Brad Arthur means business from the get-go in 2022. Or at least that is the message that he and the Parramatta Eels are sending as Reed Mahoney, Haze Dunster, Will Penisini, Marata Niukore, Bryce Cartwright and new recruit Bailey Simonsson headline an exciting lineup for Parramatta’s opening trial of the 2022 season. Shaun Lane will lead the Blue & Gold in the absence of both Clinton Gutherson and Junior Paulo and the towering backrower gets the extraordinarily rare honour of leading the Eels in a fully fledged home trial at CommBank Stadium.
Beyond the headliners listed above there is plenty of NRL experience spread through the rest of the ranks. Oregon Kaufusi, Mitch Rein, Ray Stone, Makahesi Makatoa add plenty of grunt to the forward pack while Jordan Rankin, Jakob Arthur, Hayze Perham and Tom Opacic round out an impressive backline.
Obviously the Eels want to start fast this year, hence the plethora of core players named to take on the Dragons, but the trials are where fringe players and young prospects often break out and begin to make a name for themselves. Indeed it was this corresponding trial last year where Isaiah Papali’i, Will Penisini and Makahesi Makatoa exploded onto the scene for fans.
The question now becomes, who will seize that opportunity in 2022? Sean Russell is looking to cement himself as the next cab off the rank at both fullback and wing, winning that battle starts on Sunday night. Ky Rodwell was a standout performer in the NSW Cup last year and made the most of a Round 25 NRL debut where he shone despite playing with a broken hand. Can he build on that platform? Can new recruits Ofahiki Ogden and Luca Moretti muscle their way into the picture or will Elie El Zakhem prove he can be a difference maker on an edge?
Or will it be someone else entirely?
Parramatta has become quite adept at unearthing raw gems and polishing them up into significant contributors at the NRL level. Sunday night is our first real look at who can be the breakout star or stars of 2022 and I am fired up to see who steps up.
NRL Trial Team List
| 1 | Hayze Perham |
| 2 | Haze Dunster |
| 3 | Tom Opacic |
| 4 | Will Penisini |
| 5 | Bailey Simonsson |
| 6 | Jordan Rankin |
| 7 | Jake Arthur |
| 8 | Oregon Kaufusi |
| 9 | Reed Mahoney |
| 10 | Makahesi Makatoa |
| 11 | Marata Niukore |
| 12 | Shaun Lane © |
| 13 | Ray Stone |
| 14 | Mitch Rein |
| 15 | Bryce Cartwright |
| 16 | Sean Russell |
| 17 | Luca Moretti |
| 18 | Ky Rodwell |
| 19 | Ofahiki Ogden |
| 20 | Elie El Zakhem |
| 21 | Brendan Hands |
| 22 | Solomone Naiduki |
| 23 | Matt Komolafe |
| 24 | Josh Tuipulotu |
One thing I pick up from this list is that it is mostly a second team with others in need of a run before Round 1. Majority of those in the starting 17 aren’t playing. While this is a generalisation – reading in between the lines – does that mean that Wiremu Greig is in line for a bench spot?
Interesting observation mate. Wiremu has clearly ripped in over the offseason and preseason as evidenced by the results he has seen getting into career best shape. I have to imagine he would be strongly contesting a spot on the bench and I would love for him to kick on in a big way this year but he is also backing up from the All-Stars clash so perhaps that might be a factor as well?
The major NRL omissions are Gutho, Sivo (rehab), Waqa, Dylan Brown, Moses, Nathan Brown (rehab), Matto, Ice, Junior, Reg.
if that’s considered a strong trial team, there are still these 10 players.
I have read that Brad Arthur thinks the run onside for rd 1 picks itself taking into account marata out on suspension and sivo injured. Personally I was hoping that the run on team was still undecided pre the trial games. Not sure if Nathan Brown will be available for rd 1 selection. I can’t wait to see how luca moretti goes.
I’m suggesting to Nathan Brown won’t quite be ready, but we’ll see.
That’s a pretty decent looking team. Really looking forward to watching Perham play again. He impressed me round 25 last season and is exciting to watch.
Bring on the footy and go you Eels!
It’s the team I was expecting and very keen to see the young blokes perform against unknown opposition.
Is Hollis injured? Not named
Not sure.
I actually think with large contingent of big guns left out were sending out a very strong squad indicating that the overall depth of the club is very strong indeed .
Agreed
Good,looking trail team ,just wondering if toni mataele is still training with team ,
Injured
Where’s Sam louzi, Hollis, matelle???
Sam and Toni are injured. Not sure about Dave.
I am looking forward to having a look at Bailey Simonsson and the other newbies like Moretti, Ogden and Brendan Hands
It will also be interesting to see how JA and Rankin get the team around the park. I have not seen the Dragons team list but I am assuming that it will be the same as the Eels with back up players and a sprinkling of NRL players
I’m very interested in seeing Moretti in action. I haven’t seen enough iPod his work during the preseason. I think he had a period of injury, but our vantage point is not great for watching the work of the forwards.
Evening all,
Good team with some good youngsters read to have a go.
I am just glad the trials are on, and it will be interesting to see how we go.
Does anyone know how this can be viewed from o/seas in the UK?
Via NRL? Parra??
Cheers
Hi Milo,
In Mexico i use “watch NRL” by foxtel. If you have a VPN you could probably use nine wide world of sports. I am sure the replay will be posted on the Eels official homepage.
Hi and thanks Paul,
I will check that out definitely.
VPN? Can i be ignorant and ask about this?
Hi Milo,
Sure no worries! A VPN is a virtual private network, that in essence hides or manipulates the IP and geographical location of your desktop or laptop. In your case, it would appear that your internet connection is from Australia, thus enabling you to use 9WWS, Kayo and other subscriptions that are not available outside of Australia.
Does that help?
Cheers Paul,
I will try and look into this.Not sure where to look but will have some time to research.
Hi mate,
Hope your travel went well and you’re settling in ok.
Hi mate, yes all ok, arrived Tuesday morning UK time. A couple of easy days thus far and settling in ok.
Weather has been little cooler…some wind too!
Good to hear it’s gone well mate.
Tks Forty. Just having a memory fade. There are 11 players named on top of the 13. Are there any rules or protocols for how you use the 11? Could Wiremu Grieg be injured ? An interesting omission as already observed.
Only surmising here BDon, but I’m guessing BA is resting him after the All Stars game last weekend and giving others a run.
I’d assume the same too Grunta
BDon, the interesting part will be how much game time for the players whom we assume will start in round 1.
Great report Forty.
Looks like a handy squad. Be great to see this hit out!!
Some big guns have already played on Friday night in the first two trials. Interesting to see the likes of Turbo play. Basically, Manly played their spine.