Towards the end of the 2025 NRL season I think a majority of Eels fans had some form of optimism for 2026 hoping it might be a possible top 8 position for the Eels.
However, this year has turned into one of the worst so far on record with Eels defence one of the worst on record since 1995 and plumetting.
If this year gets any worse it most certainly looks like a Wooden Spoon or very very close to it with the only likely opposition is the Dragons but once they start putting a few wins on the board they'll easily overtake the Eels whose for and against is the worst of all NRL teams.
It seriously needs to be questioned IF Jason Ryles and his assistants Nathan Brown and Sam Moa were the correct choices and IF the fitness and conditioning coach is even qualified because this is the most unfit and mentally unconditioned Eels team I've ever seen.
Where to from here? Who seriously knows.
The Eels can't attract any decent quality players and the current squad with or without injured players are bog average.
Considering it's been 40 years since the Eels last premiership it has to be asked what is Mark O'Neil, Jim Satantinos actually doing to fix this longest premiership drought in NRL history because from the outside looking in they certainly aren't doing anything accept collect their pay cheque.
The current idea floating around seeking tempory short term player loans from.other clubs isn't the answer. In fact, it could make matters worse and is really only a band aid trying to cover up more deeper serious problems.
Replies
The majority of the Eels main players are out for a vast majority of this season so it's not going to get better
Well it's a fair test for Ryles. Honeymoon period is over and had a good end to 2025. Since have gone backwards in areas.
He will be under the pump whether fairly or unfairly from the media and that's part of the job. Things worked last year from getting good recruits, systems working and the players buying.
This year? None of the recruits have worked, injuries have stretched and squad and his system of small, faster forwards to combat our attacking structure of fast ball movement across the middle has hindered our defence with lacking size.
Big test to see if he can snag a win or two before Round 13 when a few players start to come back.
In terms of MON and Sarantinos. To say they are only collecting a pay check is unfair. They are trying. Now does trying mean you do a good job? No but they are trying. If they didn't care why take Lomax to court? Why try to get exemption? If you feel they aren't doing a good job, fair go for your life, but don't say they only care about their pay checks.
I've personally had to remove several senior executives who were 'trying'. At senior levels only results matter. However no one willingly resigns from a job they are passionate about, even when they are failing. It comes down to the Board and Chairman Beach to set the direction and all indicators suggest they are happy with their executive team. Nothing is changing anytime soon.
Amen Mutts. Trying is for hobbies, not for jobs.
Outcomes or out-the-door. That's the real world (unless you work in the public service...or the Eels).
Oh as I said, just cause you are trying doesn't mean you are doing a great job. But don't say people aren't trying to make us great when they are. Are they good at it? That's another question to answer. Should they be void of criticism cause they are trying? Of course not but I just felt claiming they aren't trying is harsh.
Yes very fair LB. I definitely don't think it's for lack of trying, I think it's lack of experience and talent.
Yes definately. I have no issues with people having a go at someone either coach, player or admin for not doing a good job. But you know when they are not trying. I think taking Lomax to court was case in point Sarantinos, MON and board are trying.
Mallee, have you ever thought to write in paragraphs lol
And your blog should be squarely aimed at Sarantinos and O'neill, the dumb and dumber of all sporting codes
Being a 'Para' supporter I thought 'Para' graphs would be appropriate 😂
Why im I always getting these very attractive middle aged asian ladies on my feed Super.? I don't mind but my misses thinks im checking porn sites 🤣
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