Your best 19 vs Storm

Based on the pre-season trials, training reports, and incumbency, I’ve settled on a top 19 that largely picks itself — particularly the starting top 13, which I think is pretty much locked in.

Samrani, for mine, has done enough to be locked into a bench spot. His pre-season form has been consistent, and he offers enough impact and reliability to justify selection.

The toughest call was Guymer vs Doorey. While Doorey has shown some positives, we’ve also seen a few defensive blunders during the trials, which makes the decision marginal. Guymer’s steadiness probably gives him a slight edge right now.

I think Joash simply has to be picked. His versatility is a big tick — he gives the side coverage across multiple positions, which is invaluable in a match-day 17.

I’ve left Luca Moretti out for now purely due to his late pre-season injury, but once fully fit, I have him ahead of Doorey. If he gets a clean run health-wise, I see him forcing his way into the squad sooner rather than later.

Overall, the squad feels well balanced, with only a couple of genuine selection headaches — which is exactly where you want to be heading into the season.

1. Iongi

2. Addo-Carr

3. Russell

4. W. Penasini

5. Simmonson

6. Pezet

7. Moses

8. Jnr Paulo

9. Smith

10. Hopgood

11. Williams

12. Kautoga

13. Debelin

14. Walker

15. Sam Tuivaiti

16. Doorey

17. Da Silva

18. Samrami

19. Joash Papali’i

Unlucky omissions - Guymer, Morretti, Kelly

1: I Longi

2: B Simonson

3: S Russell

4: W Penisini

5: J Addo Carr

6: J Pezet

7: M Moses

8: Jr Paulo

9: R Smith

10: J Hopgood

11: J Williams

12: K Kautoga

13: D Walker

14: TDS

15: J De Belin ( front row / lock )

16: S Tuivita ( front row )

17: K Tuilugi ( 2nd row )

18: J Papali

19: M Doory

NSW CUP

1: A Twiddle

2: J Tago

3: B Kelly

4: A Nanva

5: R Penisni

6: Lorenzo

7: R Volman

8: L Moretti

9: M Luke

10: T Brown

11: W Latu

12: J Samarina

13: C Guymer

14: T Matele

15: S Pryke

16: J Funa Latu

17: L Coinakis

18: AMS

19: I Jim

"I thought he'd be right up your alley Pops with Smith being an ex age grade Aussie cricketer.
Me I just love the guys effort and workrate I'm taking that over talent everyday of the week.Some players have it and some just don't."

You know the big thing that is being missed with Riley Smith and is not being appreciated is his ability to read the game.He is a couple of plays ahead and anticipating every move both in defense mainly at present, but also in setting up the…

"DYNASTY.LOADING
I find it difficult to understand why you would leave De-Belin out and include Doorey when the game about Melb is ensuring the middle is tightened. I have nothing against Doorey, but horses for courses say's you cannot have a…"

Replies

Yehez February 22, 2026 at 10:09pm

Iongi; JAC, Russell, Penisini, Simonsson; Pezet, Moses;

Hopgood, Smith, Paulo; Williams, Kautoga; Doorey.

Bench: Da Silva, Tuivati, De Belin, Walker, Samrani, Papalii.
KingGutho February 23, 2026 at 6:30am

1: I Longi

2: B Simonson

3: S Russell

4: W Penisini

5: J Addo Carr

6: J Pezet

7: M Moses

8: Jr Paulo

9: R Smith

10: J Hopgood

11: J Williams

12: K Kautoga

13: D Walker

14: TDS

15: J De Belin ( front row / lock )

16: S Tuivita ( front row )

17: K Tuilugi ( 2nd row )

18: J Papali

19: M Doory

NSW CUP

1: A Twiddle

2: J Tago

3: B Kelly

4: A Nanva

5: R Penisni

6: Lorenzo

7: R Volman

8: L Moretti

9: M Luke

10: T Brown

11: W Latu

12: J Samarina

13: C Guymer

14: T Matele

15: S Pryke

16: J Funa Latu

17: L Coinakis

18: AMS

19: I Jim
- EA > KingGutho February 23, 2026 at 10:39am
  
  Jim and Coinakis will be in Jersey Flegg.
Coryn Hughes February 23, 2026 at 9:54am

JDB starts every game at 13 imo I like what he does round the middle of the ruck and brings physicality to our middle.Saw it in the roosters trial his wrestle second man in murders a play the ball it's so slow it's great for us.

Walker I'm not changing his role at all if it ain't broke don't fix it.

of 5

This reply was deleted.

Eels Blogs