Parramatta Eels selection questions for 2026: Changing plans, outside backs and new signings

Here is an article about a few questions regarding the Eels squad.

1) Penisini, Addo-Carr and who: I think this the biggest question in the squad right now. With the recent news of Simonsson's ankle injury (not serious) could see Kelly overtake him in pecking order. With reports of Russell now training on the Wing i think you will see Kelly paired with Addo-Carr and Russell occupying the Wing vacated by Lomax. Simonsson as a pretty handy back-up until mid year when i reckon a club like NQ or GC want a back and he pushes to start. This is where someone like Alamaddeine or Richie need to have a great start in Cup in order to secure that spot as first in line back-up. We do not want to resort to Samrani being our first line back-up for Wing and Centre, though not awful he is not good either.

2) Does Joash Papali'i find a spot?: At this stage, he doesn't. Not sure where he finds his spot. At this stage he is the first back-up for Iongi, Pezet and Moses. As well if Da Silva or Smith go down and Ryles wants a 2nd Hooker he would be put at 14. But Joash's hope is to perform in Cup and be the 6 for 2027.

3) Where does Williams play?: He will be starting. But is he on an edge with Kautoga and Tuilagi fighting for the other spot? Does he go into the middle with Paulo going to the bench? I would say he will start on an edge. I think he is more valuable there for now as our best edge.

4) Does De Belin start?: I think this is the easiest one to answer, yes he absolutely does. He is not an impact player. If anything he is that leader for when Paulo is not starting. De Belin is that older head that can set the tone, then Paulo comes in as impact.

5) Will Ryan Matterson win a spot?: Not to start with. He is down the pecking order a fair bit. There are a few middles ahead of him. With Paulo, Hopgood and De Belin starting. Walker, Moretti and Tuiviati either bench or in the squad. Williams can move into the middle with Tuilagi and Kautoga going to edge. Then after all that Doorey has the nod as the first come up back-up. He has a long way to go, plus needs the trust from Ryles. He is now just waiting til the end of the year.

Based on article from Zerotackle What are the biggest questions for Jason Ryles? by Scott Pryde EDITOR | February 2, 2026 - 12:39pm

"Most concerning for me is that the Eels appear to be two long-term injuries away from running on fumes in the outside backs. There is a set stock vying for the backline, of Iongi/Papalii FB; JAC, Simonsson, Russel & Kelly for wing; and centre being…"

Replies

Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 February 2, 2026 at 2:01pm

1. Its going to be

1.Iongi 🔐

2.Simmonson/ Russell depending fitness.

3.Penasini 🔐

4.Kelly 🔐

5. Fox. 🔐

This is 95% set in stone already

2. No, but he's close.

3. 11. Williams 12 Kautoga - locked in 🔐

4. 13 Debelin. 🔐 Gives us size to start. Walker comes on after 25 or 30. Lock it in eddie

5. Matterson will be on the reserve grade bench. Maybe even not at Parramatta. He’s way down the pecking order. I think Funa Iuta gets a spot ahead of him 🔐

No guessing here either. Its how its panning out.
- LB > Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 February 2, 2026 at 2:09pm
  
  Walker may even start with Paulo to the bench and De Belin at Prop some games.
  - SuperEel 22 > LB February 2, 2026 at 3:18pm
    
    I couldn't imagine Ryles dropping Paulo to the bench to start JDB. I could see starting middles of Paulo, Hopgood and JDB. Bringing on Walker with Moretti and Tuivaiti then brings on your leg speed and creativity.
    - LB > SuperEel 22 February 2, 2026 at 4:53pm
      
      Paulo as impact. Walker starting to get some attack going, Paulo on for De Belin after 25 or so.
      - Poppa > LB February 2, 2026 at 5:04pm
        
        I am not sure why you guys muck around with these hypotheticals, the game will let these things take shape and whilst Ryles may go in with preconceived ideas, they can can change from the first head knock, a string of penalties or the way the opposition are playing in tactilly.
        
        The starting side will be very reliant of how the trials take shape. Also the first game being against Storm will cause tactics that would be different against Titans or Dolphins.....Storm will be a different game with Pap and Katoa not being there. The Storms halves and hooker will be the issue in terms how we approach the run on side. Ryles is probably the perfect foyle in understanding this. One consideration will be JDB marking Grant, Grant normally waits for tiredness and changes in pattern. Holding that pattern will be enormous.
Muttman February 2, 2026 at 2:17pm

I like Sean Russell as a player but not a winger. He's a pretty bad finisher, not the type of player who can find the line down a skinny edge or get the ball down in an impossible situation like the modern winger. He often tucks the ball under his arm (the wrong arm) and gets caught out. The modern winger needs to be a classy finisher too.
- Clintorian > Muttman February 2, 2026 at 3:05pm
  
  Agree Mutts, lacks a bit of that speed and agility to be great at Wing and Center.
  
  If he continue's his defensive work he could be an agile edge, but would probably be a backup at best.
- LB > Muttman February 2, 2026 at 4:30pm
  
  Russell in 2023 had some decent finishes. Look at the one against Melbourne at Marvel Stadium for example.
Clintorian February 2, 2026 at 2:37pm
- I think they will partner up JAC and Kelly for the next 2 years and get that combination humming.
- The right is isn't as clear, but it really depends on how bad Simonnson's ankle is. I would expect Penisini and Simmon to lock down the right for most of the year and Russell to cover injuries.
- Are Williams and Kautoga locked in Chiefy? I'm not 100% sure on that one, we'll see how the pre-season pans out.
- Not sure if Papalli will start with Walker and TDS both on the bench, it would leave us too light to also carry Paps, but expect him to be the next in line if one of our spine goes down.
- Matterson might make it for Origin cover, depends on our half-year injuries.
Blue Eel February 2, 2026 at 3:05pm

Who's this Matterson bloke. Can he play ?