Trial #2, Game Day Blog v Roosters

Replies

- EA > Coryn Hughes February 21, 2026 at 11:38pm
  
  Haaha yes he is Coryn. Never thought I would miss Russel if he ever left the Eels. There is a possibility of that happening now lol.
  
  I am really worried when Smith gets off contract with TDS signed for 4 years on good money. Smith is my favourite player right now. All heart and effort.
  
  You liked what you saw from Lorenzo?
  - paul taylor > EA February 22, 2026 at 3:52am
    
    Wait till they see him actually run . That's his strength not his kicking game. His POD to joash because he runs right to the line and then the late feet and lightening acceleration . Would have him take the line on once other than kick . But he is maturing as player and played the. Long game.
  - Coryn Hughes > EA February 22, 2026 at 4:05am
    
    Want to see more but I'm in no rush to put him up just let him keep growing he's locked in now it's just a matter of getting him battle tested in reserve grade and then give him a shot next year.Sounds like he's the leading contender since we have pivoted to youth and development.
    
    Its good to see the depth around the playing group as we can see we have more than the Roosters and the Sharks.There's only a couple of areas of the side that will be a work in progress.
- Adam Magrath > Coryn Hughes February 22, 2026 at 4:01am
  
  I've always been a big supporter of Sean Russell and it's coming to fruition now, shame he is leaving. I attribute much of it to our coaching staff, I mean look at our entire squad across the park everyone is performing very well.
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.
- 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.
- Coryn Hughes > Yehez February 22, 2026 at 4:09am
  
  There is no way in the world Ryley Smith isn't resigned.
  
  Hes everything at hooker for us right now #1 by a mile.
  
  TDS has 4 yrs but I'm still locking Smith away no chance in hell I let him leave I think that's a grave mistake.If TDS is to improve he's got to win the job off of Smith in preseason and by the sounds of things Smith is one of the leaders in the fitness stakes and he's starting to add a kicking game out of dummy half also.
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.
Mallee57 February 21, 2026 at 10:27pm

Do Eels still win the $100k now that Titans best the Storm by 30 points
- 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.

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"The only players I could see not out there for the Roosters was Radley whose suspended and Robert Koia there SoO centre outside of that they were pretty much full strength."

"There is no way in the world Ryley Smith isn't resigned.
Hes everything at hooker for us right now #1 by a mile.
TDS has 4 yrs but I'm still locking Smith away no chance in hell I let him leave I think that's a grave mistake.If TDS is to improve…"

"Want to see more but I'm in no rush to put him up just let him keep growing he's locked in now it's just a matter of getting him battle tested in reserve grade and then give him a shot next year.Sounds like he's the leading contender since we have…"

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