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
Hi Nos, I was wondering if/when you'd share your take on things, and i v.glad that you did (you kinda expressed how I feel better than I did.
Our creativity is what makes us human.
This, and deciding what is important to us beyond staying alive, seems to be the whole human ballgame
Randy, you expressed it perfectly, and could tell you were holding back a bit there.
Like you, I have fairly strong opinions on this one... I know you being a musician yeah? You and I are probably on idential wave lengths here.
Yeah Nos. I am not playing much atm...just not feeling it. I hate that it has stolen all of our music just to devalue us It is not about income for me these days, but the drowning of human creation.in slop. The youth, the edge. invisible in the slop
Speaking of which, i checked out Bob Vylan after the Glastonbury shitshow.
I don't know what they expected from poor old Bobby. He is angry vocal and genuine...loved his response of "I said what I said"
He says uncomfortable things, some of which I don't agree with. But I don't have to. It' doesn't matter if I agree, I don't come from the same place as him. I don't wear his shoes.
AI and algorithms will/do have the power to silence these voices of dissent in the arts by burying them. When I think of what we are carelessly placing at risk it properly fucking upsets me, then anger....So I try not to think about it and just keep things tight.
ps. while checking out Bob Vylan I came across Soft Play - Punks Dead
Poms have some energy atm
Like, it blows my fucking mind that i just read my post and realised how many hugely problematic things for me that i haven't mentioned....too list all of them, to hold them in your mind collectively and think about them coherently is nigh on impossible for me. It just devolves to everything is on the line and we are letting it turn to shit
Randy Randy . Stay cool my man
Lol, dunno about cool Hector, but I have always been a different cat, so I just lean into that
Aint we all bud
your right Bobby, let them eat cake!
NoS,
Great to see you back posting buddy. Your creativity, kindness & wisdom is inspiring.
We're both on the same page with our concerns — without repeating myself.
But, the bottom line is: AI's a tool created by humans for humans — so any misuse or abuse is at our hands.
I mean even plastic cutlery can be abused is a padded safe space. Risks are a part of life. Kids climbing trees or playing sport is also frought with risks.
Also, it's AI is so embedded in our society, practically, and will only grow in use. The ban AI brigade are decades too late, and impractical.
Your point on creativity being what makes human is intriguing. I'd partially agree with you.
You're a highly creative, wise soul — probably one of, or the most creative on this site. However, not everyone has a high degree of creativity like you.
Some studies and psychologists link creativity to "openness" in the Big Five (of personality traits). Not everyone is "open" to new experiences — which in turn dulls creativity. Some might be more meat and potatoes and pragmatic. That also has some correlation to whether someone is more progressive or conservative, leans more left or right too.
Wasn't it Einstein who allegedly said, "Imagination is more important than knowledge?" I agree, but not everyone would.
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