Trial #2 / Pre Season Challenge Week 3 Team List v Sydney Roosters

1. Isaiah Iongi

2. Bailey Simmonson

3. Will Pensini

4. Sean Russell

5. Josh Addo-Carr

6. Jonah Pezet

7. Mitchell Moses (c)

8. J’maine Hopgood

9. Ryley Smith

10. Junior Paulo

11. Jack Williams

12. Kitione Kautoga

13. Jack De Belin

Interchange:

14. Dylan Walker

15. Sam Tuivati

16. Matt Doorey

17. Tallyn Da Silva

Reserves:

18. Charlie Guymer

19. Kelma Tuilagi

20. Joash Papaili

21. Brian Kelly

22. Jordan Samrani

23. Ronald Volkman

24. Araz Nanva

25. Jake Tago

26. Lorenzo Talataina

27. Teancum Brown

Referee: Wyatt Raymond

The Mitch Moses-Jonah Pezet show rolls into Gosford on Saturday night as Parra fans dare to dream big in 2026. Josh Add-Carr comes in on the wing after representing the Indigenous All Stars last weekend while J'maine Hopgood, Junior Paulo, Jack de Belin, Jack Williams and Dylan Walker step out for the first time this season. Former Titan Brian Kelly has been named on the extended bench along with Joash Papalii, who played five-eighth last week, while the likes of Jordan Samrani, Teancum Brown and Lorenzo Talataina get another chance to impress after strong showings against the Sharks.

I'm with you, Blue Eel. It's boom or bust for Ryles. I say that not because it's fair that a second year coach is expected to get the team into the finals and strongly compete for top honours. It's probably not. But the Eels have been so starved of success and simply not been a reliably strong team even when pushing for finals, for so long, that expectation effects will always be lurking. Trawling the bottom of the ladder will create pressure. It's unavoidable.

I personally think this is why Ryles was fine to have Pezet for a year. Not out of personal protection for his job, but because the team, fans and sponsors simply need some success. He loses an international 5/8 and thinks it's better to buy time with a half that has come through a good system and can be an organizer, and buy himself time to cultivate a longer term fix. Smart overall but reflective of need for success now no matter what

"I'm with you, Blue Eel. It's boom or bust for Ryles. I say that not because it's fair that a second year coach is expected to get the team into the finals and strongly compete for top honours. It's probably not. But the Eels have been so starved of…"

"Ironically, around 13 Jan, when Storm agreed to pay Lomax's legal fees (could cause cap implications) was also when Tripp allegedly called Beach to threaten that the Eels could be hit with cap sanctions by the NRL.

NRL.com official salary cap…"

Replies

- - Yehez > Blue Eel February 18, 2026 at 9:23pm
    
    I don't fully disagree. Getting 10 wins is not far from finals. Last few seasons 12/13 wins got you 8th. So really we should be able to add up to 5 wins this year IMO.
    
    But if we don't and we stay at 10/11, but there are excuses, I'd accept it. As I said above not delighted.
  - Prof. Daz > Blue Eel February 19, 2026 at 10:25am
    
    I'm with you, Blue Eel. It's boom or bust for Ryles. I say that not because it's fair that a second year coach is expected to get the team into the finals and strongly compete for top honours. It's probably not. But the Eels have been so starved of success and simply not been a reliably strong team even when pushing for finals, for so long, that expectation effects will always be lurking. Trawling the bottom of the ladder will create pressure. It's unavoidable.
    
    I personally think this is why Ryles was fine to have Pezet for a year. Not out of personal protection for his job, but because the team, fans and sponsors simply need some success. He loses an international 5/8 and thinks it's better to buy time with a half that has come through a good system and can be an organizer, and buy himself time to cultivate a longer term fix. Smart overall but reflective of need for success now no matter what
DYNASTY.LOADING February 18, 2026 at 11:10pm

We will finish top 4
Nitram February 18, 2026 at 11:35pm

Just no injuries please. I dont care if we lose. Means nothing if we rock up to Melbourne round 1 and get flogged.

Mitch should kick a few balls, make 1-2 tackles, pass the ball once or twice and then come off.
- John Seckold > Nitram February 19, 2026 at 8:40am
  
  There is no way Moses will be Half -hearted in the trial. That is a good way to get injured. The game is important in getting real game time into testing and improving the new halves combo even for a short time. Above all I am hoping to see the resilient defence evident last Sunday. Go Parra!
Mallee57 February 19, 2026 at 12:42am

Whose going to do the main goal kicking this year? Moses, Pezet, Russell ? Or maybe another? Pezet is very good. Moses very good, Russell ok but struggles with kicks that are closer to the sidelines.
Coryn Hughes February 19, 2026 at 6:13am

If everything goes well I have no doubt we play finals footy no doubt at all.If Moses can't finish the year we'll finish around the same spot as this year.

The start and SoO period is the key if go well early it sets the year up.Get through the last mentioned period snag a win here and there finals here we come.
Flow Basket February 19, 2026 at 9:31am

Kicker that's easy Russell

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