Eels Blogs

Time to throw good $$$ for Mariota

Posted by Make Parra Great Again on March 23, 2026 at 10:40pm

Lookin at our starts, meterage, dominance etc.

Enter Ata Mariota (Canberra), the samoan at 24 can be what we need. Unsigned for 2027 onwards. Lookin at the market good size props lack. Good years in him. If he was in stickys plans, he would have been signed for 2027. If we dont act, Perth bears or someone will

He has good leg drive, bends the line, hits holes well

Blow the raiders offer out of the water. We keep missing out because low ball offers.

Thoughts?

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Replies

Parra-all-the-way March 23, 2026 at 10:50pm

More concerned about our tackling depth, we have guymer, luca, jdb or even teacup brown. Our tackling depth is terrible, and it worries me that tago maybe next cab off the rank. Id rather blood a junior than him.
- Make Parra Great Again > Parra-all-the-way March 23, 2026 at 10:56pm
  
  its about dominance, size and strength. The guys you mention are 2nd rowers, not starting meter eating props.
  
  Watch Moses Leota & Lindsay Smith flog our butts in the first 20mins this week
  - Perpetual Motion > Make Parra Great Again March 23, 2026 at 11:16pm
    
    Fair point.
Coryn Hughes March 24, 2026 at 5:07am

Correction we don't keep missing out with low ball offers that just isn't true we offered nie 4 yrs 900 k per season for Kolomatangi 800 plus for Barnett per season whose going to be 32 yrs old.We are missing out because one other offers and clubs are more enticing.That's what happens when your in the spot we are in.

I think though this is more realistic target to get but to get Mariota here we are going to have to blow offers away because seemingly if it's a close call in the offers stakes players are picking other teams.The only thing I'm investigating in Mariota's case is defensive workrate and tackle efficiency there 2 key areas Parra just can't fall behind in.Middle defense is everything.
- Adam Magrath > Coryn Hughes March 24, 2026 at 6:05am
  
  Coryn, sounds like you're finally coming around to reality. Welcome aboard. This comment is a really worthwhile contribution to this subject of recruitment and something many should stop and consider before getting themselves in a tizz.
Johnny Suede March 24, 2026 at 7:23am

The Knights are chasing former Eel Marata Niukore for 2027. Also read the Bears were interested.

Would he come back to Parrra or he's getting a bit long in the tooth?

https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/9202616/marata-niukore-kni...
- Joel K > Johnny Suede March 24, 2026 at 4:21pm
  
  Past it imo
Flow Basket March 24, 2026 at 4:45pm

Maruta cool dude but I think we need to spend a bit on putting some PRESSURE on our backs
Flow Basket March 24, 2026 at 4:46pm

I think a forward will prop up soon

This reply was deleted.

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