2026 at 11:02am

  

  Love this player reminds me of Beau Scott. If it means not having the dough to update Ryley, Sam or Teancum then I'd rather we don't enlist tho.

  besides given his family issues, I'd be stunned if Newcastle don't sign him myself.

  press reporting broncos are keen is a mind blower. How the hell could they have available funds... crazy unfair.