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
I'll have to think about that Micky, afterall some people have reptiles as pets, but I have never seen one that show's affection.
Shoving them up your arse isn't the way to get their affection, Ploppa.
Decent blog; and a good account of things thus far.
WE are def playing better than the last few years; just need some more games for these young kids, and a blend of experience.
We have also had a few key injuries again this year.
Our team looks more energised than I have seen since the 2000's or so. Game has changed again and will no doubt change again years to come.
I'm giving Ryles an A in what he's doing with the roster and turning over stagnant players. Nearly every one of his signings have done very well with Iongi, Williams and Walker doing exceptionally well.
He has fixed our wide defence and our overall defence is better. I can see what Ryles is doing with attack. It puts pressure on the opposition and asks many questions.
With more experience in the younger players, and better learnings of his style i can see us challenging for the 8 in 26 or even better if we nab a key forward signing.
What happened to your zac lomax bullshit maybe you read this
He said "more to come!" Hector....he is still on the toilet trying to squeeze it out.
Manthony Mara is a one day troll, OR, he posted an AI hallucination.....either way, fuck him.
Once again Randy a very fair assessment and totally agree . Fuck him
Lol, he, Anthony Mara, deleted his comment to avoid yours...good job Hector
Challenging for the 8 in 26, come on Chiefy we can do better than that.....I will tell you a secret JR does not know you and never will, so stop your bromance and start setting some goals, top 4 minimum next year.
If he cannot achieve this you can start bringing out your BA redicule and us Unicorns will come to the rescue of JR.
We are always there when the "fairewether flyers" start falling by the wayside! and trust me you guys will turn on a sixpence if it get's too hot in the kitchen.....
Wiz will come out with all the old lies and tell us how he told you guys that Riles is no good.....I am still trying to rub out the stains from when he said he couldn't run his sisters coffee shop. LOL
I said top 6 in another post recently Popo, so I'm sticking with top 6. Brother, any blind bat could work out the previous coach after half a year. Ryles is different, he's not in this for himself first and foremost. He's in it for the betterment of this club.
The players he has gotten rid of, the past greats he has brought in closer, his belief in pathways, his diligent signings. If only Arthur had one of his attributes
Hell , imagine if the previous coach brought Eddie Jones into his box. Bushra would do no such thing. Anyone with a higher iq than him wasn't allowed anywhere within 5 klms of the club
Outstanding blog eels2025. You have nailed it IMO. Ryles is a rookie coach at Nrl YES but in terms of being around elite teams and elite coaches he is very experienced. He has identified very quickly what Style of play he wants his team to play. He has identified the type of footballer he needs to play that style of play and he has created a pathway that is now very real. PLAYERS can see that if they play well, train well, learn they will be given a shot. Cant say that was the case in last decade.
Mistakes happen with blooding young players into the NRL. They are often not equipped to handle the physical intensity of playing NRL at a speed they have never experienced and where decisions need to be made on the spot and if/when they stuff up they must respond quickly and appropriately.
RYLES is doing a great job becuase he is realistic, he is grounded, he knows the long game and he surrounded himself with some quality staff. WE are one or two decent strikes players away from top 8 again and top 4 is a reward for a season of minimal suspensions, minimal injuries to key players and old fashioned luck ( draw, travel, location of bye rounds, improving in range of 5% to 10% and hoping the sides we are competring for top 4 are not so lucky.
Finally, he has identified the key element to succcessful clubs :
Know your history
Respect your history
Acknowledge your fanbase and the role they play to creating a winning club culture
Creating a young spine that can be built around with a good succession plan from the pathways.
Love to see a recipocal arrangement wiith a super league club to allow younger not quite ready players to be loaned for a season to develop their games.
Once again, great blog mate. Articulated yourself well.
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