The Cumberland Throw

The Spotlight – Parra’s Roster And The Shape Of Things To Come

The band-aid has been torn off in PARRAdise!

Reagan Campbell-Gillard’s release, Maika Sivo’s confirmed move to Leeds, and the seemingly inevitable shift of Clint Gutherson to the Dragons, have underlined the changing profile of the Eels roster.

All of these high profile departures are over the age of thirty, but further to that, they have also been fan favourites and mainstays in the Eels starting team.

Make no mistake. This is the time when such big changes were possible. 

A new coach means no attachments to players. And Jason Ryles currently has minimal personal connection to this playing group. Twelve months from now, that scenario will change as Ryles will have his favourites just as all coaches do – and by that I mean players who they trust and rely on to execute their signature brand of footy.

How quickly is change occurring?

Consider this.

Since this time last year, the Eels will have parted ways with 17 players who’ve either played first grade, or been part of the top 30 or the full time training squad. Some of those players made the decision to leave, others were released. Some were also shown the door during Brad Arthur’s tenure, but it all adds up to movement in the roster.

That “team list” of departed players currently looks like this, and I suspect further change is on the horizon:

Clint Gutherson (likely, though not done)

Maika Sivo

Morgan Harper

Blaize Talagi

Lorenzo Mulitalo

Daejarn Asi

Ethan Sanders

Reagan Campbell-Gillard

Matt Arthur

Makahesi Makatoa

Ofahiki Ogden

Jock Brazel (still uncertain)

Ky Rodwell

Zac Cini

Isaac Lumelume

Jirah Momoisea

Tevita Taumoepenu


Further evidence of the scale of the turnover can be found by travelling back just a couple of seasons. Of the 18 players named on grand final day in 2022, only Simonsson, Penisini, Brown, Moses, Paulo, Lane, Matterson and Cartwright remain.

The result of this overhaul means new faces and new opportunities.

Confirmed as incoming top 30 players are Isaiah Iongi, Zac Lomax, Joash Papali’i, Jack Williams and Dean Hawkins. Jordan Samrani will be top 30 in 2026.

What this re-shaped squad will deliver for Eels fans is currently a mystery, because apart from Nathan Cayless who remains as NSW Cup coach, and Jordan Rankin who returns as Flegg coach, it’s also a new coaching team.

Joining Ryles will be senior assistant Nathan Brown, attack coach Scott Wisemantel and defence coach Sam Moa. They will be supported by a new Head of Athletic Performance, Blair Mills.

Nathan Brown

Trying to predict the thinking of the coaches, or who might impress them in what will likely be a vastly different preseason, is a challenge.

However, we could see a round one starting team (plus one) that looks like this:

Isaiah Iongi *

Bailey Simonsson *

Will Penisini *

Zac Lomax *

Sean Russell *

Dylan Brown *

Mitch Moses *

Junior Paulo *

Brendan Hands *

Joe Ofahengaue *

Kelma Tualagi *

Jack Williams *

J’maine Hopgood *


Interchange

Joash Papali’i *

(* denotes top 30. Development contract players are also available for selection from round one)


A few discussion points emerge from this list.

Prior to his injury, Junior Paulo was becoming a regular fixture as an impact player off the bench. Now that RCG has moved on, Junior stands alone as a middle forward on elite money. Will this change his role? Perhaps, though there’s an entire summer to play out before a decision will be made.

Junior Paulo

The call on the starting back rowers would be the most contentious.

I believe that Ryles will firstly opt for leg speed and defensive prowess on the edge. Jack Williams is a very mobile forward with a tackle efficiency of around 93.7%. Though he’s been mostly used off the bench during his 124 games for the Sharks, that could change at Parra.

The choice of back row partner for Williams becomes a question of how Ryles intends to use a couple of big name players. For mine, Ryan Matterson and Shaun Lane are bound for the middle.

So, with Matto and Lane competing with Luca Moretti and Wiremu Greig for middle forward spots on the bench, the options for the back row become more defined.

Bryce Cartwright, Matt Doorey, Kelma Tuilagi, Charlie Guymer, and Dan Keir were all used in 2024 which means their hats get thrown into the ring. Each has a case for selection.

Ultimately, the spot will probably be won during the preseason. Carty has the edge in skill set, experience and versatility. Doorey and Tuilagi run the best lines. Guymer has the greatest balance between attack and defence and is a player of the future, whilst Keir has a terrific work ethic.

For the purpose of this post, I’ve tipped Tuilagi to get the nod to start the season. In reality, it’s a toss of multiple coins. From a defence perspective, there are more questions around Kelma, but he’s a powerful runner and there are tackle breaks to be found in attack. To get the nod, he’ll need to convince Ryles and Sam Moa that his defence has improved.

Joash Papali’i inks his deal

I’m going to make the early call that Joash Papali’i provides the most utility value and will be the 14. He can cover a range of backline positions, and also dummy half. This gives him the point of difference.

Locking in Papali’i leaves three interchange spots to be filled in the battle of the bench.


Bench Battle

Shaun Lane *

Ryan Matterson *

Luca Moretti *

Wiremu Greig *

Bryce Cartwright *

Charlie Guymer #

Matt Doorey *

Dan Keir #

(# Denotes Development Contract)

Will Ryles opt for experience, youth, mobility, versatility, strike power or defensive reliability? There are some big calls to be made, and it’s seems unlikely that Lane or Matto will miss a top 17  spot. Regardless of the outcome, it’s good to retain the forward depth.

Let’s examine those depth charts beyond the aforementioned players. Those on the following lists are players who will feature in the NSW Cup team at some stage in 2025, and could push for NRL selection at some point.


Extended Depth Chart – Forwards

Toni Mataele *

Sam Tuivaiti *

Saxon Pryke #

Brock Parker

Will Latu

Sam Tuivaiti celebrates with his SG Ball team mates


Backs Depth Chart

Jordan Samrani 

Jake Tago #

Arthur Miller-Stephen #

Haze Dunster *

Ethyn Martin

Richard Penisini #

Apa Twidle

Mohamed Alameddine

 

Arthur Miller-Stephen


Spine Depth Chart

Dean Hawkins *

Joey Lussick *

Ryley Smith

Josh Lynn


What you might note in this depth chart, is the age of the players. Apart from Joey Lussick, the only players older than 23 are Haze Dunster, Jake Tago and Dean Hawkins who all turn 26 in early 2025. Some on the depth chart will be involved with the Flegg team.

The other notable point about the roster is that there are four players on Development contracts who have NRL experience. Guymer, Tago, Keir and Miller-Stephen have all made their first grade debuts. Given that these supplementary list players are all eligible for NRL selection come round one, there is both value and strength at the bottom end (salary wise) of the roster.

Consequently, Ryles will be unlikely to call up Ron Massey Cup players in 2025. I expect further backline recruitment prior to round one, whilst Flegg players from 2024 will be a year older and ready to be exposed to open age football, certainly at NSW Cup level.

Given all of the changes across the roster and the coaching staff, it was probably pure folly to try to predict a starting side before one day of pre-season has been run, but who doesn’t love a team list!

And the roster is not yet complete.

According to my calculations, and assuming the King departs, there are 25 top 30 places currently filled. This means that, provided there are no further departures, three players will need to be added before round one. This could change any early team predictions.

Interesting times ahead. Watch this space.

Eels forever!

Sixties

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92 thoughts on “The Spotlight – Parra’s Roster And The Shape Of Things To Come

  1. Malcolm

    I loved your your overall foresight I do think an injury free and fit Cartwright will be exceptional for the eels next year

    1. John Eel

      I to like a fit Carty.

      I am hoping that one of the empty spots in the top 30 is for a quality hooker. This has been a problem since Reed went.

      I think overall the spine depth looks a bit shallow. It will be interesting to see how Hawkins scrubs up. There is also talk of the Warriors backup half coming over.

      I was having a conversation with a friend yesterday about the PLC precinct upgrade. Sounds like a good venture to me.

      Tell me again why we are having an EGM to get rid of the current highly competent board.

      1. sixties Post author

        John, with spots still available I expect action in the spine and backline. As for the EGM, all I can do is urge PLC members to vote against the resolutions.

  2. BP

    Good summary – at this time of year it’s easy to find positives and optimism, but overall I like the composition of the squad more than 12 months ago. Age and the potential for growth are the main reasons for this.
    Our outside back depth is finally starting to be addressed also.
    There are quality forwards in the flegg ranks, I would like to see them get extended runs in cup in 2025 as there will be more turnover in the squad by this time next year.

    1. sixties Post author

      BP, as I mentioned, I expect the younger forwards from Flegg to get more time in Cup next season. The additional maturity and the importance of determining their progress are factors.

  3. Chris Boggio

    Fantastic review of where we are at as a Club.Ryles definitely has a desire to change things up and now is definitely the right time to do that.The game has evolved and got alot faster so we too need to get up to speed as a club…The departures a nd the recruiting have both been spot on…Excited for 2025 and beyond..PARRA4LIFE

    1. Muz

      Joash papali’i offers far more X factor and speed + upside potential than russel. It’s highly possible he would choose him over Russell of Joash has a good off season.

      1. Glenn

        Samrani, although primarily a centre, could be a wing option. But as you say more signings/promotions to come. Why has AMS not been mentioned, don’t know much about him, but believe is very fast?

  4. Avenger

    Great read, Sixties – well done! I feel we’re missing a meter-eating winger, and I’d also consider looking at the hooker position. Blake Mozer would be my top choice.

    1. Muz

      Agreed one nrl standard hooker. One more high quality back. That’s a solid foundation. Paps is reportedly going to market as storm offered to little (reportedly). If it’s the case and gutho leaves, Ryles may consider a play at Ryan pap. We need a ready to go holier who can share the load with hands.. or we are still too unbalanced in this position Imo. Lussick has never been the answer no offence.

  5. Dave

    A great read as always, and I must admit that I am conflicted. I hate the prospect of Gutho moving on. Not because he is a better option at fullback or any other role, but because he was in my view, the standard bearer for how I want my team to play; and that is at 100% for 80 mins. I am excited by what 2025 might bring in terms of our style of play. Is it too much to hope for instant success?

    1. sixties Post author

      Dave, I feel the same about Gutho. Readers know the regard in which I held him. As for success, I think we need to be realistically optimistic – by that I mean improvement. That means challenging for the lower half of the 8.

  6. EA

    Hi TCT,

    Just wanted to clarify a few things.

    – Where did you find out that Tago was only resigned on a development deal? Thought it was a top 30. Same with Samarani is a top 30 only in 2026?
    – Are you sure that Ethyn Martyn is still at the club next year? It is arguably his last chance to crack the NRL at eels given the juniors (Richie, Twiddle, Alamadine) coming through. Hopefully he stays injury free this year and is used in his best position (wing) and not centre and fullback.
    – Surprised that Brazel is leaving? Thought as a captain and star through the juniors the club would persevere as he was really starting to find his place in cup at the end of the year.
    – I thought AMS was just a train and trial deal but dev deal seems reasonable.

    Thanks,
    EA

    1. EA

      Hi TCT,

      Just wanted to clarify a few things.

      – Where did you find out that Tago was only resigned on a development deal? Thought it was a top 30. Same with Samarani is a top 30 only in 2026?
      – Are you sure that Ethyn Martyn is still at the club next year? It is arguably his last chance to crack the NRL at eels given the juniors (Richie, Twiddle, Alamadine) coming through. Hopefully he stays injury free this year and is used in his best position (wing) and not centre and fullback.
      – Surprised that Brazel is leaving? Thought as a captain and star through the juniors the club would persevere as he was really starting to find his place in cup at the end of the year.
      – I thought AMS was just a train and trial deal but dev deal seems reasonable.
      – I assume players without * or # are on train and trial deals or cup deals?

      Thanks,
      EA

    2. Sixties

      EA – All facts have been verified. Take it as gospel unless any upgrades occur before the end of the preseason.

  7. Kenny the immortal

    Shame to hear about Brazel, from what I saw last year he was strong in the cup. I thought Ryles would be a fan of his. Any word on Latu, he was going well before he was injured.

    1. sixties Post author

      I thought that Jock had his best season in 2024. Played strong and very aggressive. And I thought he elevated his game when called up to Cup. Latu will be staying with the club. In fact I’ve edited the post to reassure other readers that he’s still with the club and highly regarded.

      1. EA

        That is great news about Latu. I remember watching Latu during the finals in 2023. He was really impressive in that flegg side with his leg speed and aggression. Plus a mobile backrower for someone his size.

  8. Milo

    Sixties. So I assume we won’t see many more forwards brought in? Interesting here, but u also assume we will see more change in 12 months.
    I feel a definite DH / and maybe FB is also in the mix
    I also feel one of Matto and Lane could be moved if they don’t aim up this season….but no doubt one of them will shine under the stewardship of Ryles and Brown

    1. sixties Post author

      I’m not ruling out a forward. Remember, if Gutho goes there will be five spots. However, the other positions would be a priority.

  9. BDon

    Tks sixties. Looking better for 2025.Just a nagging thought. If Tuilagi can’t improve defence under fatigue, effort on effort, keeping his feet moving, getting back in the line quickly…you know, the areas that cause leakage, I reckon your starting pack might have 2 players like this. I’m not sure the modern game and top teams allow such team selection, unless Ryles can target and resolve certain aspects.

    1. sixties Post author

      BDon, I agree with your assessment of his defensive deficiencies to this point. It’s why I said that he’ll need to prove himself in that regard.

    2. Muz

      Tuilagi is pretty young I believe and probably has a lot of room to improve his overall game. Ba & co were good at picking & developing back rowers into good players. I feel he might end up being a good player for us, he improved out of site when getting more game time under baz. Maybe another off season will get his motor up, I agree tho he needs to work on this area. The new coach will know all the finer details on weight optimization amd fitness to get max out of big forwards. Melb has gotten some of their forwards to lose weight and adapt better to the faster game style played now. Hopefully he can help ours conditioning wise to defend better overall.

  10. Mario

    Awesome read mate…very detailed.

    I have real concerns about Guth leaving this club immediately without a suitable replacement, his influence on and off the field will be missed, you’d have to imagine that there will be massive flow on affect which will result in us landing a couple of decent chess pieces on our board but god knows where that will come from?

    Interesting times ahead.

    1. sixties Post author

      Mario, if it happens I believe that it must be before preseason commences. The worst case scenario would be losing the King after season preparations begin.

  11. Ron

    A great overview of state of roster. We definitely need some young backrowers to start coming through in next 1-2 years – latu etc

    Dummy half is also a worry. More spots to fill so let’s see how it shakes out through pre season.

    Any news on tuivati? Surely parra have locked him down and are prepping him to take over the front row. Can’t have another stefano situation

      1. Ron

        I’m was more talking about his contract status going forward. I read somewhere that he is off Contract his year and would hate to see him poached like stefano.

        1. sixties Post author

          I don’t know anything about where he’s at going forward. They didn’t rush him this season and I think that was a good thing. It meant he played his best football in the back half of the season in Flegg.

          1. Ron

            I hope he recognises the value in not being rushed. Big props like him generally need time to fine tune their game and build confidence before being thrown into first grade.

  12. Wayne

    Great write up, and it will be interesting to see who gets the final 4 or 5 spots that are available.

    I am a bit confused over the Development contracts though, could you confirm who is or is not on a Development contract. From this post and from what I have read we have

    Guymer ( top 30 2026 )
    Penisini ( top 30 2026 )
    Samrani ( top 30 2026 )
    Twiddle
    Keir
    Tago ( I thought he was top 30 )
    Pryke
    AMS

    Is this list correct?

      1. sixties Post author

        We have six. It’s my understanding that is the number that clubs can have. Some websites aren’t entirely accurate with contract status of players.

    1. sixties Post author

      Wayne, I have indicated who is top 30 with an * and who is Dev with a #. I didn’t list Samrani or Twidle as Dev players in 2025 because they aren’t. I have verified the list.

        1. sixties Post author

          Wayne, wherever possible I verify the information before I present it. If I’m uncertain I won’t publish or I’ll say “I believe” which means the sources are good but I haven’t as yet been able to get verification.

  13. Peter

    Thanks Sixties !

    I can’t recall a time when there was this much change, at Parramatta.

    As a life long passionate Eels supporter, I am both gravely disappointed at the loss of some of our core players, especially if the King departs, and also excited for a new era.

    I think Lomax & Moses will be exciting to watch this year, and hopefully ignite our attack. On the other hand I feel that our forwards may lack a real standout player, especially with the loss of RCG…

    Anyway, as you say watch this space !

    1. sixties Post author

      Peter, as I said the band aid has been ripped off. I also wrote late in the season that supporters had to expect to lose some favourite players – ones that were playing well and still providing value. This was because the roster needed to be changed due to an imbalance in the cap (big coin earned by older players) and the need to reshape the roster, and the players that would leave would be ones that would be attractive to another club. I don’t like to see stars depart, but I called it as inevitable and it’s proving to be the case.

  14. Namrebo

    Thanks Sixties,

    An interesting read and a lot of change. Like others on here I don’t like it when favourite players leave or are pushed out. However, I’m old enough now to realise these things always happen and the people doing them are trying to continually improve the club and team with the end goal always being a premiership.

    I look forward to seeing how our reshaped team performs in 2025. I hope we don’t have to go through a Canterbury 2023 to work our way to competitive again.

    Thanks again for the insights and ongoing updates on what’s happening at the club.

  15. Carl

    Ahoy there gents, love the podcast!

    I’m very concerned about what’s happening with Gutho.
    While I’m confident Iongi is a player of the future and a great signing, It’s also hard to ignore that he has only played 1 game of NRL. There is no way he is the best full back option for us in 2025… Gutho is.
    He’s one of the few players that can hold their head up after last season. He’s signed to us for next year and is a club legend it would be madness to let him go in this way.

    Also he’s 30 not 100.

    The club should keep him as full back next season ease Iongi into the role for 26. The timing of this would make the negotiations to sign Gutho on a 3 or even 4 year contract 2026-28/29 a lot easier
    I think it should be obvious that he would be a superb super sub. He can play at 14 as a back up 9, still be a captain and provide cover across any position 7-1.

    1. sixties Post author

      Hi Carl. The thing to remember is that Gutho and his agent requested a head start to negotiate with other clubs. As far as I’m concerned that means officially being able to receive a Dragons offer. I’m on record over the years as a massive fan of Gutho. For toughness, I rate him right up there with Pricey. The club isn’t ready to talk a new deal yet. So I’m not sure we’ll get an outcome where the King stays.

      1. Carl

        I appreciated your comments in the podcast about fans deserving the chance to have a farewell game for a club champion. Which I agree with, though admittedly it’s hard to ignore the reality that we shouldn’t be signing him for another big money fullback contract.

        It would be good to know at least that he’s on board for 2025.

        It’s a curious situation if he’s looking for a big money 3 year full back deal for 26-28 its hard to see where he’d get one.
        Most clubs seem to have this locked up atm, except for the Sharks and Dragons and maybe the Dogs.
        Complicating things for Gutho… Papenhuzen, Wishart, Fa’alogo, Sloan and Kennedy are also all coming off contract in 26.

        I keep seeing the Dragons mentioned but It doesn’t make sense to me. They’ve already made 2 big signings of players at the back end of their careers (Holmes and Cook)
        With due respect to Gutho, if I was Flanagan I would be offering Papenhuzen a marque fullback deal, failing that Fa’alogo one, then failing that Wishart one… I just don’t see the Dragons happening.
        Same with the Dogs or Sharks. Neither have a screaming urgency for a fullback. In fact if I was a fan of either of those clubs I would be quietly hoping that they sign Sloan. 22 years old, crazy skills, real speed. He’s just been stuck at a directionless depressed club.

        Completely asides what are your thoughts on Parra potentially signing JAC. If it could be for a one year deal that could be great for everyone. We get an elite winger which we need and JAC gets a season to rehabilitate himself?

  16. Muz

    Lomax and moses might be one of the best combinations of 2025. Lomax might also be the best signing (for the back 5), since the great Clint gutherson signed with the parramatta eels?
    If lomax’s consistency in both rep + club games this year is any indication of his playing potential.. we struck gold here signing Lomax!

    Zac Lomax might be close to the best winger besides Brian To’o.

    Lomax says he’s coming to play centre for us… but will we need his strong running game from kick returns to be truly competitive in 2025? We previously sucked in this regard (kick return).

    Interesting times ahead for us. Zac Lomax and Moses working together completely unlocks Mitchell’s kicking game & Ariel threats like nothing we have seen at parra!

    Do you think Zac will be as effective at centre for us?

    Should we ignore his preference and stick him at wing because he is possibly the world best winger at the minute?

  17. pete

    Our recruitment is chalk and cheese compared to recent years. We now have a head coach that can make decisions best for the club and have tough conversations. That are well overdue. These conversations put all others on notice. JR seems to be working well with MON. BAs contract leaks prior to the semis probably was an indication.
    I don’t want to criticise our old coach. But the team was based on one playing style with no depth in key positions, no plan B in case of injury.
    Gutho is almost ‘hobbled’ because he’s had to play on because we didn’t have fullback cover. Sometimes a player has to be protected from himself and that’s where the coach must be responsible. The board has said the coach had the loudest voice in the Recruitment committee. So that appears to be the case.

    Halves, the same issue in halves. We never had a quality backup half or 5/8. We had Asi. But look at Panthers always have a solid half backup;.O’Sullivan, Cogger, Schneider in recent years. We were developing Saunders. But the argument was we cannot keep him because we have Moses and Brown but both of those were injured or suspended for large chunks of seasons and we were stuffed. Nobody, was looking at the depth (except the fans). Brown is a risk of further injury 2025. Hawkins and possibly Volkman may be insurance and possibly our best backup in years.

    The main problem – well identified by many, the cap was screwed. Too many big coin players on long term deals. Basically meant our forwards were on too much money and we had paid arguably too much for others just to retain.

    Juniors have been leaking like we have a hole in our development bucket. I think this will change once, they see things have changed. But some will still go to the highest bidder.

    We still need a couple more signings to improve our position. With Reg, Sivo and Guthos money around $2Million. That is a significant war chest produced with courageous calls. That would never of happened if we kept the old coach until the end of the season.

    Stars, Moses and Lomax are going to be great. Lomax will take goal kicking and Moses likely Captain and Hopgood Vice-Captain. These are the best recruiter’s the rep players are magnets for juniors and to help with getting signings over the line. Credit to BA for getting these signings but he won’t get to see them all together as he would have liked. BA has done good things.

    Gutho, we will most likely have to pay some freight if he goes. If he stays it will most likely be an ongoing media circus and a huge distraction unless he gets 3 years on big coin. Gutho has been great. But we do need new voices and a new direction – speed to burn. Gutho effort is 100% but is not the fastest fullback around. That’s why 14 would be ideal.. we don’t know what the club knows about certain players. But I’m sure all information will be considered and the club MUST come first. Gutho will always be remembered as a great talisman for the club.

    Anyway look forward to hearing some good signings coming up.

    1. Muz

      Good points Pete.
      The no back up nrl fullback, No backup NRL half back or 5/8 was absolutely ridiculous.
      Not only for our clubs sake, but for player welfare such as our king gutho at times.

    2. Muz

      Pete I don’t know if it’s as easy as just ba being scape goat either. It’s possible he faces strong opposition with R & R decisions and division there amongst them. It’s also probable that the clubs gotten in such a bad position, they’ve been forced to make radical changes as the new coach has suggested. They’ve probably learnt from the pain and had no choice but to support radical overhaul of not only roster, but decision making speed. We’ve never recruited and signed this fast or aggressively before (that I can remember). It’s possible the pain of our failure has forced them to all reconsider their highly conservative approach, across multiple fronts. Just a thought.

      1. Stubbyholder

        Muz, it was widely reported BA and MO’N didn’t get on so definitely agree that BA being portrayed as the scapegoat is wrong. It was also widely reported BA wanted more speed, albeit termed as “X-Factor” and that Gutho was prepared to move position to accommodate it.

        So far the only known quality signing is Lomax (and that was done by BA) the rest are nothing but youngsters with potential. I honestly think when you weigh up the new signings under Ryles (so not including Lomax) against those he’s cut including RCG and potentially Gutho, then the squad is weaker. Despite that, quite a few that were vocal of BA being the one and only problem at the Eels are saying how great things are looking. Funny that, the squad was there and they just needed a new voice but BA gets sacked and the losses continue and they turned on the players. Now that Ryles has started he’s getting a leave pass for everything simply because he’s not BA!! Ryles deserves time to get his systems in place, both attack and defence as well as making some more changes to the squad and I think that’s a matter of a few years, not months. But mark my words, he’ll get bugger all leniency from some quarters if the Eels are sitting in the bottom quarter of the ladder come about Round 12 at best.

        1. John Eel

          Well said Stubbyholder. I tried to say something similar earlier. But not as eloquent as you. Finally some common sense about the recruitment thus far.

          While there needs to be a focus on outside backs it is critical we recruit a top grade hooker as I said in an earlier post.

          1. Stubbyholder

            JE, Ricky Stuart won a GF as a rookie coach at the Roosters but any number of coaches from let’s say Group 9 could have done that with the squad he inherited. Has there been any others to have done it? BA had his faults for sure but there’s no doubt the building blocks for success weren’t there to support him and IMHO they simply still aren’t there to support Ryles. The rose coloured glasses crew that are so happy with the world now that BA has been sacked are either going to have to be prepared for a couple of years of rebuilding and changes or look pretty hypocritical when their bashing of BA turns into bashing Ryles. There’s no arguing BA was a very good coach, he took over after terrible years and successive wooden spooners, had to navigate the salary cap debacle and still achieved regular semis and a GF – you just can’t do that if you can’t coach. Those that he’s still living rent free in the head of make themselves look like the imbeciles they are when they still refer to him negatively.

            Totally agree with your summation that outside backs and a 9 are critical to the Eels going forward. There’s also some incumbents that need to take their game to the top level they are capable on a more regular basis. Some mongrel in the forward pack wouldn’t go astray either, another Beau Scott type player, or 3…

          2. John Eel

            In 2023 Wiremu Greig found some form and I was excited. He has plenty of mongrel and at the time I thought he may be the answer to the Alpha male problem.

            However the past season he didn’t get out of second gear. Probably Ofahengauie is the next best for that role.

            I think the judiciary and suspensions have robbed Junior of any ambition to fill that role.

        2. Zero58

          No coach has a few years to get their team together. That thinking died some years ago. Ask Seibold or Walters. BA was moved on because the team was not in the right place and not responding. They started to respond under Barrett although the wins were few. There were some winnable games they lost because of inexperience and crucial mistakes at the wrong time. Lane with dropped balls Blaize with poor positioning in attack and defence and Tago who tried but wasn’t up to first grade standard. Plus the number of times players were sinned binned under Barrett. They let the Broncos off the hook because of injuries but Parra too was badly placed with injuries and suspensions.
          Ryles is planning for the future and that future starts in 2025. I feel very positive about this and I am predicting a climb back into the top eight. Losing our key players will always hurt and Parra in 24 had a bad run. Every time Moses plays origin he gets hurt. It is true BA did a great job for the Eels but ten years proved to be a year too long. We move forward and as always expect the best. There are no easy games in the NRL but there are easier games to win. So let’s wait for Mr Sixties in depth training reports to build our confidence and support our team.
          Let’s wait for 2025 before we start with any critical analysis and assessment of the coach, his signings and results.

          1. Stubbyholder

            Zero, I think it’s fair to say BA’s last 18 months wasn’t memorable but he had a massive issues with injuries and suspensions. Top that off with the fact R&R couldn’t seem to do anything as far as decent backups goes and his hands were tied with what he had. Lomax went to BA’s for dinner to seal the deal, didn’t seem his signing had much to do with the R&R committee. Maybe that pissed off a few people as well. How dare he go and get a rep quality player!! Does anyone seriously think that BA wanted Tuilagi and Harper as his 2 marquee signings for 2024? Maybe the rookies go OK right off the bat in ’25, but as we’ve seen with many rookies at every single club, it’s hard to maintain that grind for a full NRL season. As such, I just think the Eels will be middle of the road as it stands and maybe even worse, especially if Gutho has played his last game in Blue and Gold, unless there’s some known quality added to the roster before the season starts – which is quite possible of course.

          2. Joseph

            100% Zero.
            No coach has the luxury of years to achieve measurable success in the modern era.
            Recruiting is a challenge but the most challenging position to develop or recruit is halfback.
            Moses is 30 and at the peak of his powers now, we don’t have years to build a premiership winning squad.
            While I’m happy with our recruiting thus far, we still lack genuine strike on the flanks. Hands has done an admirable job but we won’t be pushing top 4 with Hands as our first choice rake.

      2. pete

        Yeah Muz, definitely a division in the Recruitment committee. The leaking of BAs contract prior to the semis was a time stamp on relationships with the club. I’m not sure if that was the catalyst or before…
        The club said BA was loudest voice and backed MON. So they are either right or wrong? But it very much looks like things could have been handled better by both parties.
        BA did good things. He signed Moses, Hopgood and Lomax so he can be credited for that. But we’re hamstrung further Recruitment by spending huge cap on the aging forwards.
        Say Matto is going to Dolphins- I’m sure BA would say no we need him and then the offer gets bumped up to keep him. But then the next player (?Say it was ICE) he would get a lesser offer. So it’s a juggling act and if you don’t get on with HOF it’s curtains for at least one.
        JR signings are more about speed and depth two critical elements missing. If he frees up enough cash we are in play for elite signings. I don’t mind his focus on those given the amount of injuries and form dips that occur. We couldn’t drop players because we didn’t have depth….
        Anyway, everyone has their opinions on who, what, why and when. We cannot control what has happened only hope we improve and we don’t repeat mistakes and only repeat our successes.

        1. Muz

          Good points stubby & Pete. My only alternative alternative opinion stubby is the signings so far are not Rose eyed in my view. We’ve had no speed, no back 5 depth, no half back depth for multiple years. This has been fixed. Two of the fullbacks are in the top 1% of talent pools in their respective positions in lower grades. The back up half is a NSW cup winner and got player of the year I believe at some point. These kids are winners, have speed, offer real depth, this is crucial. This is why our club is at the bottom of the table, or cannot win games without our fullback or half back playing. We can’t win a comp like that. In my view these are very positive long term moves for us. Whilst I agree we need more experienced players now to replace RCG & sivo, or maybe gutho now. We will have lots of money come NOV 1. And those players are not players of the future who are departing. We almost got a wooden spoon with them with us (although I obviously want gutho with us 25’), the reality is we can’t live in the past. We will sign more players when the player market opens. This is a good start. We can’t expect much more yet, we probably over achieved getting some of those young players so quickly. The only reason some of them came is because there opportunities at parra to compete for fullback. This is the issue of having a older player reputation at a club, young players don’t like signing if they can’t see potential opportunities. As soon as older players started to get moved or shifted, all the sudden elite young talent signed with us. I have mentioned this before I know a SG ball player at another club, he told me him and his mates would not sign at parra because they see it as a low opportunity club who prefers old big players over young fast players on the come up (in his words). We’ve apparently had no luck signing young backs for years, no speed, no X factor. Now suddenly they come. And it’s players who are better than the back ups we have. Proper talent with legit nrl potential. This is an obvious indication that our former reputation as a retirement home, or harder club to get a clear NRL career as a pathway, was negativity effecting us, or just plain beginners luck from the new coach. Regardless, our clubs making good moves. We still are in trouble if he head into 2025 as we are, but apparently they will be making moves later this year when players go to market.

  18. Muz

    Side note on our fan favourite Clint gutherson. Just read Billy slater had played over 311 games.

    Gutho has played 166 games at fullback and he unfortunately looks like his body might not get him to 200 games at fullback. We failed him in this respect, his never had a proper back up fullback to partner and share the load when he is injured. We failed him and his body from a player welfare perspective. Guys, I’ve seen gutho at my local shops close to where he lives. He walks (when I seen him), like a man in pain and on extremely still legs a bit like an old man. Maybe he just finished training? Not sure.

    I still hope the king plays for us next year and shares the work load with the young blokes, hate to see him go out this busted and never play with us again with no crowd send off at parra.

    A club legend like this who’s sacrificed himself at times for us deserves a huge send off from us fans at commbank stadium. 🤞

    1. sixties Post author

      Muz, I’m sounding like a broken record but I’ve written so many posts in praise of Gutho over the years that my high regard for him has been well established. I’ve even suggested that an award at future Ken Thornett Medal evenings be named in his honour, alongside other club legends. I honestly believed that he’d finish his career at Parra. At this stage, I’m likely to be wrong.
      I believe that the King would still be valuable in 2025, but a wise rugby league man said to me that there was no room for sentiment in footy contracts. Gutho and his agent requested the permission to negotiate with other clubs. There was a reason behind that (ie interest from the Dragons).
      If he’s likely to go soon, it’s best that he doesn’t take part in the preseason. It would be a painful distraction for team mates. If he’s staying that’s a different matter.
      As for farewells, that’s footy. I’m sure the club will honour him in media releases and on their socials.

      1. Muz

        Yeah sixties, definitely heard you say it before and you are spot on. We must celebrate a player who’s a work ethic example and inspiration. This is how good he is: the bloke was severely hurt (and in my view), was still our best parramatta eels in 2024. A guy on potentially his last year or two of NRL, with broken ribs, torn quads, was still our best player. If we brush him away and there’s no award or significant acknowledgment, it would be a real shame. I understand his mentality of being a true competitor, and maybe feeling unwanted or feeling under appreciated by the new coach. But I wish he just swallows his pride and stays with us for next year. The rookies are highly likely to get injured or suffer a confidence destroying spell next year at some stage, which requires us to shift gutho into fullback. My wild prediction: if gutho plays with us next year – we usual he will still be possibly our best player or close to it.

    2. Joseph

      Gutho does deserve a grand send off Muz but life never goes to script.
      The great Sterlo didn’t get the send off he deserved. Sterlo walking off dejected, holding his shoulder is burnt in my memory.

      1. Muz

        True mate, but we can only hope for gutho (and the fans) 🤞and as you just pointed to, the fairy tale endings rarely happen for most footballers. Ps it’s great to see sterlo getting back involved. Just seeing probably on and off the park our clubs biggest legend ever being back in and around the joint.

      2. BDon

        J…one of my foremost RL memories. Sterlo showed great character to cop it sweet and accept it as a casualty of war.

  19. Hamsammich

    It’s certainly a big roster turnover. To make important changes you need to have money and that’s why these important players are being moved on. Hopefully with the money being freed up we need to make some big moves, whether that be extending players or signing external players if Gutherson moves on there’d be around 2 million spare and with pre-season only 6 days away is there time to make those big moves whilst it still matters?

    OTT those videos of the CoE are looking fantastic. It’s been a long time coming but finally having a professional training facility will be huge for the club that in the not-too-distant past was training on fields that weren’t even regulation size. To tie it all in together, let’s hope at this new facility there’s no forwards training in the backs like previous years. We have a good group of young backs ready to make their name in reserve grade, now is the time to give them the game time.

    1. Muz

      What’s interesting is they gas lit the media (and fans)

      At BA’s departure. Saying “we believe we have the roster to win a comp”

      Them proceed to do a big roster clean out of Snr players.

      I’m not against it. But it just shows the club underestimated BA.

      They thought he was the issue more than the actually roster.

      Obviously both things factor in, but we obviously didn’t have “the roster to win a comp” like they lied to us in media conferences earlier this year. 😂

  20. Brett Allen

    My interest is going to be around Lomax & Will Penisini. If Z-Lo plays in the centres as he has asserted, who is going to play on which side, because both seem natural right side players. Does JR move Will and maybe reignite him or does Zac have to move across. It’s not a trivial decision either I don’t believe. I’ve always believed that you play your best players in their best positions and fit everyone else around them. If that’s the case, then Zac definitely has dibs on right centre, or does he ? It also has defensive implications. If we move Will to the left side, it would then be hard to play Tuilagi with his defensive limitations, but if we play Zac on the left we are breaking a potential match winning combo in the right, or creating an ever more potent one on the left ???
    It will be most interesting.

    1. Muz

      Brett there’s rumours take it for what you will that Bailey S is fighting for a centre spot next year and there’s no guarantees on sports in the back 5 besides Lomax you know will be centre. Iongi, Papali’i, Will P, Simmonson will all be competing for other back spots. Obviously at this point Iongi is fullback. But apparently Ryles rates Bailey very highly. Interesting to see what happens. Will p was very average defensively for a lot of 24’. It sounds like he is open to changing it if somebody can defend better. Take it with a grain of salt. Maybe Jason’s just making it feel like each player has to earn his position, where’s before players often had zero pressure on their position, and seemingly got comfortable. This ploy alone will ignite a fire in the belly’s of players. They can’t just think a spot is there’s if they don’t defend it properly. Ryles’s whole future has been leading up to this. It looks like he is not afraid to make cut throat decisions. Will is slow too and doesn’t fit the outside back mold of a storm or Roosters system where Jason was taught. Will may need to lift to solidly his position in 2025.

      1. 56 years an eel

        Simmonsen & Penisini would need to relearn their positions from scratch as they were the freeway down the sideline that cost us so many games.
        Simmonsen defended much better in the centres.
        Losing Sivo & Gutherson makes the backline look thinner to me.

        It’s a worry.

    2. Longfin Eel

      I remember BA swapped Jenniings over to the other side, and that reignited him. I suppose those connections will be worked through during the off season.

  21. John Eel

    What about Papenhuzen. On the market November 1. Should the club be looking at him? He won’t be cheap.

    He is a Parramatta junior. Has a relationship with people at the club. So from that perspective probably a good fit. Passes the no dickhead policy.

    Questions are is he worth the money, are his long run of injuries too big of a risk and would he want to come to the Eels.

    1. pete

      Agree John,
      With Reg, Sivo and most likely Guthos money we have a significant war chest come November 1st. That puts us in play for elite signings. Paps would be high on the radar. Plus some others no doubt.
      Look forward to hearing more soon.

      1. Muz

        Guys Ryan pap healthy + our key players healthy makes us top 8 easily.

        The issue: Can him, moses & Lomax stay healthy?

        If they can’t. We are back to square one.

        Sua Fa’alago also reportedly has a contract Clause giving him options to leave if paps stays long term blocking him from fullback.

        I personally think paps being a Snr player with experience & leadership ability’s would be far more beneficial for the club.

        Gutho met with Dragons today and ‘rumour’ is he will ask for immediate release.

        If we had Ryan pap, Iongi, Lomax, Simmonson, Will p as our back 5.

        We would shit all over the dragons and flog poor gutho when we face him.

        Interesting times ahead. Gutho leaving like this still feel like a really awkward situation. If it happens!

        1. pete

          Yeah Muz,
          It was Guthos choice. He could have stayed.
          Injuries happen and all key players will miss games. The key is now we are getting depth to allow for that.
          We are going to have one of the fastest backlines instead of the slowest. Our forwards will be fit and mobile and learn to tackle.
          So exciting times as we hopefully get elite signings.

  22. Muz

    It’s being reported Flanno not only sees gutho as his potential fullback for 2025 but also potentially the St George captain.

    Crazy world we live in, who would have predicted at the start of the year gutho would be dragons captain in 2025 and BA would be cosching Leeds? 😅 Crazy times at parra.

  23. Tony Marsh

    If Ryles has moved on close to $2 mill off the salary cap with Gutho and RCG without having to chip in anything he has done incredibly well.
    Both great players but also were not enough to get us into finals for the last two years and will be both 32 next year.
    I am grateful for the great footy those men have played for us but I’m very excited in what players we may get in for this year and next with that money now available.
    Next year Lane and Matto and Carty will also probably be gone with more cash to spend.

    1. pete

      Indeed Tony,
      It now at least puts us in play for elite signings instead of also-rans.
      I like Ryles is focusing on depth and speed for his early signings.
      Hopefully some elite signings ahead.

  24. pete

    Sua Fa’alago his agent is Ayoub – so he can stay in Melbourne.
    Paps is very much in play now. Had injuries but is still faster than anyone in our squad. The injuries were not ongoing and are resolved.

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