Before diving in, it's important to acknowledge where we currently sit on the ladder. We must acknowledge as fans that our position is far from ideal nor acceptable, however, we must also consider the challenges we've faced throughout the early part of the season:
The extended absence of Mitchell Moses, both at the beginning of the season and more recently
Mid-to-long term foot injuries to key players Zac Lomax and Bailey Simonsson
The off-field distraction and uncertainty surrounding Dylan Brown’s contract situation
A wave of suspensions, including two for Kelma Tuilagi, along with bans for Ryley Smith and Josh Addo-Carr
The inexperience of a rookie head coach still finding his feet at NRL level
The departure of several experienced and influential players — including Clint Gutherson, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Maika Sivo, and Joe Ofahengaue
A very raw and inexperienced squad — at the start of the season, players like Iongi, "Kit Kat", Sam Tuivaiti, Ryley Smith, and Joash Papalii had fewer than 10 first-grade games combined. And with inexperience inevitably come error
Positives:
Signings:
Our recruitment for the season has undoubtedly been one of the brighter aspects. With signings including; Jack Williams, Iongi, Kit Kat, Lomax, JAC, Dylan Walker, Dean Hawkins, Joash & Jordan Samrani. Across the board, each player has at the very least met expectations, while many have exceeded expectations. Jack Williams, Iongi, and Kit Kat have stood out with consistently strong performances. There was initial scepticism — myself included — around the signings of Josh Addo-Carr and Dylan Walker. However, both have proven to be excellent additions. Addo-Carr has added a new dimension to our edge attack, offering a different style to what we were accustomed to with Maika Sivo. Meanwhile, Walker has been exceptional off the bench, regularly shifting momentum with his impact and versatility. Importantly, there hasn’t been a signing I’d categorise as a “miss.” Even those brought in primarily for development or Cup-level depth — such as Hawkins, Joash, Samrani, and Volkman — have shown encouraging signs when given the opportunity at NRL level.
Style of Football:
Gone are the days of Parramatta relying mainly on our left edge to generate points. While the Gutherson sweep play to Maika Sivo was highly effective, over time it became predictable and overused. This season, however, we’ve shown far more variety and creativity in our attacking structures. We’re now threatening across the park — not just down one channel. Through the middle, we’ve seen promising link-up play, often sparked by a Dylan Walker burst or a smart tip-on from Junior Paulo. On the right edge, we’ve found success through short balls to Kelma Tuilagi/Jack Williams or well-placed last-tackle kicks targeting Zac Lomax. Meanwhile, the left side continues to fire, with Isaiah Iongi and Josh Addo-Carr combining dangerously. Overall, our attack has evolved into a far more balanced and unpredictable system, capable of striking from multiple areas of the field.
Player Development:
A key example of our Player Development this season is Sean Russell. I’ll be the first to admit that over the past two years, I wasn’t a fan — whether he was on the wing or in the centres, I often felt he offered little in either attack or defence. But credit where it’s due: this year, Russell has taken a clear step forward. While he’s still not among the elite centres in the game, he’s become far more reliable defensively and noticeably stronger in attack.
Luca Moretti is another standout. He showed glimpses of promise in previous seasons, but before his injury this year, he was truly beginning to deliver on that potential with consistent, tough performances through the middle.
The emergence of young players like Ryley Smith, Sam Tuivaiti, and Joash Papalii has also been a welcome boost. All three have shown encouraging signs in their early NRL outings and bring much-needed energy to the squad.
We’ve also seen a resurgence in Junior Paulo’s form — back to playing with real intent — and continued strong contributions from players like Bailey Simonsson when fit.
Player Rention:
When the decision was made to release Clint Gutherson to the Dragons, it was met with heavy criticism. Many viewed Gutherson as the “heart” of the team — a leader whose effort and presence were invaluable. However, coach Jason Ryles saw things differently and placed his trust in Isaiah Iongi at fullback. So far, that call has paid off. Iongi has shown immense potential and looks every bit a future star. While Gutherson, as we saw on Saturday, can still be effective, it’s clear he’s beginning to slow down. I wouldn’t be surprised if next year is his last season at fullback.
Other key departures include Reagan Campbell-Gillard, who has struggled for form and impact this season, and Maika Sivo, who had become a shadow of his former self. Joe Ofahengaue was averaging just 65 run metres per game — a significant drop-off for a middle forward. Shaun Lane, ruled out indefinitely, had unfortunately not returned to his best football over the past two to three years.
Additionally, players like Wiremu Greig and Ryan Matterson have reportedly been encouraged or granted permission to explore other opportunities — a move many fans would agree is overdue given their limited impact in recent seasons.
Negatives:
Jmaine Hopgood & Will Penisini:
Throughout the Brad Arthur era, J’maine Hopgood was one of our most consistent performers — regularly punching out over 60 minutes with minimal errors and a strong defensive work rate. However, this season, he’s looked a shadow of that player. His minutes have been reduced, and he's become more prone to handling errors and giving away unnecessary penalties. That said, there’s no doubt the talent is still there — which is likely why Billy Slater has kept faith in him, selecting him in Queensland’s squad for Game 3. If Hopgood can rediscover his best form, it would go a long way toward stabilising and strengthening our forward pack.
As for Will Penisini, I was anticipating a breakout year. With two of the game’s most powerful wingers outside him, I expected a significant boost in both his attacking output and defensive stability. So far, though, that lift hasn’t materialised. There's still time, but he’ll need to find another gear in the back half of the season to reach the level many were expecting.
Lapses:
While the team is still relatively inexperienced, that can’t fully excuse some of the lapses we've seen in both attack and defence this season. The most recent examples — our abysmal first half against the Dragons and Chris Randall’s try last week — highlight just how costly these moments can be. Randall’s effort, in particular, was one of the softest tries you’ll see a back-rower score at this level.
These kinds of breakdowns can be momentum-killers and swing games dramatically. While there has been some improvement in addressing them, there’s still a long way to go before we become a consistently disciplined and resilient side.
Replies
Featured Blog!!!...am I the only one who hates obvious ai output, psitive or negative? Why encourage it Super? It has received engagement, but this shit will kill site interaction and humour. AI output should be attributed
So obvious its AI written. Feels souless when reading. Cant feel engaged or even wanting to finish reading it.
souless and wit-free. Dross....I am still not used to it and continue to read for too long before the penny drops
Heart and Soul Randolph.....I actually know you have them but I cannot help myself. A good friend on here thinks I lead with the "chin" no doubt about it. So here goes.
"I have the heart Randolph you have the sole, mine is where it should be and yours is next to your arse."
Well I put the ingredients in to my AI and that's what it said! Passive / Aggresive ?
PS Don't get warm and fuzzy but I am starting to like your work......again.
At least you have a chin to lead with, not a tokenized probabilistic digital representation of a chin
Gee I am glad I didn't lead with my vibrator!
Randy and Gucci,
While I understand your assumptions that this may be an AI-generated article, I am afraid that is not the case. I think you will find that AI writing tools, such as ChatGPT lacks knowledge in terms of the NRL and often presents inaccurate information. A clear example of this is if you are to ask it to name the Eels' Top 30 Squad for 2025, you'd see players such as Ipap listed - who hasn't played for the club in years.
Ultimately, like the both of you, I am a proud Eels fan who wants nothing more than the club to rise to the top once again. I have been highly impressed with what Jason Ryles has brought so far and believe he has the potential to take us back there. This article was simply my way of sharing that optimism and offering my perspective.
Thanks.
There are clear indicators that suggest it's AI written. As you would know you can alter AI responses asking the client to use terms such as Kit Kat to reference a player. I use it day to day for work so I know the limits fairly well.
Never the less, I won't rain on your parade. If you wish to continue posting in this format I have no issues. As stated it is simply hard to engage.
Thanks.
Dude, did you even write the comment reply or did you outsource that too?
2025, A great article, actually sums it up very very well in the main. I'm not up on AI generating these things, but the article does have a mixed Ai with personal corrections and thoughts intermingled, but hey who am I to judge that, I don't know the Ai stuff very well so you get the benefit of doubt, so keep posting and putting up some content. Look forward to your next blog.
I'll give you 10 out 10 for the effort and desire to contribute here. Perhaps from a personal point of view, i think people should indicate that Ai has been used in parts to help with the article. That seems fair to me across the board.
So delving into your blog. Pensini - has been consistent but has not improved. He does appear to lack pace and vision at times. For the record he dosnt have 2 powerful wingers outside him, he has one. The other is on the other side of the field I feel having no direct impact on him.
Hopgood has been good for us except his handling errors, to me it appears he has been asked to play the Yeo role of ball playing lock and he is more concerned with the ball playing and what he is about to do then catching the ball and passing. A bit of mental work / application to catching first and he will be back to his best. The bloke is quality from what I can see, and his work off the ball is massive as well.
Russell, has that feel of being better this year, that's for sure, but unfortunately he still lacks the skill, pace and vision required to be a regular NRL centre. A good backup to do a job no doubt, the proof is in his high light reels, very very rare. I wish he would learn to straighten , draw and pass for his winger. We have a ferrari outside him that remains garaged way to much during play.
Ryles has pulled all the right strings so far, I've got no complaints, I just hope that the retention and recruitment committee can lift their game and secure the talent he wants.
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