Parramatta eels next five-eighth is looking more and more likely to be an external signing as we really don't have the answer internally. The main candidates the club will be looking at are Chanel Harris - Tavita 27, Kodi Nikorema 32, Jack Cole 22 and Luke Metcalf 27
The main two Eels candidates are currently Ronald Volkman and Lorenzo Talititiana.
Volkman is still relatively young at 23, has performed well in the past few games, but I don’t think he's the club’s long term solution. If he was in the club's plans, he wouldn't be off contract this year. Also if he was in Rylsey's plans, why did he have Pezet along side Moses all pre season and during the early rounds - forget Volkman he's out of the running.
Lorenzo Talititiana. He's only 18 or 19. He's played a few games in cup around 15. Lorenzo hasn't yet debut in first grade and Volkman, who isn’t even signed for 27 has the jump on him. Its nearly mid season so if Ryles was considering Lorenzo for 2027, you'd think he would have at least gotten a taste of fg and would need half a season as Joash did last season. Lorenzo is also very slight in stature and he will most likely stay in cup for another year or two unti lhis body fills out - it won’t be Lorenzo
Joash- if it was Joash he wouldn't have been training at fb in the preseason with Pezet and Moses calling the shots. It seems like Joash has been scrapped from the idea of 5/8.
For mine its between Chanel and Metcalf. Tannah Boyd has just committed to a three-year deal. So three into 2 doesn't fit, and both are NRL standard
So Its a dead set toss up between Metcalf and Metcalf
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Or, internal is not out of the running yet?
They thought Pezet was more ready to go than Volman but mistakes happen?
They figured Moses might miss games due to injury and Origin and Pezet was a good bet at replacement 7, leaving 6 to be filled by Volkman, Joash or Lorenzo? Put differently, they expected internal candidates to all get a look in?
Lorenzo T is 18-19 you say. Top flight halves debut 18-20, it's variable.
Anyway, Metcalfe was a 5/8 in juniors and coming into grade. He is now 27. Moses is 31. Hypothetically if they took Metcalfe and he played 5/8, does he transition to #7 at Moses age?
It will be Lorenzos spot when the club thinks he's ready
if he's not ready next year then we have Volkman who can do the job
I'd be more interested in signing a centre/wing and a prop
It would be criminal not to extend Volkman for another season. He deserves it fully.
Agree
Lorenzo is 20 this year. Still has one year of Flegg eligibility. I must add, he has played the year in Cup with various Halfbacks and spine players. That is difficult to get a groove with. The reason Ryles hasn't played Talataina yet is the position he plays is prone to vicious criticism. Imagine him debuting in that Gold Coast game? Ryles is right, now is not the time while having these players out. On the other hand, when is the right time? Volkman has been playing well, not sure how long he keeps it up for though, but when does Lorenzo's time come if it does? If he doesn't debut this year well not great going into 2027 without a secure 5/8 for future.
As for CHT, he has said he only wants a 1 year deal, has an eye on PNG in 2028. Metcalf has said he was to play Halfback.
So CHT wants to go play in the halves with Luia at PNG starting 2028? And Metcalfe is actually contracted to the end of 2028, so if CHT's intents are as stated, Metcalfe hangs around?
If Metcalfe leaves because he wants to play 7, then he won't be coming to the Eels with Moses there! If Metcalfe is happy to play 6, why leave the Warriors if the above is true?
So, I don't know, Metcalfe-talk seems somewhat pointless?
Metcalf wants to play 7, Boyd will be playing 7.
I reckon, personally, we have been used by management and media as an option for Metcalf as we need a 6. Where its to put pressure on the Warriors.
Now who knows maybe he would like playing 6 and comes to Parramatta but as you said if that's the case and CHT is only keen on a year, then why not stay in NZ?
Though who's to say PNG want CHT? They may want a proper 7, unless CHT doesn't care if he is starting just wants the cash? That's a big thing with PNG, many players will now try and go there for quick, big payday, yet they can only have so many players so who is to say they want you?
I do wonder (and this is pure uneducated speculation) whether we are too conservative with player debuts, especially in the halves.
Sam Walker, Dylan Brown, Tom Dearden, Isaiya Katoa, Ezra Mam - all debuted in first grade at 18 or 19.
If you go the older crop we had Moses, Cleary, Marshall, Lockyer, Fittler etc all debut at 18 (17 in Fittlers case). Johns, Thurston, Munster, all 19 on debut.
It seems like history says that if young halves are going to be great, they can handle getting thrown to the wolves.
I know this is an uneducated opinion, but I don't see the point in holding folks like Lorenzo back. If he's going to be good enough history says he should be good enough now and it's better to let him learn against the best than to let him feel like a superstar against the rest.
Absolutely, I think we are. Titans debuted a young hooker and halfback both in the same game on the weekend. What are we waiting for? Lorenzo has just got to know he has everyone's support no matter the outcome and he will get better with time.
Feels this way from the outside, Cap. Ryles must have his reasons, defence?
Or it could just be that Volkman has made himself un-droppable currently, he's been great & has clearly worked very hard on his defence.
Sure Lorenzo will get his this chances, feels like the perfect season to get some game time into these 'future is now' players.
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