For the sake of some hypothetical off-season discussion because;
- I'm Bored at work, and
- Desperate for some Parra discussion before the season starts
Let's imagine a world where Dylan signs with another club.
(Leave out any negative sentiment about DB leaving the club for now because it may not even happen, and it's not the point of this Post)
Who are some possible recruits that you would look to sign at 5/8 to partner Moses in the halves?
Personally, I would go all-in for Galvin. Not only is this kid a superstar in the making, he's a die-hard Parra fan. This means he won't be bending the club over a barrell when it comes time to signing every contract, he would sign fair and appropriate offers (hopefully), and he would genuinly want to be here to win a premiership because it would mean just as much to him as all of us... afterall, he is one of us! That's an exciting prospect and to be honest, I would go after Galvin regardless because of this factor. If we landed Galvin I would move DB to Center or FB or whatever, I would just get Galvin in the team and worry about the positions later.
Who are some other candidates that could fit in with Ryles's new fast & agile, Eeletric footy style?
- Think about 5/8s in systems that need a change (Cogger, Brimson, Te Maire Martin)?
- Think about 5/8's stuck behind great players that deserve a crack (Wishart, Cole, Schoupp)?
- Think about someone in SL that could come back (Field, French)?
- Or, would you stick with Volkman, Hawkins, or Papalii before recruiting?
Replies
For the coin Dylan is on, I would have thought we could easily get Dearden, but pretty sure he signed long term and is happy where he's at.
For mine, you put any genuine 5/8 next to Moses and they will shine.
Fingers crossed on Galvin, the opportunity to get him is there, just not sure mon is capable of pulling it off.
Pass on temarie, he is slightly better than Will Smith.
French or Field could work given how much the game has sped up, just need to score more than the opposition to win, speed speed and more speed. French and JAC would be awesome, the ball seems to always find their hands off the bounce.
I have no doubt that Dearden is a 1m player now, no way you would get him easily for less.
He is now entrenched as Australia's 5/8..... you cannot say that about Moses. Dearden effectively dominated Moses on field performances in the Pacific Championships.
I don't like saying that but Moses is now overated in a comparative sense. Take his one special Origin appearance away and he has done nothing.
Yes he is a good player but his Biblical name is not relative to his performances or longevity. Seems many on here see him as a Messiah?
I thought Moses played great for NSW and Australia, really owning the 7 position and in turn freeing Luai and Dearden to run loose and shine.
Not sure Dearden is a million dollar player in clubland, but we are paying Dylbags 900k, I'd gladly take that and give it to Dearden.
Chris Sandow or Tim Smith
It would be a typical Parramatta move if we got Galvin. There has been a few incidents over the last 20 year or so where we have let a junior go, only to bring them back a few years later on big money. I think Wishart would be another player that if available Parramatta should go after.
Why has his management waited until now. He knew this clause was there so could have talked from November 1, which would have been less disruptive to the team. I can only think of 2 reasons why this occured now over November 1.
1. It has a feel of his manager trying to assert power. The eels have always caved into manager demands but we seem to have turned a corner. I think his manager Gavin Orr realises managers don't have as much power as they used to so just wants to flex his power. If he really wanted to leave why wouldn't you be talking on November 1 before clubs lock in players for 2026 and spend cap space.
2. Dylan wants to leave, but why now. Maybe he isn't liking Ryles holding players accountable and structures he is putting in place or he just misses BA.
I think it is more likely a manager power play as the timing doesn't line up if they are chasing a better contract elsewhere.
No more games Brown can go get 3 of the best back rowers money can buy and let the youngsters battle it out
If a quality #9 became available, letting Brown go wouldn't be such a bad thing. With Brown and Moses in the halves a large chunk of the cap is used. I think the side would be better balanced spending less money on a solid running five eighth and investing more on a top line dummy-half. I believe five eighth has become the least important of the spine positions, and going by my theory, the Eels spine is currently unbalanced. Having a dummy-half who can create room for forwards 3 to 4 times every set of 6 is far more valuable than a five eighth who provides a flash of brilliance once or twice a game.
Just an example, going from the figures quoted on Zero tackle, Harry Grant, Reece Robson and Apisai Koroisau are all on less money than the reported amount Brown is on. Not only that, none of the three have player options according to Zero tackle.
It wouldn't be difficult using the limited figures quoted on Zero tackle to name several spine players on less than Brown who have consistently performed better than Brown over the past 2 seasons.
I'm struggling to think of very many clubs who would come close to the reported $900,000 for Brown. The Roosters come to mind but I can't see them paying full freight. Possibly the Dolphins or the 18th franchise ( whoever and whenever that happens).
If Brown stays, Ryles has a huge job to get Brown to justify his $900,000 per season contract. I understand the Eels had a large injury list last season, but Browns performances in 24 was equivalent to not much more than half his pay packet.
Towards the end of the season , if you were new to the game and knew nothing , you'd think Asi was our biggest dollar half. He showed more promise than Brown.
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
-
6
of 6 Next