Eels Blogs

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                Blue Eel > Poppa February 22, 2026 at 3:50pm

                I didn't have much time for him, but i've had my arse spanked and it's all credit to the kid. He is playing some very good footy. Hope he has a huge break out year for us.
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          Coryn Hughes > LB February 22, 2026 at 8:22am

          It's more than that with the ball I don't remember him ever having that fend and speed to back himself taking on defenders.His improvement has come from within  more so I think the surroundings you mention have helped also though.
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            LB > Coryn Hughes February 22, 2026 at 9:49am

            That's what I'm saying, confidence in himself and what he can do, plus finding his perfect spot at Centre.
• 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.
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    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.
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      LB > Coryn Hughes February 22, 2026 at 6:44am

      Yeah he shanked a kick last week but nailed one last night. He is a confident player and goes back to the well to try things he stuffed up previously and improves.

      TDS can look hesitant at times and that is confidence and that will come in time. He is still 20 so time is on his side, as is for Smith who just turned 23.
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        Poppa > LB February 22, 2026 at 2:36pm

        I feel that TDS is looking to establish himself as a genuine FG Hooker and will look to take opportunities elsewhere eventully. Our key is to make sure we have another one or two coming through the system to replace TDS on a positive basis. Letting him go on a positive trade is the smart way of doing things. WE cannot stay still in the development process and if the right youngsters start seeing the type of develoment we can offer, we won't have the problem of them leaving in JF and Ball  because they can see what we are doing and therefore offering, In BA's day it was a stagnant pool....... 
• 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