Which Eels player is most likely to have a big season in 2025?
There are a number of contenders, but of the high profile stars, my first nomination would be Dylan Brown.
The Kiwi five-eighth is technically still in rehab, and the Eels are reporting that he won’t hit full training till the new year, but I’m already seeing enough to convince me that Dylbags is switched on big time.
Make no mistake, Dylan is already one of the game’s elite stars. But, as most people will agree, there’s another level to which he can climb. In my opinion, you can make that a couple of levels.
So to today, and I thought Brown was outstanding.
Dylan speaks with Jason Ryles
The session began with some fundamentals. The backs were drilling their movement into and out of contact, whilst simultaneously the forwards practised their play around the ruck and the edge players worked on their attacking shapes.
From there, the halves, backs and edges came together in drills to build their combinations.
Though there were probably a couple of exceptions, the squad then split into NRL Left vs NRL right, and NSW Cup Left vs NSW Cup right. The NRL grouping was closest to my vantage point, so I limited my observations to them.
I used the wording “a couple of exceptions” because it was nine on nine and both the left and right sides of the teams had a dummy half, a fullback and a couple of extra forwards.
The battle between the dummy halves in this drill was terrific to watch. Brendan Hands and Ryley Smith each provided quality service. Please note, Joey Lussick shared dummy half duties with Smith for the “NSW Cup team” during the 13 vs 13 opposed “game” later in the session. All three regularly work together during extras.
As stated earlier, Dyl grabbed the attention today. His energy and involvement were outstanding, and the players around him were able to shine. When the ball came to the left, it often looked challenging to shut down. Will Penisini looks like a man re-energised.
Left vs right
On two occasions Addo-Carr was released with space down the wing, and with his pace, he makes a defence pay.
Another significant contributor to the work on the left was Isaiah Iongi. He holds some weapons in his attacking arsenal, and he was sharp whenever he got involved. This was probably the best glimpse of what he offers that I’ve seen to date. That’s not entirely surprising given he’s literally just arrived at Kellyville.
But it wasn’t just the left side that showcased their wares. I thought that Moses and Tuilagi combined well, whilst Papali’i provided a highlight with footwork I find impossible to describe. It genuinely created a scoring opportunity out of nothing and the only response I had watching it was to utter an expletive.
Perhaps we can thank the Foxx for how quick Joash is on his feet. Addo-Carr has been posting social media footage of his early morning pranks on Papa, and the startled reactions are hilarious.
If I have one criticism of this part of the session, it was that there was a bit more ball put down than usual. Mind you, the coaches probably don’t mind seeing errors during a preseason. They provide coaching points for individuals or the group, as well as markers for where players or combinations are at.
In fact, in the season proper, I don’t like to see perfect or near perfect sessions. It’s a layman’s opinion, but I believe the best performances from the Eels have historically followed on from sessions with just the right amount of errors that don’t let the players get ahead of themselves.
Next up was full field 13 vs 13. It wasn’t necessarily unfolding under game conditions with the coaches determining possession or position on the field, and they were obviously looking for specifics in the contest. I did note that the handling errors from the left vs right drill were minimised in this full field “game”.
More action from the session
Though it was primarily NRL vs Cup, different forwards were given game time alongside the NRL “probables”. Brock Parker, Toni Mataele and Jezaiah Funa-Iuta each had that opportunity.
Earlier, Charlie Guymer, Jack Williams, Luca Moretti, Junior Paulo, Gideon Kautoga and Kelma Tuilagi were combining. The preseason has given players the opportunity to succeed, and from that the coaches can assess and learn more about each individual in the squad.
Whereas I previously mentioned Dylan Brown, Mitch Moses stepped up to the plate in this work.
Mitch Moses
In one play, he used his step and acceleration to break the defence line (we’ve seen that before) and sprint clear before linking with support. Outside of that, just like Brown, he seemed to threaten each time the ball was in his hands.
Zac Lomax was heavily involved and my early observation is that he expects high standards from himself. He was also last off the field when the session wrapped following an extended period practising his goal kicking.
For the NSW Cup, Will Latu found a hole running a great line off a clever pass that was probably off Ronald Volkman. (Sometimes a play will happen as I’m typing notes and in this instance I looked up as Latu broke the line). I think he’ll be one to watch in Cup during 2025.
Will Latu
When the session ended, there seemed to be a longer than usual message from Ryles to the squad. The extras work was then dictated by the coaches as they fine tuned the skills of groups of players. For example, Nathan Brown worked with the forwards on attacking shapes, whilst Scott Wisemantel had backs catching a variety of kicks.
Tomorrow will be the last full day of the preseason before Christmas. The only time on the field will be very early morning so I won’t be in attendance. There will then be a bit of a change up for the squad as they complete their week on Friday, and they’ll then get a two week break.
For now, we wish all of the players and staff a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
But stand by! There will be huge content coming your way on The Cumberland Throw in the run to Christmas, including four straight days of podcasts starting today with our interview of Eels Elite Pathways Coaching Director and NRLW Head Coach, Steve Georgallis.
Steve takes us through what’s happening with the Junior Reps Program and also reflects on the 2024 NRLW season and some recent recruitment and retention. We congratulate Steve and the Eels on news that broke after our recording, with the RLPA rating the Eels program number one in the NRLW.
Friday will feature our chat with Parramatta Junior Rugby League General Manager Adam Fairley. There has been big news in the Juniors lately, so we get up to date with that and discuss the growth, the challenges and the great things happening across Parramatta’s massive catchment area.
Then there’s our annual catch up with Mark O’Neill. There’s no shortage of topics to discuss with Mark and it’s a podcast that supporters are always keen to hear. Given that the club has hit its biggest transitional point of at least the last decade, this is an interview you won’t want to miss!
Finally we have our weekly news podcast. This one will be bitter sweet as it’s our last with Clint Gee. Clint will still be involved in whatever way he can with TCT moving forward, but his commitments are making it impossible to participate every week in our news podcasts.
I know that Clint has been very popular with our listeners, and if he has half of the success of our previous news co-host, Spiro Christopoulos of 2GB fame, then there are big things ahead for Clint.
So stick with us over this festive period and remember, TCT brings you Eels and rugby league content, 52 weeks a year.
In the meantime, thank you for reading and responding to these training reports. They’ll resume again in the week beginning January 6.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Good read sixties. You just get the feeling that the stage is being set for all players to shine, but importantly we need our best players to be consistently at their best. I’ve been a firm believer that our general standard of play over the past two years has also dragged our high performers down as well. Like Billy Connolly doing jokes that aren’t funny, just doesn’t work out well. And your comment on Will Penisini was like a sidebar, but stacked with meaning and intent..he looked like he could head towards Cronin status in his debut year, but then hit our decline period.
Agree Bdon. Will p & Dylan should hopefully do really well for us moving forwards. The consistency issue you mentioned should be limited compared to previous years, simply due to the fact of depth. The pressure from players below will now allow us to keep players accountable in regards to playing standards of risk being dropped to NSW cup. Previously we had limited depth and no quality players really fighting for spots outside of the forwards positions. If you ask coaches they will say having quality depth is a key to consistency, because players feel they need to perform to keep their spots. Which makes sense. Lol
Will just wasn’t himself last year. I sense a massive turnaround BDon.
I just wish he had more speed.
Absolutely jumping out of his skin in preseason Matthew. Looks very fit
G’day guys love your content, does it look as though Will P has moved to the left with Lomax on the right? And JAC on the left as well?
Cheers
OJ
If that’s the case Owen, a possible Penisini & The fox combo on one side would be a deadly combination. Hopefully sixites can confirm.
I’m not revealing any secrets there in confirming that’s how it’s unfolding right now. Those at the open training and members sessions would have seen that
A very big thanks to the crew for making the preseason enjoyable and big merry Christmas to you all.
Your reports on the training almost always mentions Joash which makes me believe that he will be impossible to leave out of the team for round 1. Do you agree and which position do you think he’ll play?
Glenn, he would find it difficult to push out anyone from what looks like a first choice backline. But what a potential strike player off the interchange.
A big thank you for keeping us all up to date. Steve Georgalis is so calm and his ‘knowledge and work in pathways and NRLW seems to be a sweet spot that has been necessary and is now paying dividends
To Clint, best wishes in your future endeavours and it’s been a pleasure listening to your contribution, every success going forward.
Seems as if we can keep the first choice 17 fit we will be more than competitive, having what appears to be some depth built on younger players is refreshing.
Have a great Xmas and New Year to you both, Sixties and Forty , catch up in 2025 🎄🔥🏉
Thanks mate. Hope it’s a great Christmas and New Year for you and the family. See you in 25.
I’m sure the new coaching system will ensure that Dylan is not the only man doing the bulk of cover defence. Effort will be something that applies to all players. Similarly in attack he won’t be left posted because others don’t use effort to support him. Coaching the whole team to play as a cohesive unit allows the special talents to shine. It’s long overdue that some who can’t give a 100 percent are moved on.
Pushing up in support is constantly drilled
Thanks to all involved with TCT. Your efforts are invaluable and much appreciated. All the best for a wonderful Christmas and success and happiness in 2025 – lots of fun, no bad news.
Thanks Noel. Here’s to better times in 25
60’s, based on your observations thus far, which sides are Lomax & Will Penisini gonna play, as it seems they are our likely starting centres ? Is Will gonna stay on the right and force Zac to the left, or is Will gonna have to move to the left ?
From this report, it sounds as though Will has moved to the left
That’s good, Zac Lomax’s kick chase intensity has the opportunity to turn Mitch Moses’ long kicking into an offensive weapon rather than just a bail out option.
JAC and Will can look forward to good service from Dyl on the left if in fact that is how it pans out. Lomax and MM appeared to have a good combination in SOO.
I would have to look at the highlights again but I think Iongi prefers the left also.
That would be an awesome combo John. Dylan and will also do seem to have a strong connection as well. Dylan’s cut our pass will also find ado car in space very often. Sixties may confirm for us soon, but hopefully this is what he sees at training a few times.
Brett, it’s been Will on the left to this point. Whether that changes, I’m not sure. As I replied above, this isn’t anything secretive given they trained that was in front of crowds at Fairfield and Granville
Great read good job as usual as appreciate the hard work and effort you put in. It’s of great service to the Eels supporters. Dylan brown doing good and will P is interesting. I did predict in previous comments at one stage i believe some of the few players who may benefit the most were Will P, Dylan brown, Sean russel. Because being exposed to new training ideas, new voices, and just a change can often unlock players who have reached a bit of a plateau. As a NRL athlete, just like a professional marital artist or even golfer. They often must switch coaches during their playing careers to reach their potential. Those boys are all solid players and should only grow now will some new people with additional coaching ideas & Prep to help them get to the next level. If Dylan brown was at the storm or panthers – he could be up there as a top player in the whole game. Brown is so good that even as a start of our team it’s clear he isn’t close to reaching his potential.
Muz, the thing is that Dyl is already a recognised, elite player. But by the same token, he’s got so much improvement still possible.
For sure sixties Dylan is a star. The thing is he is so good that even being one of our best players, you can clearly see he has even more potential. Not many players who’ve been around for a while and are already good you look at and think this. It’s a testament to his potential, not a knock on him. Hopefully with some better support this year and additional threats in our backline it will give him more space and opportunities to run + generate high numbers of try assists.
Mr Sixties. Clint Gutherson was the best fullback under the high ball, occasionally he would drop one but not often, very safe. I wonder how Isaiah Longi looks under the high ball. Any thoughts or is it too early.
Young Joash P without seeing him but just from your reports reminds me of a young Benji Marshall with his footwork. I can’t recall the last time we had someone with that dexterity.
Zero, still far too early. And I don’t think I’d compare what I see in training to taking a high kick under pressure in an NRL game. Yeah, that footwork is something else.
Keep saying it 60s but thanks for the updates I’m very confident on a top 8 finish at least .and to you and your tct team plus all the subscribers a merry Christmas and a Parramatta new year to you and all your families
Thanks Tanky, it’s appreciated. But don’t forget the series of special podcasts to get you through to Christmas. A healthy and happy Christmas and New Year to you and your family.
Thanks Sixties for this and I look forward to the podcasts arriving
I couldn’t be sure but I thought Matterson was off the ground on the fan day. Is this correct?
Thanks for a great year of reporting CT.
I have enjoyed and been informed by every article posted.
Have a great Christmas 🎄🎁.
May you be able to report on a wonderful season with many highlights…in other words, hopefully all our Christmases come at once.
Thanks Darryl. This year has presented its challenges but hopefully good times are ahead. A healthy and happy Christmas to you and your family too.
With the podcasts coming up Sixties it might be nice to talk to Greg Monaghan regarding the latest development by the club. Parramatta Live. Sounds exciting.
I will be looking to do that John.
Nice Report.
So from your report it seems that Tuilagi will be on the right with Moses. Which backrower is training with Dylan on the left?
If that’s the case Ea it would be interesting to see where Bryce ends up.
No, as I’ve seen him on both sides.
Sixties I forgot to ask, has AMS been training at fullback at all?
I think we all forget he is a fullback as well. It’s not only papali’i & iongi who are competing for fullback positions.
Would be interested to hear what positions he has been training in so far this off season. Arty really looks like he has gotten bigger too.
Muz, he was doing a little bit of fullback early on, but has been on the wing more recently.
How privileged are we to have this type of content as Eels supporters.
Fantastic as always, thank you.
Wishing Clint the very best, my family will miss him. We hope that he can still make cameo appearances during the season.
Sixties can you give any predictions on who might be our options for second row besides Bryce and Tuilagi? I’d be interested to see if Guymer is training to be an edge or middle rotation forward so far. I thought Guymer as an impact forward looked incredibly effective when he played that role for us. I understand Matt Doorey will be in the back row options. Not sure what Others you think we may see at back row during season.
Muz, everybody is getting the opportunity to stake their case, though that mostly applies to the forwards. The backs are probably more clear cut. I reckon it will be clearer in opposed in the new year.
Agreed Joe, we are very lucky. TCT does great work. We all Appreciate it.
Keep telling your mates Muz. It’s our tenth year in 2025. We want to be our biggest and best yet.
Cheers Joseph. I’ll still see Clint every week as his season ticket seat is next to mine. And I’m sure he’ll contribute how he can. But committing every week is not always possible which we completely understand. He’s an intelligent man is our Clint. I will always value his opinions.
Thanks TCT for keeping me well informed throughout the year. Im glad I stumbled upon this site just over two years ago – if I was more tech literate it would have been earlier.
Appreciate the effort everyone puts in to create the content.
All the best to Clint in his future endeavours, I trust they will be successful. His insightful commentary will be missed.
While I know there are a few more podcasts to come I will wish you chaps a merry Christmas and Happy New Year now. I hope you get some peaceful downtime spent with family and close friends. For me it is always a wonderful time of the year with the small family unit Brisbane and the Tweed.
Thanks again for all your efforts and I look forward to all the 2025 reporting on why the Eels are being so successful 😃.
Thanks Namrebo. I’m glad you found us as well. Your considered replies add to our content and help to make our TCT community what it is today.
All the best for Christmas to you and your family and all your friends up north.
Recent interview on 2GB from Dylan brown: https://www.2gb.com/weve-created-a-place-where-we-love-work-dylan-brown-on-eels-chances-in-2025/
He talks about it being a fun place to train, finals are obviously everyone’s goal, and the fact we now how competition from within for backs positions. He sounds excited for 25’ like we all are 💪
Thanks for the link Muz. It was a good listen.
This is by far the most I’ve been excited about a season in a long time time as an eels supporter. As much as we are heading into the unknown it’s going to be something different which will be refreshing to see. Over the last two years we’ve become increasingly stale and results have definately shown. I think we need to be patient with our expectations but the vibe at the club is very positive at the moment and something definately feels different.
We will improve. How much is hard to gauge. Maybe that’s part of the excitement.
Another part of the excitement (which, I think, many of us are feeling) is curiosity about what the team ultimately will look like and the style of play they’ll bring. The TCT reports have allowed us to understand the possibilities.
Cheers Noel
It’s exciting parra 90 I think because we have a lot of younger players now in the squad. We now have an arial threat in Lomax which we didn’t have previously. We also have elite speed and acceleration in a few backs. It will no doubt result in a few exciting games for us to watch especially at com bank. My 25’ prediction is we see young Papali’i do a near full length field try at some point at commbank. That would be awesome to see. I can see him being a future parra star. Even before 60’s reports on him came out. Just going off watching him play at sg ball & cup. I forgot to mention Jack Williams will be exciting to see as well. I think he will be a good forward for us.