Eels Blogs

Replies

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    Poppa > Mathew Clarke May 10, 2026 at 10:44am

    

    Matthew, I have been saying that wing is Peni's perfect position for 2 seasons (for the same reason's you espoused)......we must be rare birds because, everyone laugh's at me when I say it! 
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      Blue Eel > Poppa May 11, 2026 at 12:15pm

      

      I havnt seen a lot of pace from Penisni to warrant a wing spot. Am I missing something. Does he really give us enough and how much more potential to get better has he got. 

      I would really like to know if he is signed or not for next year, if he is the club hasn't announced it, nor does his name appear in any contract lists for 2027. If he hasn't signed then again that may be an indication that the Eels and every other club have not been interested in his services.
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        Poppa > Blue Eel May 11, 2026 at 4:04pm

        

        Speed and Pace....whilst important, he would end up a different style of winger, has enough to run say the distance that Joash ran on Friday Night.

        The Penrith winger Tuho (sp) is not that quick but Penisini would also be good in the hit ups, I feel strongly about Penisini Bluey, I feel he will be really benefited as will we with simplifying his game. He is just as arguably not a jumper either, but then again neither is his Penrith counterpart.....hasten slowing my friend, all good things happen to those that wait!

        The other one to remember is Sivo, Penisini would be quicker than him and better in defensive positioning.
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          Coryn Hughes > Poppa May 11, 2026 at 5:28pm

          

          You think Penisini can be a poor man's Brian To'o Pops very similarly built both very strong ball carriers and run hard a given for wingers these days.

          You think if he could be something like the mentioned ?
          • Yehez > Coryn Hughes May 11, 2026 at 5:49pm

            

            Turning Penisini into a winger might be a worthwhile move; he has some pace in him too. 
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  Aracom May 10, 2026 at 11:44pm

  Couldnt agree more. We have done everything to support Penisis. Time for a change i think. 
  • 

    Poppa > Aracom May 11, 2026 at 4:07pm

    Lateral thinking Aracom, it can take you to so many places, you thought you would never see!
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  Nightmare Off-Season May 11, 2026 at 11:29am

  

  Really like Samrani, seems like such a ’team first’ player as PT mentioned, and seems genuinely very popular amongst teammates.

  Him & Joash seem like essential top 30 players. Versatile, hardworking, selfless, Eels first.

   

  If Jordan was to be a starting centre in 2027, wonder if he’d better moved to the left next to Addo-Carr?

   

  It will help him defensively, and negates his lack of top end speed in a way having Josh next to him.

   

  Wouldn’t question Ryles on it, but imo Samrani isn’t a starting centre in a Grand Final team, though.

   

  He is a fantastic injury cover across multiple positions.

   

  With how the game is being played, it feels even more essential to have elite level speed in the outside backs.

   

  The Cows centres create chances from nothing, Khan-Perrira destroyed us purely through speed, Kini likewise, and even TDS’ showed the value of turning a small chance into a great line break through speed against the Cows.

   

  That TDS line break was a good indicator. Only Moses got there in support, over taking Samrani - thats not a shot at Jordan, he had the awareness to react quicker than anyone, but does lacks top end speed.

   

  Simmonson may not get back to his previous speed - fingers crossed - but is also getting on, Kelly & Penisini are all power, JAC is in his 30’s with a few seasons left. 

   

  Hopefully Samrani continues to improve & fill out, and possibly becomes a ‘Capewell' type player? 

   

  But if we are looking longterm with the goal of a premiership, it feels we need upgrades in the backs with speed in mind, and Samrani feels more top 17 / top 30 than starting at centre? Just opinion. 
  • 

    Coryn Hughes > Nightmare Off-Season May 11, 2026 at 11:46am

    

    💯 I to like Samrani and believe he has the makings of a good backrower.

    Joash much the same that guy just wants an opportunity to make a difference his circumstances remind me a bit of Trae Fullers at the Dolphins.Don't think there starters anywhere but throw them in anywhere and they won't let you down both mentioned are keepers.

    Even a guy like Charlie Guymer whose looked over matched against superior opposition you just know he has the right mindset and will empty the tank for the side impact regardless he'll give you what he has.While he won't be a beater if asked as mentioned he'll play for the badge and give you what he has.

    Unlike the waste of space Matto earning huge dollars but for one reason or another is holding the club to ransom and stunting our cap & recruitment opportunities at the sametime.

    Yes we need upgrades but the guys we are talking about are keepers in your top 30.
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      Nightmare Off-Season > Coryn Hughes May 11, 2026 at 12:15pm

      

      Yeah great points there, Coryn.

      As you said, you know they will give it their all & never let you down through lack of effort or commitment.

      Perfect top 30 players, and yep, the opposite of Matterson.