What a month!
Parra has surely experienced one of the busiest Novembers in recent memory.
Barely a day has gone by without some club news, be it huge changes to preseason training, roster additions, player retentions, and a new jersey unveiled,
If you’ve been visiting TCT over the last four weeks, you’re already familiar with our takes on much of the happenings. Mind you, any visit you’ve made was in the company of over 91K others with our website smashing out a record November,
Let’s pull together those major stories in this latest issue of Bumpers Up.
Volkman Lands in PARRAdise
The Eels have continued their impressive recruitment drive by adding talented five-eighth Ronald Volkman to their roster.
Sydney born and an Eels junior via the Cabramatta club, Volkman played five games with the Warriors across the 22 & 23 seasons, before a much publicised contract drama after signing with the Dragons for the 2024 season.
Ronald Volkman
Volkman’s failed medical at the Dragons led to him receiving shoulder surgery and rehab paid for by the Warriors.
At 22 years of age, the Samoan international still has plenty of football ahead of him, and after he missed all of 2024, the opportunity at the Eels would be a much needed lifeline.
If, as I expect, he has linked on a train and trial deal, then it’s a win/win for both parties.
The departures of Daejarn Asi and Ethan Sanders left the Eels without any back up halves boasting NRL experience. Though promising pathways player Josh Lynn is a member of the preseason training squad, it would be a big ask to expect him to perform at NRL level with minimal NSW Cup games under his belt.
Hawkins and Volkman fill that experienced back-up brief, and get the opportunity to continue their respective careers.
The Foxx Connects
He was an unpopular signing for some Eels supporters, but Josh Addo-Carr has already made a huge impression with both fans and team mates alike.
From day one at Kellyville, the superstar winger has brought an energy that I regard as unparalleled in any preseason that I’ve witnessed.
The Foxx with Eels fans
If you can’t immediately find him on the training track, you’ll definitely hear him and know he’s out there. JAC is constantly urging or encouraging others, or simply enjoying whatever the squad is doing. And then there’s the way he involves and mentors the young outside backs.
Saturday’s open training session proved just how popular he is with supporters. When word got around that the Foxx had started signing autographs, the few kids lined up soon turned into a surge of Blue and Gold clad fans of all ages.
If you wonder how this is possible for a new recruit who had featured in negative headlines just a couple of months ago, the answer is simple. Addo-Carr is not just a talented footballer, he’s a big personality who appears to genuinely enjoy interacting with supporters.
The Foxx’s electrifying speed will be a welcome addition to the Eels flanks in 2025. I can’t wait to hear the special chant that the Blue and Gold Army will unleash when he crosses the stripe at CommBank Stadium.
Moey Back To Work
In what is sweet, sweet music to the ears of Eels supporters, the club has shared the news that Mitch Moses is back and firing at Eels preseason training.
The current Blues and Kangaroos half looks to be in great shape and I can report that he is already making starring on the training track. All of the trademark speed and confidence in execution is back on show as he starts to learn some of the new attacking shapes to be employed by Jason Ryles and his coaching staff.
Mitch Moses
On the weekend I wrote about the candidates for the Eels captaincy and naturally Moses sat at the top of the list.
Whether Ryles opts for a single captain or a co-captaincy structure, there’s a message being sent by the Eels halfback. And above all else, he’s obviously excited about the season ahead.
Open Training Session
Congratulations to the coaches, the players and the Eels club for what was a highly successful open training event at Fairfield Showground on Saturday.
Fans in attendance were treated to a full session, and I can assure everybody that nothing was held back. The work lasted for around the two hour mark and I’d describe it as a heavy load session. The only part choreographed was the completion of the session (the defence drills) which they located as close as possible to the crowd.
Junior Paulo and Ryley Smith at Fairfield
To top it off, all of the players plus NRL coach Jason Ryles, and NSW Cup coach and Eels legend Nathan Cayless, then ensured that every supporter who turned up had the opportunity for an autograph, a photo and a quick chat.
As for the Fairfield venue, the playing surface was in superb order and there was plenty of space to accommodate the fans who turned up and the junior clubs who set up marquees to talk about registering for the 2025 junior rugby league season.
With the markets running next to the ground, there was no shortage of food and drink options when the event ended right on lunch time. I suspect this might not be the last time we see the Eels at Fairfield.
Hands, Russell and Tuilagi Extend
The 2024 off season hasn’t all been about Eels recruitment. On the retention front, Brendan Hands, Sean Russell and Kelma Tuilagi all recently signed on for a further 12 months, keeping them at the club until the end of 2026.
Kelma signs his contract
In what I see as good business, these deals have been done with a minimum of fuss, and in being finalised now, avoided the type of public speculation and rumours that can occur when players remain unsigned during the season proper.
It should also be noted that, along with Matt Doorey, these are amongst the first retentions to be completed under new coach Jason Ryles, therefore signalling to all players that they are integral to his plans, and not just part of the squad under a previously existing contract.
NRLW News
It’s not just the Eels NRL getting contracts done, with Parra also inking deals for their NRLW roster.
Promising winger Zali Fay has just locked in to the end of the 2026 season, and she will be joined in PARRAdise by English international second rower Paige Travis.
A four time Challenge Cup winner, 25 year old Travis adds talent and experience to the Eels back row stocks which already include club captain and Aussie rep Mahalia Murphy, and rising star and 2024 Eels Rookie of the Year Chloe Jackson. Throw Boss Kapua into that mix and it’s almost an embarrassment of riches.
Paige Travis
As for Fay, she provided the try of the season with that spectacular leap and grounding in the round nine clash with the Roosters, and has her best football ahead of her.
The second year under the coaching of Steve Georgallis already promises to be an exciting one for Eels supporters.
The New Gold Jersey
Rarely has a new kit been as widely well received as the new Eels gold jersey.
I won’t steal the thunder of new TCT contributor Chris Ricketts and his review of the jersey, but let me just sat that I can’t wait to see the team run out in the gold strip. The Eels should always be in a combination of blue and gold, and to have another colour have any prominence just doesn’t feel right.
Dylan in the gold away jersey
Incidentally, Chris is an aficionado of jerseys and has over a thousand in his collection. If you haven’t as yet read his post, you can check it out here.
I’m keen to know whether you’ve already bought the gold jersey. I reckon they’ll be a top seller.
EGM Fizzes Out.
The November Parra Leagues EGM, brought about by the petition from the Make Parra Matter Again group, was ultimately dissolved after the group failed to rally an attendance that satisfied the quorum minimum of 100 eligible members.
I truly hope that the power brokers behind the group, and the people who supported them, can now leave the past where it belongs – in the past.
Gone should be the days of club politics pushing both the Eels and Parra Leagues into the media headlines for all of the wrong reasons. Under the current Board of Directors, Parra Leagues continues to move into a bright future with improved facilities, and exciting plans for further development soon to be revealed. The attempt to remove four of them was poorly advised and a horrid waste of resources.
A club and it’s supporters divided will never achieve better times.
We need to move ahead – together!
Eels forever!
Sixties
Another great write up, happy with the Kelma extension
Thanks mate. I reckon Kelma will have a huge 2025.
Kelma had a blinder last year I thought, I couldn’t believe Manly let him go, although they do have a few talented back rowers. If he just watches his hands and treasure possession, he’ll go a long way. He has one of the best late off loads in the game, underrated
Peter, I agree with you. His potential is high and he’s one of the most damaging attacking back rowers in the NRL. Get the defence right and he becomes a genuinely elite, high value player.
Getting the defence right will be his priority.
I don’t think Ryles will tolerate Cary or Kelma or Lane being lazy in defence, missing tackles and being slow getting off the ground.
I don’t think he will play both Carty and Kelma in the 17.
It will be only one of them I think.
I think Kelma has huge upside if he gets his defence in order.
He looks very fit right now which is a good sign.
100%…not a witch hunt, just based on observation, those 3 have a couple more mates, who will need to be more alert and active in the many modes of defence. Getting caught flat footed and reacting too late to changes in direction, and the flat footed arm fling tackle are both bad habits we need to eliminate.
1000 jerseys!? F-me. I thought my two sets of golf clubs was bad 🙂
You haven’t got 1000 jerseys Mick? Some supporter😀
Fair call Joseph – #notatruesupporter 🤣
I think his wife is the one who might drop expletives from time to time.
thank god we finally got rid of the white jersey or as i called it a surrender flag with armholes
The surrender flag!!!! 😂
Another good write up Sixties.
A different subject, have you heard anything about a u’21’s comp being re introduced. I have heard on the grapevine that the NRL are working overtime to get it up and running for ’25, games to be played before the main game. Apparently all clubs have been notified, and if they can’t get it going in ’25, it will definitely be the following year.
I have heard whispers but I can’t see any chance of it happening in 25. They need time to get logistics right. If they go back in that direction, it can’t be at the expense of the standard of “reserve grade”. When we last went down that path it all got messed up.
Sometimes it seems that those responsible for new jerseys, shirts, caps etc must think they have to come up with completely new designs and colours. Starting point must always be the true colours of Parra, not white, not dozens of shades of blue, or of gold. Just the traditional, dinky di Parra club colours.
Spot on mate
Well said Graz!
Interesting that Volkman is only a train and trial. He absolutely killed it in NSW cup in 2023. Perhaps it will be upgraded to a top 30 contract during the pre-season if he ticks on the boxes.
Has volkman been seen at training yet?
Speaking of seen at training, has Lomax or Iongi been to training yet. I’m sure the official accounts (IG and facebook) will post picture/videos as soon as they do
Paul, I’ve been noting the returns of players in my training reports. Volkman will feature in my next one.
It’s good business. If he’s upgraded it will be due to performances.
Good write up Sixties.
Cheers
Zero Tackle on “Eels in the News” talking about the Eels chasing Thompson. Good target if the rumour is true.
It’s an interesting one John because he’s been linked to Parra for months now.
Are you sure Volkman is only on a train & trial deal? Volkman was easily one of the best 5/8’s in NSW cup in the past before injuries etc. insanely good if we snagged him on a T & T deal for cheap?!
For anyone who’s wondering or who comments silly things online like “where’s the big signings” etc.
Our club fundamentally changed for the worst due to us having an older roster, having minimal depth, and literally having no specialist backs who could cover at a required level from positions #1-#7. THIS has actually been addressed now. Far more important for the parramatta eels than only getting 1 big name player that costs us $1 million.
Volkman has been a previous NSW cup stand out half, Dean Hawkins won a NSW cup I believe and was half back of the year there. Joash papali’i pre injury’s was one of bulldogs best young backs in the system, has legit NRL potential, Iongi was panthers back up fullback. Jack Williams is also a very good signing.
For as much as we all felt stagnant the last couple of years in terms of roster signings, and having possibly the worst depth in the NRL particularly in the back 1-7 positions if we consider back ups.
Mon & Ryles have truly worked their tails off, we finally have backs depth, speed, we even finally have back up fullbacks and back up half backs. Something we never had for a long time.
So hats off to them. Plus hats off to the decision makers, board members etc, who evidently are making decisions now faster than before – we are now finally moving FAST & proactive like good NRL clubs do in regards to recruitment & retention. Extremely positive signs for our club! 🙏 👏
Sorry I forgot to mention the Fox. This is also a great addition to our roster. Excited for 2025
I liked Kelma last year. Yeah, that chargedown was not great but it was a (misplaced) effort play. Barrett had him on the edges and showed some promise.
I was unsure about the Foxx but he has really embraced being an Eel. Parra loves a dynamic winger so hoping for plenty of tries.
Kelma is only 25 and not played loads of games so should have a lot of room to grow for us or Ryles wouldn’t have extended him you would think. It seems like he is kicking down what players he sees as good players of our future before season starts. He probably knows that if we start off really good, or have a solid year, that other clubs would come in swooping on a lot of our talent that aren’t on big contracts. It’s a smart move but also shows he Is impressed with the players he has extended recently.
Here’s my young player’s predicted to thrive under Ryles next year: Hands, Sean Russel, possibly Will Penisini or Dylan brown, Tualagi.
I have a feeling these men will thrive under new direction. Especially the defensive coaching. This will also help unlock Dylan brown if he isn’t relied on to clean up for us is defence as often.
Muz, Dylan will benefit from the Eels improving their support play. I was getting frustrated watching Dylan make half breaks or stand in tackles with nobody backing up.
Sixites good point he really will, Dylan makes so many opportunities as you have pointed our before, hopefully some young fellas legs can help help support him. Dylan really could unlock. He also would benefit from not having to do as much defensive clean up work. BA identified in the past too that if Dylan didn’t have as much defensive work to do that he would play even better, but ba said he is just so good defensively we need him to do that. Which is true. I’m just hoping some defensive improvements (even 5-10%) would vastly help Dylan preserve energy and allow him to attack more regularly with ball in hand.
Shaun we do have a history of wingers who bring the crowd to their feet.
Muz, the Foxx is a huge addition.
Agree mate the fox is a good signing and like you mentioned I think before, the fox being a Snr playing and big voice out there with experience should help the younger players more since gutho isn’t there.