I was going through my camera roll earlier, and came across this photo of our lineup from exactly one year ago — Round 21, 2024 against the Melbourne Storm.
Upon reading the names, it was mind-blowing the quantity of players who are no longer at the club or have been given permission to explore their options. As it stands, only 11 of the 22 remain. However, this can be expected to trim down to about 6 at the commencement of next season (Brown departing, Hands potentially to UK, Grieg on the outer, Matterson 'trialing' UK). Whilst many expected a clean-out to occur under Ryles, none could imagine the pace and effectiveness at which it has all occured. To me, this rapid clean-out indicates the clubs strong desire to rebuild and return to competitiveness in the immediate future.
Furthermore, from the names on the above team sheet which have departed, I would only consider Gutherson (who is gradually slowing down) and Blaize (who is slowly improving) to be performing at an NRL Standard. Ryles was heavily scrutinised for letting go of several of these players— most notably RCG — however, he has been nothing short of abysmal, with his current form unlikely to earn him a spot at any club other than the Titans.
With this, the next phase of the rebuild should focus on investing these funds into players which align with Ryles' vision of football (expansive, small-ball). Although Ryles has bought in several recruits who already seem to fit this mould - namely Walker, Iongi, TDS & Williams - none of these players bar TDS would of come at a significant cost to the cap. This should ultimately mean we have the cap available for a marquee signing, along with several proven NRL starters.
Despite the current market being thin, quality players always become avaliable through the offseason. A typical example of this is the movement in the front-row position last season. Essentially, last season we saw players like Terrell May, Erin Clark, Dylan Walker, James Fisher-Harris, Jack Williams, Francis Molo, Josiah Pohalu, and AFB (possibly the year before) released by their former clubs. Although the quantity may be an outlier, players will defintely come avaliable. We must be active in acquiring some of these 'bigger name' players who fit the mould and improve the quality of football we produce. With this occuring, coupled with our continous improvement from our young core we will undoubtedly be on an upward tracetory and should return to competiveness in the very near future.
Go Parra!
Replies
That's actually remarkable when you look at it.
Realistically from that list, only Penisini and Moretti are in clubs future plans, with Russell, Doorey, and Kier there for depth. It's certainly been an effective clean out, but it means nothing if we're still in the bottom 4 but with different players.
While I have loved some of the things Ryles has done, we are still a mentally weak football making mistakes and unable to match it with the top teams.
I hate Ricky Stuart with a passion, but what he's been able to do with that team this year is absolutely impressive. He will be coach of the year for sure, I'd like us to begin attracting top young talent in the same vein.
I don't hate Stuart, he had the nuts to weed out the deadwood, method was questionable, and for walking out on Parra? look at him now, always sticks up for his team and club, unlike our pussy whipped lot !!!
I always think how fit they all look when I watch the Raiders play. They physically look really strong but also athletic. Must be a good programme he is running, or is it that Canberra is so fucking cold!
One of my favourite players there is Seb Kris. This guy performs great wherever position Stuart puts him in. He'd be one guy on my signing wish list if you are looking for a centre. We should raid the Raiders.
Yep but the one constant is Russell.
What a player he must be.
The epitome of fallen into the role to be fair. Played all but 1 game this year and 3 times an injury or suspension kept him in.
Wish we still had Sanders
That side is shocking
I like our current side much better.
Cartwright, Matterson, Lane Ofehengaue 1.8 million still on our books unbelievably.
Haha Russell and penis haha god help us!
Yeah RCG, our player of the year by default. The man who many claimed was the reason our season in 2025 started badly and how could we let our player of the year go to the current wooden spoon favourites being relegated to the bench? Who could we do that.
Like they said on SEN radio last week.
"Sean Russell the only Eels 1st grade player , playing today from exactly 1 year ago ". vs Canberra game, Sean Russell the last man standing, who would have thought, and then delved into our team makeup.
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