The Tele has ranked the Eels forward pack 9th for season '26 (Roosters at #1)

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/fear-factor-rotation-attack-defence-every-nrl-forward-pack-ranked-from-best-to-worst-for-2026/news-story/83b1c716d11c6f385b3e0456f51abb25

They’re the engine room in all 17 NRL teams, but some forward packs reign supreme over others.

It could be new recruits, a methodology which has been developed over a club’s history, or the sheer fear a pack sparks into an opposition.

Tyson Jackson breaks down every pack based on fear factor, attack, defence and rotation to determine who the strongest forwards are heading into the 2026 NRL season.

9. PARRAMATTA EELS

Rating: 75/100

Predicted pack: 8. J’maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kitione Kautoga 12. Jack Williams 13. Jack de Belin 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Dylan Walker 16. Sam Tuivaiti 17. Kelma Tuilagi

Fear factor: 16/25
Paulo turned back the clock with his form last year and has continually shown he’s one of the meanest forwards when at his best. He’ll help turn young gun Tuivaiti into a lead enforcer over time, but the pack is missing a few more genuine hit men otherwise.

Rotation: 19/25
With genuine cover on the bench, this will be ne of the Eels’ biggest weapons. Da Silva and Walker will tear packs apart in the middle of the field, and Tuivaiti and Tuilagi provide different looks to their starters.

Attack: 20/25
These forwards won’t struggle to score points, providing a variety of size and agility. Walker’s ball playing and footy IQ gives tremendous impact, with all players in the middle genuine options to cross the line and break tackles.

Defence: 20/25
The Eels leaked fewer points in the back half of 2025 as they adapted to coach Jason Ryles’ style. Expect that to continue, with the addition of de Belin perfect for this pack. He brings with him a 92 per cent tackle efficiency from last year.

"Pretty fair ranking regarding the Eels, although we have more depth then other clubs which isn't included in the rating
Putting Roosters at first is laughable, Broncos have the best pack in the comp "

"I think its the case. Parra had to take it court as Lomax notified them he intended to ignore the conditions of his contract and sign with Melbourne."

Replies

Johnny Suede January 27, 2026 at 11:08am

The full 17

1. Roosters

2. Storm

3. Broncos

4. Dolphins

5. NZ

6. Sharks

7. Riff

8. Canberra

9. Parra

10. Tigers

11. Manly

12. Dogs

13. Rabbits

14. Cowboys

15. Dragons

16. Titans

17. Knights
Bob Smith January 27, 2026 at 11:09am

The 'experts' always big note the Roosters. Expect them to fight hard for bottom half of the 8.
Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 January 27, 2026 at 12:42pm

We have more depth than most other clubs. The fact that they didn't even mention Moretti, Guymer or Doorey shows our advantage
Joel K January 27, 2026 at 12:47pm

Pretty fair ranking regarding the Eels, although we have more depth then other clubs which isn't included in the rating

Putting Roosters at first is laughable, Broncos have the best pack in the comp

This reply was deleted.

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