Grand final week has arrived but unfortunately there’s not much joy for Eels supporters with the NRL decider featuring two despised rivals of the Blue and Gold Army.

It’s hard to believe that just two short years ago we were all experiencing the excitement of Parra featuring in the “Big Dance”, with all of the fanfare of the lead up events and match day itself.

Credit to both the Storm and the Panthers. Neither club would ever find itself on my Christmas card list, but they have taken up residency in finals footy, and such consistency and success deserves my admiration.

As far as our Eels are concerned, it’s more of an early start to the preseason rather than an off-season. Jason Ryles has commenced his official duties, whilst work bubbles on behind the scenes, with signings announced and events planned.

Bumpers Up

Season Debrief

In case you missed it, we recently wrapped up the Eels 2024 NRL season in a comprehensive podcast featuring former Eels and Roosters CEO Bernie Gurr.

Despite his recent relocation to the USA, Bernie remains passionate about his rugby league. He watches matches from every round, and of course his lens is sharpened when it comes to the Eels. Talk to him about Parra, and the response is about “we” and “us”.

Bernie balances areas for concern for the Eels with the on field and off field positives that remain in place. He also provides an insight into how NRL clubs review their season. We also dive into the challenges for the NRL, and all of the clubs, with expansion on the horizon.

If you haven’t had a listen as yet, I highly recommend it.

Jack Joins

Journalist Michael Chammas has reported that the Eels have secured the services of experienced Sharks forward Jack Williams on a three year deal commencing in 2025.

The 28 year old has been on the Eels radar in the past and his recruitment adds strength to the pack as coach Jason Ryles looks looks to shore up the team’s defence.

Williams joins Zac Lomax, Isaiah Iongi and Dean Hawkins as newcomers to the Eels 2025 NRL squad.

With places still available, there should be more additions announced in the near future.

More For Eels Members And Supporters

In what was a horrible 2024 NRL season, there’s no question that the Eels connection to their supporters hit a low point.

Some of this was understandable. The team sat near the bottom of the table and losing is hardly a unifying or enjoyable experience.

Furthermore, the Kellyville HQ became a construction site, so the previously organised fan events and open training sessions were put on hold.

That said, more was needed and members and supporters deserved better.

What I can report at this stage is that the club has been very self reflective in this regard, and change can be expected.

Some of that change has already been communicated to members via an email from club CEO, Jim Sarantinos. Open training sessions at Fairfield and Granville prior to Christmas, a fan day in the new year in Parramatta, and a Members Forum in early 2025 are already on the calendar.

Importantly, Membership prices will not be increased for next season.

More is needed, and I expect that we will learn about that soon. However, these early initiatives are important first steps in re-establishing the Eels relationship with fans.

Pathways Players Extend

Last week the Eels formally announced the contract extensions of Charlie Guymer, Saxon Pryke and Richie Penisini. Each of these rising stars has now committed to the Eels till the end of the 2026 season.

All three players have long been earmarked for an NRL future by the club, and have previously tasted a first grade preseason. Guymer inked his deal earlier in the year and went on to make his NRL debut. Unfortunately, injury cut his season short, but he’s as tough as they come and will bounce back.

Injury also struck the talented Richie Penisini, and for the younger brother of Will, it was a tough blow as it meant he didn’t get any game time in 2024. Given that he had been selected for a late season NSW Cup debut in 2023, big things had been anticipated.

An outside back, Richie can cover both wing and centre. The Eels missed the depth and versatility that he and Arthur Miller-Stephen would have provided this year.

Readers of my training reports would have been aware of the motor possessed by Saxon Pryke. The mobile middle can play big minutes, and he impressed when leading the conditioning work of the forwards during the last preseason. Saxon was a consistent performer for the Flegg team in 2024 and was also given a taste of NSW Cup.

I’m expecting more extensions to be announced soon.

Apa Twidle

Every year, a number of pathways players are involved in either full or partial NRL preseasons. It will be the same going into 2025.

The contract arrangements work for both parties, with the young players getting exposure to the demands of NRL football, along with the professional development that goes hand in hand with the experience. The club and coaches also get a close up view of the work ethic and potential of the individuals involved.

Recently, there was a bit of media focus on Apa Twidle getting an NRL preseason going into the 2025 season. For anyone that might not be aware, the Flegg five-eighth/fullback also had a taste of preseason last year when he was part of the training squad in the lead up to Christmas.

Twidle was one of the key players for his side in 2024, alternating between the 1 and 6 depending on the needs of the team, and performing just as strongly in each position. It was an eye catching year from the versatile back, with the only sour note being a late season injury.

Hailing from New Zealand via Queensland, Apa will still be eligible for Flegg in 2025. However, with the turnover of players from this year’s NSW Cup team, opportunities for a rise in grade will be on the cards for Apa and a few of his pathways peers including, among others, Will Latu and Ryley Smith.

The upcoming preseason might go some way in determining that for all of them.

The Lioness Roars

Congratulations to the Eels NRLW young gun, Rory “The Lioness” Owen on being awarded RLPA Rookie of the Year. The good news has continued with the announcement of her contract extension with the Eels.

The 20 year old union convert has been a revelation at centre, demonstrating speed, elusiveness and strength. More importantly, she has proven to have a game awareness in both attack and defence that belies her inexperience in the code.

With so many assets in her kit bag, Owen looks to have the football world at her feet. Fortunately, she also has the right mentor in Steve Georgallis to continue to guide her rugby league journey.

Clubs build their futures around emerging talents like Rory Owen. And at the Eels, there a number of young players who will also be a big part of that future.

NRLW Award Winners

With their season commitments now concluded, the Eels NRLW finally staged their end of season awards.

Despite the strong contributions across the team, the list of award recipients provided no surprises.

Rory Owen backed up her RLPA Rookie of the Year gong by taking home the same honour at the Eels.

Abbi Church bagged an impressive double in receiving the Blue and Gold Army and the Players Player Awards. She might be underrated by the experts but the fans and her team mates know where it’s at.

Rachael Pearson has been the on-field general in guiding this resurgent Eels team around the park. It was little surprise that Steve Georgallis gave her the nod as the Coach’s Player for 2024.

Finally, the major award for the evening was presented to Elsie Albert. The PNG international has been an absolute powerhouse in the middle, dominating her opponents on a weekly basis. Elsie deservedly received the Eels Player of the Year Award.

Stop The Presses

The Dally Ms were held last night, with Zali Fay winning the Try of the Year award for her spectacular leap and grounding in the final round clash with the Roosters.

It also seems like Abbi Church is finally getting acknowledgement from the wider NRLW world in being named fullback in the team of the year, and placing second for the Dally M NRLW player of the year.

Unfortunately, ridiculously applied rules rendered Rory Owen ineligible for the Rookie of the Year.

In order to qualify as a rookie, a player must have spent two years in an NRLW pathway. Whilst the intent might be to ensure that cross code internationals are not competing as rookies, it would hardly apply to a 20 year old at the beginning of her footy journey. Thankfully, common sense was applied when the RLPA and the Eels didn’t use such criteria in determining their Rookie of the Year recipient.

Eels NRLW coach Steve Georgallis was amongst the nominees for coach of the year. He would have been a worthy winner of this award given his achievement in turning the 2023 wooden spooners into finals contenders.

Instead, the award went to Brisbane coach Scott Prince. I can understand the rationale of the coach of the minor premiers taking home the prize. However, given his star-studded team failed to reach the grand final, I think the decision makers might have missed the mark there.

Finally, a special mention to Shaun Lane (a rare Eels NRL nominee) and Mahalia Murphy who were nominated for awards for their community work.

 

Double Stop The Presses

Just as I hit the publish button on this column, news has hit that three Eels have gained selection for the PM’s 13 teams in their clashes with PNG.

Congratulations to Sean Russell for earning a jersey in the men’s team, and to Abbi Church and Rory Owen who will line up in the women’s team.

Best wishes to all for successful, injury free games.

Parra Leagues In The Hills

On Sunday I attended the re-opening of the Dural Club, the former Dural Country Club that became part of the Parra Leagues Club Group in 2023. It had been around a year since I last visited the club and as a Hills district resident, I was keen to see what changes had been made.

The interior of the club is near unrecognisable after the renovation. Besides the refurbishments throughout the venue, the old pokies area has been removed and relocated to create a spacious and open lounge. Please note, the pool/snooker tables are still available.

Lusso’s Kitchen, the club restaurant, similarly offers plenty of seating, whilst the auditorium is barely recognisable after its stunning upgrade and will host shows and private functions.

I’m expecting the Dural Club to be very popular throughout summer with its outdoor areas ideal for families with kids, and people taking advantage of the warmer months to play barefoot bowls.

If you’re already a member of Parra Leagues you get full membership privileges, rewards and discounts at Dural Club. It’s well worth a visit. And if you live in the Hills district, why not check it out?

NRL Grand Final

The 2024 season has delivered its share of entertaining football, with the race for a finals berth being as open as you would have seen in recent years.

That said, the finals series produced mostly predictable outcomes, and a grand final that virtually every punter expected.

Realistically, the full strength Storm and Panthers line ups were streets ahead of other clubs. It’s not to say that upsets were never on the cards, but Melbourne have been ultra-consistent this season, and the Panthers with Nathan Cleary steering the ship are near undeniable when footy gets real.

I’ll be blunt. I only have space in my heart to cheer for one team, and that’s the Eels. But I can admire the form and success of other clubs.

So, in a game featuring two clubs that I both admire and despise, I’ll tip the Storm to end the Riff’s premiership run. You’ll hear my rationale in our special Grand Final podcast that will land later this week.

Eels forever!

Sixties