Eels Blogs

Replies

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  Alfred February 21, 2026 at 9:18pm

  Looks promising 

  Need spots for Guymer and Samrani. It's tough 
  
  

   
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  LB February 21, 2026 at 9:20pm

  Is it me or has our line speed not been that good in a long time? Quick play the ball hit but we manage to cover well.  Even saw a great play by De Belin, wrapping the hand up to avoid an offload by Billy Smith. Little moments like that where you understand why we bought him.
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  Coryn Hughes February 21, 2026 at 9:20pm

  The positive I took out of this hit out because all I'm thinking about is the Storm round 1.

  Ruck looks really secure with Ryley Smith there even in the second half when he was reinjected all of a sudden the ruck defense tightened up.

  TDS you still haven't convinced me you service off the deck is average you take that extra step especially passing off the deck left to right.Smith both hands either side off the deck no issues.The connection in attack and defense isn't there yet and defensively especially I have to see more.If Smith  goes down Houston we have a problem.

  Mentioned this last week but I'm liking our first contact and it's continued this week good signs when you have to keep Harry Grant quite week 1.JDB second man in absolutely kills ruck speed with his wrestle.
  
  Jmaine Hopgood very good tonight physical defensively and started to see an offload good signs.

  Jnr had his moments also finished strong in his second stint like it.

  Walker instant impact and Kautoga and Williams both good defensively.

  Doorey a couple of defensive errors but getting isolated on a shifty halfback and making poor defensive decisions that'll happen.

  Problems I can see TDS we can't afford to lose ruck control not against Melbourne no no.

  Back 5 yardage is going to be a work in progress but it's something I'll be keeping an eye on.

  Sean Russell he making a mockery of us all isn't he @EA lol
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    LB > Coryn Hughes February 21, 2026 at 9:37pm

    Great points Coryn. Smith just does the simple things better. Defence technique is better, he is stronger, his passing goes where it needs to, sometimes chances his arm but not too often. Only thing for Da Silva at the moment is getting the ball in open space he can run well.
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    RustyNuts > Coryn Hughes February 21, 2026 at 10:24pm

    Coryn, in regards to Hopgood, I think he has finally recovered from his back injury. I think he is mentally over the injury which I believe was his biggest issue last year. He also looks fitter this year, which may also come back to full recovery from his injury. Ryles also seems to have simplified his role now Walker can be the ball player. I'm hoping he can get back to the form that got him selected for Qld.
• Yehez February 21, 2026 at 9:23pm

  Only worry I took out is yardage off the backs. But that can be improved through the season. Bailey and Russell can do better there. 

  I liked Brian Kelly, nice footwork and turn of pace, good attacking weapon. 

  Need to keep focus in middle defence. None of that Sam Walker try efforts from Doorey and Da Silva switching off. 

  However I thought Da Silva was overall good, stuck in way more and I feel more minutes made him better. 

  Very good win and the second half second string showed their quality. We have a decent roster.
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    LB > Yehez February 21, 2026 at 9:37pm

    Both weeks Da Silva got better for the run but still has some way to go. Issue is he may need some decent minutes to develop further.
• Browny February 21, 2026 at 10:25pm

  Last time we won a pre season title (Auckland nines) we got the title stripped for being over the cap. 
  Is what Melbourne saying about our cap this year correct.
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  Mallee57 February 21, 2026 at 10:27pm

  Do Eels still win the $100k now that Titans best the Storm by 30 points
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    HH - Love You Iongi Time! > Mallee57 February 21, 2026 at 10:28pm

    Eels finish on top.

    Titans missed out on the bonus point for offloads in their game.