Eels V Dragons 3-2-1

What a sea sawing game, with the referee really trying to influence the result. Some desperate digging deep in defence and working under fatigue coupled with some very very bad ball play by the Dragons has let us take the 2 points. So much more improvement needed, but the desire and playing for your mates is there in spades.

3 Points - The King Clint Gutherson, made numerous errors to help us, and his ball playing on his left was found wanting, if only he straightened their attack he wouldn't get the 3 points today.

2 Points - Bailey Simonsson, his strong running really helped get us out of trouble, ran for game high 244m with 96 m post contact, no missed tackles, Tried all day

1Point - Mitch Moses and Rylie Smith. Again his Kicks kept us in the game, his defence on the right kept us in the match. Still down on what we expect, with mistakes, but you just don't win that game without his input. Rylie smith game high 50 tackles and like Mitch his cover defence was needed many times.

"He's got to be a running threat too. I just don't see the upside with him. Maybe if he was staying you'd double down and develop him into what we need. But he's leaving and he's not what we need today. I agree with Pops. Put him at 19 for cover…"

"Obviously I'd assume you'd have Williams in there off the 6 man bench. I agree it's time to give the young boys a go, tuivaiti and guymer are our 2 most promising fringe younger forwards. Both defend well too."

Replies

macybrown March 22, 2026 at 6:26pm

3. Sam

2. TDS

1.Ryley
Muttman March 22, 2026 at 6:31pm

TuivatI
Williams.
Doorey

Gutho is done. Hang 'em up.
- Parrafan101 > Muttman March 22, 2026 at 6:33pm
  
  Gutho peaked at parra and will never reach that level again, 17.19.20-24 probably the best years he played NRL.
  - LB > Parrafan101 March 22, 2026 at 8:16pm
    
    He is 32 this year so of course not, he is on the decline. Has been since 2024 where i noticed from Round 1 he looked slower. His best year was 2020 but til 2023 was his prime.
- LB > Muttman March 22, 2026 at 8:16pm
  
  He still has the ability, his body just lets him down. Early 2024 he started losing pace and you can see it. But he still has a prescence on the field. Dragons lose him and they fall a part more.
EA March 22, 2026 at 6:36pm

3. Tuivita (175m)

2. Simonson (244m. Great yardage and great in defence at the end)

1. TDS
Yehez March 22, 2026 at 6:37pm

Simonsson, Kitione, Da Silva, Tuivati and Walker were best on field IMO. Tuivati 3 then.
HH - Love You Iongi Time! March 22, 2026 at 6:37pm

3 - Tuivaiti

2 - Simonsson

1 - Da Silva
Michael W. March 22, 2026 at 7:12pm

3. Simmonson, showing he can do what Lomax did, and better in defence.

2. TDS, improving with every game, has outplayed Smith two weeks in a row. Also, his passing has improved.

1. Sam, another who improves every game. Very fit for a big man.

Special mentions to Doorey, Russell and Moses for his kicking game.
JC March 22, 2026 at 7:18pm

3. Tuivaiti

2. TDS

1. Simmonson