- Iongi - I told you he was rated as the best fullback yet to make their NRL debut at the start of 2024. By the end of 2024, some people who watch a lot of NSW Cuo actually rated Iongi better than NRL fullbacks at other clubs. He is a pretty well rounded player. Great support play and showed his ball playing.
- R Penisni - I thought he was solid. At 20 years old, like his brother Will, he came through the juniors with great attack but a great defender which is very rare for a young centre. Was very physical and confident in defence why I love to see.
- D Brown - he may have not been the main attraction on the highlight reels after the first try. But his balling playing in the middle in straightening the attack was brilliant as usual. Once his normal edge comes back of Will and JAC he will be more dangerous.
- Volkman - as I said in the rookie report, he will be way to good in NSW Cup. His attack is amazing. But he has a lot of work to do on his defence. He is a small body and then he has poor defensive reads as well. Keeps his legs planted in defence as well which is a big no no against shape.
- Guymer - bloke was leading the line speed and folding blokes. I really hope he gets a spot in the NRL side over Katauga (too ill-discipline espcially with Tuilagi on the other edge).
- Tuilagi - bloody good ball and hole runner but needs to fix his errors still. Not trying to push offloads etc. Still fixing that discipline up.
- Papalii - that great acceleration. Will be fighting for a 14 spot. But I recon Ryles will keep him in NSW Cup fullback spot to start the year.
- Tuivita - I was really impressed with him. Some great runs and found his front. Good motor for someone his size as well.
- Mataele - Nice atheltic forward. A season in cup and he will be even better. Just hope for no injuries this year.
- Smith - Can see why he easily over took Lussick. Will be fighting for the 14 spot and 9 spot alll year. Could see him overtaking Hands by the end of the year.
- Twiddle - Mini Teddy. Good passing and running game.
- Latu - The next backrower we need to groom. IMO. My prediction for break out player in cup. Runs and tackles hard.
- Lynn - was actually impressed. He played his role well. But still a long way to go for him defensively.
- T Brown - Him, Tiwddle, Nanva will spend most of the year in Flegg. He is a big and atheltic boy. Player of the year in flegg. Will be pushing hard in a stacked nsw cup squad.
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I thought in attack the Eels played more direct than they have in recent years. The halves were quick and the middles ran between defenders rather than looking for collisions.
The defence was solid for most of the game. They did get out numbered on the fringes a couple of times and this needs to be better. There line speed and ruck dominance was much better than it was in the past few years.
Overall I was both, impressed and surprised by the Eels performance last night. My expectations for 2025 have increased from what I seen in trial number 1.
That's what I saw too. If you really ask me, it looks like we copied the warriors attack over the last 2 years. Alot of digging straight into the defense to hold it up and then going wide.
Not alot of the old offload stuff either
Great to see Iongi in action last night, set up a try with a nice double pump pass, subtle deception the kid can play - that right side will get a lot more good ball - can't wait to see the different combinations developing this team can push for a top 8 spot.
I was impressed by everyone, first game. Can see some real pressure going to be put on under performing players. Like the look of big Kautoga, sloppy at times but needs polish, that will come
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Wonder if we’re still interested
With the emergence of smith I think our cap space could be better spent on an edge forward or a prop.
Yep well said.
I think that ship sailed. The staff put in extra attention to the likes of Hands and Smith.
Brailey's management want him to go, Newcastle don't. Not until years end then MA can take over.
I ageee mate. I think Brendon smith be a better option with smith coming of the bench down the track
If we are to get a Hooker I think Smith but we have til mid year to work that out. Ryles will let Hands and Smith plead their case. Lussick is break glass.
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