Following the signing of TDS, I believe the club’s next priority should be strengthening the forward pack by targeting 1–2 middles, along with a reliable, NRL-ready back-rower.
While it's unlikely that one of the elite-tier forwards will become available, it's worth noting that last year saw players like Terrell May, James Fisher-Harris, and Addin Fonua-Blake unexpectedly hit the market — a reminder that opportunities can arise.
That said, in the event that no top-tier forwards become available, I’ve compiled a list of players who may soon be due for both an upgrade in salary and a more prominent role at a new club.
Front-Row Forwards:
Jackson Ford:
Jackson Ford has been a consistent and reliable performer for the Warriors over the past two seasons. While he primarily features as a bench forward, he consistently plays upwards of 40 minutes per game.
After watching him closely this season, he appears to fit a similar mould to Jack Williams: not the flashiest player on the park, but someone who delivers a dependable 7/10 performance each week. He is from the Dragons system, and may be looking for a move back to Australia. I think the opportunity to start, and move back to Australia could defintely draw him back to the club. Additionally, the Warriors have a surplus of front-row forwards, with many young-stars arising this season; Leka, Laban, Demetric Vaumiga. Given the depth they've built in this area, the club may soon be forced to offload one or two established players to make room for these rising talents and manage their roster and cap space accordingly.
Harry Hayes:
Harry Hayes has been a very solid performer for the Bulldogs this season, averaging over 100 running metres, and boasting a tackle efficiency rate of 92%. He is the perfect mould for the new generation of forwards, and had an especially impressive performance against us a few weeks back. With forwards such as Leo Thompson arriving to the club, along with Josh Curran, Sam Hughes, Bailey Hayward, Sulaka-Fifita & the emegence of Jack Todd and Jack Underhill, Harry may well be looking for increased responsbility, which the Eels can offer.
Tui Kamikamica:
Tui Kamikamica was reportedly offered to rival clubs earlier in the year. While he is having a season below his standards, he would not break the bank and can provide much needed experience in the Eels forward pack. He can prove a very valuable bench piece, and may be enticed by the opportunity to work with his former assistant, Ryles.
Ata Mariota/Trey Mooney:
With Josh Papaii departing the Raiders next season, both Ata Mariota & Trey Mooney are believed to be front-runners to fill the void. Both players have proved to be of NRL Standard in recent times, and with their young age, room for even further improvement. Should one of them miss out on securing a regular starting role, I believe the Eels would be well-positioned to pursue the "odd man out" — particularly if they can offer a more defined role and greater opportunity for career progression.
Back-Row Forwards:
Jaydn Sua:
While it remains highly unlikely, the Dragons will head into next season with a surplus of emerging back-row talent. This group includes Dylan Egan, Toby Couchman, and Jacob Halagahu. Both Egan and Couchman have been among the club’s standout performers in what’s been a challenging season, while Halagahu continues to cement his status as one of the country’s most promising juniors — a reputation further enhanced by his recent standout performance in the Under 19s State of Origin. Given the quality and potential of these young forwards, the Dragons may soon be faced with a difficult decision: move on from a senior leader in the pack to make room for the next generation.
David Fifita:
One name that will undoubtedly divide opinion is David Fifita — but he absolutely warrants consideration. While 2025 has been a season to forget for him, the raw talent and physical upside remain undeniable. At the Titans, it's not uncommon for players to underperform, whether due to cultural issues or the more laid-back environment on the Gold Coast. A change of scenery could be exactly what Fifita needs to reignite his career. For the right price, he is most defintely worth the gamble. Just imagine him running off Mitch Moses... the thought alone should give opposition defensive coaches nightmares.
Ideal 2026 Lineup:
1. Iongi
2. Bailey
3. Will/Sean
4. Lomax
5. JAC
6. Joash
7. Mitch
8. Jack Williams
9. TDS
10. Jackson Ford/Moretti
11. Kit Kat
12. David Fifita
13. Hopgood
14. Ryley
15. Dylan Walker
16. Junior Paulo
17. Harry Hayes/Sam T
Replies
I think out of the players mentioned, Harry Hayes would be the best suited to the style of play Ryles is looking for, he would be good off the bench and a reliable starter if needed. Ideally Jack Williams on an edge is the way to go, but if there are injuries to a middle forward he would cover and Hayes/Tuilagi/Samrani would come in. I think we are looking ok if we can sign a Hayes type player.
On another note, centre is still a bit of a concern. Of the players off contract I would be trying to get Marwene Hiroti from the Sharks, can play centre or wing, or Daine Laurie from the Panthers, can play anywhere in the backline. Both of these players would improve our team.
I have a feeling we won't be chasing more middles at the moment. With Junior, JDB, Sam, Moretti, Guymer, Williams and Mataele we have a mix of experience and youth. I think more importantly we need to be going after another edge forward because we lack depth there.
Disagree our edge depth is fine. Williams, Kautoga, Tuilagi, Latu, Samrani, Guymer, etc. Plus got Jez, De Stradis, Lokeni, Lewis coming through Flegg.
Need more quality depth in the outisde backs. Russel is fine but after him the rest are crap.
I'm not keeping Tuilagi. Too many mistakes, penalties and defensive lapses. He's played nearly 70 first grade games. Nowhere near the level we need a backrower to be. Can't see Guymer staying in the backrow, I imagine he'll move more towards the middle.
That leaves us with Kit Kat and Williams, with a rookie in Samrani as the back up. The rest are all guys who haven't played first grade. Need someone there even if it's for only 2-3 years.
Super, any word on the pursuit of Luke Garner? Feel like he'd be perfect to come in & help Latu etc transition into first grade?
Or was that purely a rumour?
I recon eels signing JDB means that Garner moves to Dragons.
Dragons have had to use Egan and Couchman in the backrow when they are better middles due to lack of depth in the backrow. They have Jayden Sua and Jacob H is coming through too. Do not think Flanagan is a fan of Leiluia. So Garner would be a perfect fit at 12/17 while Jacob develops.
If Kit Kat and Williams are our first choice backrow, I think Kelma is a good back up. I agree Guymer is a middle, been saying that for a while. Perhaps RFM from dragons is a good back up option in the backrow if you want someone experienced for depth if your concerned about the lack of experience in the other depth options.
So you don't have debelin? When it's been confirmed he's a signing, and your pulling signings out your arse like fafita please close this blog or send it to the bin.
My bad for not including JDB. None of these signings have I said are confirmed, I said Fifita should be a forward we chase. Not really sure it warranted a response like that, Bob.
It kinda did AI guy....another "next year what if?" list, but you can't even fucking bother getting the lock-ins correct
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