Eels Blogs

This is just a quick look at our off-contract stars for 2022 (They may have a player of co-option for 2022). Just categorizing them in order on who is a must to resign. I thought it would be good to update this blog. Importantly, Eels are a relatively young team, whereby players are improving year by year. Thus, their market value increases which will mean managing the salary cap will be key for retaining players.

Playing 17:

1. Bryce Cartwright
   • We our stacked-on backrow options with Matterson, Niukore, Lane and Papali’i. With eels looking at Woods, it looks less likely that Carty will stay as he would struggle to fit it our top 17 then.
   • I want him to stay. However, I predict he will leave. I feel like he will want to repay eels for giving him a chance, but due to the lack of minutes and potential higher money offers, he will leave.
2. Blake Ferguson
   • Fergo is ageing and past his prime. Rocks and diamonds. Meter eater and scores some great tries. Has a couple brain explosions or looks horrible under the high ball. Make horrible defensive reads as well.
   • I predict him and want him to leave. 

Fringe NRL players:

1. Samuel Hughes
   • Obviously not much is known of what is happening with him right now. But if he is fine and continues his NRL career at eels, him and Hollis could be our future forwards. After missing the full year, he may have to settle with a development contract
2. Joey Lussick
   • Stuck behind Mahoney. Did a great job in Mahoney’s absence. Could be forced to move if he wants to play NRL consistently. However, I believe he would be going to a crap club if that is the case.
3. Will Smith
   • Not the worst bench utility, but he is good in helping the young reserve grade players. I think offering him a cheap 1 year deal is the way to continue going
4. Nathaniel Roache
   • Everybody knows that if he gets his body right, the modern rules could really suit his game. Hopefully his string of bad luck has come to an end, and he can live up to his potential. Obvious option as a utility. Maybe a top 30 contract, but most likely another development contract.
5. Ray Stone
   • I like Stone as a player. Good depth but not a priority signing. Seems to be very injury prone. Eels may have to let him go, so they can upgrade younger players into the top 30 and find depth in the outside backs.
6. Michael Oldfield
   • With Penisini & Naiduki coming through and even Sean Russel chosen ahead of him on the wing, Oldfield is not very critical to our team. I think he will leave, to try get a little NRL time. Also, must considering that Perham and Niukore can play center as well
7. Jordan Rankin
   • I think he will leave after being so down the pecking order at eels. Doubt this will bother anyone except Monto.

 Development Contract Players:

• Solomone Naiduki
  • Looks a very promising winger. Potential top 30 contract next year. Looks like a semi-clone.
• Sean Russel
  • A young fullback. Learning of Gutho. Most likely stay with a development contract. Doubt he will get a top 30 contract.
• Sam Loizou
  • Barely seen him play reserve grade. Pretty sure he actually played in the same junior team as Russel and JA, so could explain this.

Best NRL Side 2022 - With Contracted Eels Players for 2022.

1. C Gutherson
2. W Blake
3. T Opacic
4. W Penisini
5. M Sivo
6. D Brown
7. M Moses
8. J Paulo
9. R Mahoney
10. RCG
11. R Matterson
12. I Papali’i
13. N Brown
14. S Lane
15. W Greig
16. O Kaufusi
17. M Niukore
18. D Hollis
19. J Arthur
20. K Hipgrave
21. H Dunster

SO WHO DO YOU GUYS WANT TO RESIGN AND WHO TO LEAVE?