Eels Blogs

I can immediately see that Jason Ryles is following a similar approach to Bellache at Storm and Cleary at Panthers. JR is locking down members of the spine long term which helps build combinations and consistency over a period of time. This is essential for success, espicially to ensure that it is not a 1-2 season premiership window, but to always keep it open. Ryleys has consistently made mention during interviews to changes to the roster to suit the gameplan he has created as well as building a culture of a strong development club. This could involve moving players on whilst also upgrading the contract of  players (strong performers & juniors) already at the club. So lets take note of the current roster and potential changes:

Players Leaving:

• It was reported that Ryan Matteson was shopped to rivals during the off-season only for him to take his PO with the club (thankfully those dumb contracts are done). He started the season in reserve grade after pulling out after round 1 before eventually making it back into the team. After only a couples games he pulled out of a game. A reported back injury is keeping him out. Would not surprise me if we shop him to rival clubs again in the off-season. But given his salary and history with concussion/fine it may be hard to find a club willing to take him.
• Shaun Lane is obviously on leave. Since than no comment has been made on his future at the club which is obviously the right thing to do in respecting his privacy. The only update in general was Lane being named Player Director on the RLPA board which could give a glimpse to where his future lies and possible retirement at the end of the season. His break coincides with a poor run of injuries and 'laziness' at times during games so I struggle to see him playing on.
• Someone not reported to leave but defintely a possibility is Brendan Hands. Whilst his debut year seemed promising, his career has stalled and arguably gone backwards. Poor defence and lack of threat from the dummy half spot has resulted in him dropping down the pecking order rapidly at the club. In NSW Cup he is doing his job but by no means killing it. Next year Smith and TDS will still be in front of him. Hudson and Coinakis are coming through the juniors as well. He could well and truely stick it out in 2026 as our 3rd choice dummy half. Or similar to Joe O the club may encourage him to try secure his future long term whether it be in the Super League or another NRL club.

Player Upgrades:

• While I have already put him in the top 30 for next year, Riley Smith is rumoured to be getting a contract extension and upgrade as he is currently only on a development deal till end of 2026. I expect an announcement from the club soon. Smith & Da Silva will provide great competition for each other to continue improving as both are very young. For now I see Smith as the better defender with great effort areas whereas TDS has better attacking upside. So Smith starting & TDS bench seems the more likley option for now despite reports saying TDS wants a starting spot immediately. I cannot see either of them covering a position other than 9 which could really hurt us if injuries occur during a game.
• Joash Papalii has reportedly won the chance to get first crack at the 6 jersey next year. While I am not sure how he will go, he is already in talks with the club for a contract extension according to recent reports. At worst, if he does not do well at 6, he will be an amazing option as a backup fullback.
• Isaiah Iongi is going to be extended very soon. A future star of the game in his rookie season. Like I spoke about earlier, a key focus in locking up the spine members long term. He is only going to get better and better. I recon an extension till 2029 is on the cards.

Development Deals:

• I am not 100% certain on the contract situation of Saxon Pryke and Api Twiddle but I have seen reports throughout the past years linking them to those contracts. I believe they are both warranted given their form this year in NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg. Twidde's future is probably the most interesting given his versatility and high ceiling.
• There will be plenty of players from Jersey Flegg pushing for the remaining development deal which I will go through below.

Off Contract 2025:

• Grieg has not kicked on at all so off he goes. Super league it is I recon.
• Lussick is probably off to the super league again. 
• Dunster is too injury prone which is unfortunate. Perhaps a NSW Cup contract at the eels or somewhere else.
• AMS has had 2 ACL's in a row. Hard to give him a contract when he has never been a top tier talent. Perhaps a return to QLD is on the cards and restarting his career through QLD Cup.
• Keir could stay with us to help provide experience in the forward pack in NSW Cup. But I would only offer him a train and trial deal and not waste a development deal or top 30 spot on him. Up to him if he wants it.

Train & Trial Deals:

There are a few 21 years olds in Jersey Flegg who are will not be eligible next year so will be pushing hard to get train and trial deals for the pre-season and a lot of NSW Cup game time. I feel the club will move on a few 21-23 year olds who have not kicked on to make way for the next wave of talent coming through. Some names include Martyn, Lynn, Parker, Loizou.

There will be a bunch however as I said pushing for opportunities after impressive seasons this year. I will be going through those players in more detail when I give my u21 report in the coming weeks (during school holidays). But a short list includes:

• Max Tupou (22 - prop)
• Araz Nanva (21- centre)
• Teacum Brown (21 - prop)
• Matthew Hunter (21 - halves)
• Damascus Neemia (21 - prop)
• Domenic De Stradis (21 - backrow)
• Tyrese Lokeni (20 - backrow/prop)
• Leti Samuela (unsure - prop)
• William Lewis (21 - backrow)

I won't include any of the SG Ball players for now as I recon they are more worth looking into next year and I will save them for the rookie report later.

Position Depth/Target positions (going to use their preffered position for next year even if they cover multiple)

Fullback - Iongi , Twiddle

Wing - Ado Carr, Lomax, Tago

Centre - W Penisni, R Penisni, Russel, Simmonson

5/8 - Volkman, Papalii

Halfback - Moses, Hawkins

Prop - Paulo, Moretti, Tuivita, Matterson, Lane, Mataele, Doorey, De Belin

Hooker - Hands, Da Silva, Smith

Backrow - Kautoga, Tuilagi, Williams, Latu, Funa-Luta, Samrani

Lock - Walker, Guymer, Hopgood, Pryke

Obviously this is using everyone so if Matterson, Lane and Hands depart it will look different with 4 spots to fill.

• If Hands leaves we need a third string dummy half but otherwise we will be fine.
• Regardless of Matto & Lane, we need to buy an alpa forward to help Paulo. JDB is a good signing in my opinion but still need someone who just runs hard and alpa to lead the pack with Paulo getting older. Hopefully Matto & Lane leave to free even more money so we can get quality depth to fit the culture we are trying to build. We should already have the money to get the alpha we need. This will also allow us to use Williams in his best position.
• Backrow has plenty of depth now espically if Williams is there.
• Lock has plenty of depth.
• Halves depth should be fine as long as Hunter & Lorenzo keep developing well.
• Outside back depth is a bit of an issue. Russel is a quality depth but we need better than Tago & Samrani. Richie past year and half has had many injuries so not sure when he will be ready. Our Jersey Flegg outside backs are shit espically since Alamadine not been having a good year and Nanva is now in Cup too. But Nanva is no certainity to suceed in NRL and is purely a centre.