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. With all the media news circulating if our players will resign or leave, 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. 

Players Attracting Attention from Rivals:

1. Mitchell Moses
   • The most important player we resign is probably Mitchell Moses. While some of us argue if he is good enough to win a premiership, he is definitely one of, or if not the best half available on the open market, other than an ageing Adam Reynolds. He has really improved this year, especially in the games against top sides (Storm and Raiders).
   • If I was the eels, I would offer him a contract until the end of 2022 at around 850k because I think that is what he is currently on. I would than add a clause where if he takes eels deep into the finals (at least last 4 standing) he will be given a slightly higher salary (900k-1M) till the end of 2024.
   • I predict and want him to stay.
2. Nathan Brown
   • While he is not an irreplaceable player, I put him second on the list. He is regularly there to make try saving cover tackles and often inspires our team near the end of games. He is management are doing their job of being a pain in the ass. I think he will resign on the 600k deal for 2 years.
   • I predict and want him to stay.
3. Ryan Matterson
   • He has been solid for eels without being spectacular. I don’t think eels should be too stressed about Matterson. Papali’i or Niukore could easily fill his role. Is he worth the gamble with his concussion issues?
   • I predict he will stay. Don’t mind if he does or doesn’t given our options.

Playing 17:

1. Tom Opacic
   • Very good defensive player and if he maintains strong performances, he will be a long-term center for eels. I think he will also come relatively cheap which will help our salary cap management.
   • I predict and want him to stay.
2. Bryce Cartwright
   • If he lives up to his potential, fixes up his defense, we will be stacked on backrow options with Matterson, Niukore, Lane and Papali’i. Personally, he could push for a starting spot and eels could maybe get rid of Lane to spend their money elsewhere. Apparently, Lane deal is $1.3M deal for 3 years which I don’t believe is worth it. So, I would shop Lane around given the money he is apparently on, because he is probably our 4^th best backrow option.
   • I predict and want him to stay. I feel like he will want to repay eels for giving him a chance.
3. Blake Ferguson
   • Fergo is ageing and past his prime. Will need a great year to be resigned. Rocks and diamonds. Meter eater and scores some great tries. However, he is leading the NRL in errors, through brain explosion or being horrible under the high ball.
   • I predict him and want him to leave.

Fringe NRL players:

1. David Hollis

• Massive wraps about him. Last year would of slowed his development. Now playing Jersey Flegg so he can get more minutes. Hopefully players more reserve grade this year. Maybe only after halfway through next year he will grab a bench spot in the NRL side.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Ray Stone

• I like Stone as a player. Good depth but not a priority signing.

5. 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.

6. Jordan Rankin

• Same as Smith

7. Michael Oldfield

• With Penesini coming through and the likes of Dunter waiting behind our currently backline, Oldfied is really there for just experience and depth.

8. Keegan Hipgrave

• Another type of player who will probably just keep switching around clubs. Haven’t minded his 20min cameos this season.

9. Joey Lussick
   • Stuck behind Mahoney and potentially Roache (if he stays fit). Could be forced to move if he wants to play NRL.

Youth: (Don’t know enough about these players to order them)

• Sean Russel
  • A young fullback. Still needs a lot of work
• Solomone Naiduki
  • A young winger. Still needs a lot of work
• Sam Loizou
  • No idea
• Jakob Arthur
  • Very young and will most likely stay at eels until Arthur leaves.

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

1. C Gutherson
2. H Dunster
3. W Penesini
4. W Blake
5. Maika Sivo
6. D Brown
7. n/a
8. J Paulo
9. R Mahoney
10. RCG
11. S Lane
12. I Papali’i
13. M Niukore
14. O Kafusi
15. Hayze Perham
16. Wiremu Greig
17. n/a

 So obviously a lot of resigning and signings to do as only in round 8. This is just the team filled with our confirmed signed players for 2022.

Reflective Questions:

• Fullback: Who plays fullback if Gutho is unavailable? Resign Smith or Rankin?
• Winger: Is Dunster ready to play NRL in 2022? Does Waqa Blake have a future on the wing?
• Centre: Is Penesini ready to play NRL in 2022? Is Perham an option?
• Five-eight: Resign Smith or Rankin for depth? Is Arthur a good enough second string NRL half in 2022?
• Half-back: Moses wants a premiership or struggle at Broncos? Reynolds only other premiership worthy halfback?
• Props: Which props do we resign or buy for depth? Will Hughes or Hollis be ready for NRL in 2022 if they resign? Does Greig unlock his potential? Does Kafusi become our leader of the bench?
• Backrow: Who plays in the backrow starting line up? Is Matterson worth the money given our current top level backrower options? Does Carty have a great year and resign?
• Lock: Any other locks in the open market? Finucane? How much is Brown worth?
• Bench: Is Hughes, Hollis, Greig, etc ready for good minutes of bench in 2022? Do we make Perham are utility or stick with Smith?