The pre-season is over, the first Eels team list for the 2025 season is about to drop, so it’s time for me to post my summer training wrap and make a couple of predictions.

As most readers would be aware, my preseason training reports concluded before the Eels first trial against the Knights.

To be clear, the moment that the team is preparing for a specific opponent, they have effectively shifted from pre-season mode, to an in-season schedule, and I never report on how the Eels are preparing for a match.

However, I have promised to wrap up the preseason with some overall observations, which brings me to this post.

The Squad

The following players all participated in the preseason.

Backs: Josh Addo-Carr, Bailey Simonsson, Will Penisini, Sean Russell, Dylan Brown, Joash Papali’i, Jordan Samrani, Jake Tago, Arthur Miller-Stephen, Haze Dunster, Richard Penisini, Dean Hawkins, Josh Lynn, Dom Farrugia,, Apa Twiddle, Mitch Moses, Isaiah Iongi, Zac Lomax, Ronald Volkman, Ethyn Martin,

Forwards: Junior Paulo, Brendan Hands, Joe Ofahengaue, Kelma Tualagi, J’Maine Hopgood, Shaun Lane, Ryan Matterson, Luca Moretti, Wiremu Greig, Bryce Cartwright, Charlie Guymer, Matt Doorey, Dan Keir, Toni Mataele, Sam Tuivaiti, Saxon Pryke, Brock Parker, Joey Lussick, Ryley Smith, Will Latu, Jezaiah Funa-Iuta, Gideon Kautoga, Jack Williams

Some of the players listed above are not full-time players. Some are only contracted for a partial pre-season (up to Christmas), whilst others will return to their teams after the pre-season has concluded.

Two players, Jezaiah Funa-Iuta and Dom Farrugia, returned to the SG Ball pre-season after Christmas and have been involved in their season which commenced at the beginning of February.

There could also be another couple of age eligible players who drop back to the Jersey Flegg team for selection in round one.

New To The Club

New Players

Josh Addo-Carr, Joash Papali’i, Jordan Samrani, Dean Hawkins, Isaiah Iongi, Gideon Kautoga, Ronald Volkman, Jack Williams

New Staff

Jason Ryles – Head Coach

Nathan Brown – Assistant Coach

Scott Wisemantel – Assistant Coach

Sam Moa – Assistant Coach

Blair Mills – Head of Athletic Performance

Jack McLean – Senior Athletic Performance Coach

An Overview Of The Pre-Season

I lost count of the number of times I was asked “how is this preseason different to previous years?”

The answer – it was different in every respect.

That is not throwing any negativity at all towards BA and his staff.

To be blunt, if you change that many staff it would be a disappointing result to see any significant level of similarity.

But, if I’m honest, I expected that there would be some universal coaching or conditioning model to be applied. There wasn’t.

Conditioning – The Big Shake Up

As Blair Mills explained in a shoot with Eels media, and as I covered numerous times in my reports, most of the on-field fitness work was game based. Very little straight line running was done.

This made it very footy-centric. The players were pushed to their limits making effort on effort plays chasing opponents, running the footy or backing up a break. It was relentless.

From a players perspective it kept their minds active whilst their bodies did the work. There was no switching off, but at the same time they were doing what they enjoy the most – playing games and competing.

From a technical perspective, strength, mobility and acceleration were also addressed, as they would be in any athletic performance programs. The methodology used was the point of difference.

The changing body shapes of the squad were evidence of the work done by the Athletic Performance Staff.

Incidentally, the contribution of the Eels new Head of Nutrition, Alice Sharples, should not be underestimated.

Alice has held similar positions with the Rabbitohs and the Warriors, as well as elite rugby sides. She has transformed the dietary intake of the players to complement the training and playing program.

The Coaching – Speed, Skills, Defence, Grey Matter

Anyone who watched the trials or visited the open training sessions would have noted that Jason Ryles is aiming for the Eels to play a faster brand of football. It’s the current trend and Parra needs to be near the forefront of that style.

The pre-season was geared towards that.

Another focus was the skill set of the players.

During the 2024 season, supporters would have lost count of the number of 12 point turn arounds. Basic catch or pass errors were being capitalised on by opponents, as what looked like certain tries were turning into long distance specials against the Eels.

Those simple errors had to be eliminated, and at the same time, the skills good be upgraded to elevate the standard of football. The Eels still scored plenty of points (561) ranking in the top 8 for attack, but changing how the team would play in 2025, required a new skill level across the park.

Early in the season the drills looked to be targeting the absolute basics. They were made fun by adding competitive elements but it was obvious that nothing was taken for granted. As sessions, days and weeks passed, the advancement of skills via scaffolded learning became evident.

Better line speed, communication and technique were defence non-negotiables heading into 2025.

In 2024 the Eels held the unenviable record of conceding the second most points (716) and when broken down further, had the worst defence in the NRL in the final 20 minutes of games.

Change was needed.

Defensive positioning and movement was drilled over and over.

Technique was addressed in every field session. What was done in the gym or outside of major field sessions, I never witnessed. From a skill perspective, the early pre-season sessions were treated similarly to the development of ball skills.

Through scaffolded learning, the hit, the stick, and drive were improved for individuals. Winning dominance in the tackle was addressed. Working together in tackles through to peeling off and setting as markers or getting back in the line was next.

How the coaches went about that is best left unreported. But the time investment was significant.

Thinking about their own game, and what’s unfolding in front of them, should matter for footballers. In essence, the grey matter matters (Mattas?).

I’ve already addressed how the players minds were engaged during conditioning.

When it came to the systems, shapes and set plays, the players were all expected to have a voice. This wasn’t just a goal, it could be seen in action throughout each week. Leaders stepped up to the plate, but input was encouraged from all.

The coaches didn’t want robots mindlessly adhering to predetermined plays. Paying attention to what was in front of them would be key.

The Work Ethic

This is entirely subjective. I think more was asked of this group than in previous pre-seasons. I make this comparison with the eye test and also with the changing body shape.

There were sessions when I thought the work was surely done, and then more was asked. Every time, every player, without exception, found that bit extra.

What is worth repeating, are the comments from the coaches about what they inherited. They have been full of praise for the work ethic of the players that was instilled by BA and his staff. It provided an important base to build from.

Young or unheralded players like Charlie Guymer, Dan Keir, Ryley Smith, Richie Penisini and Saxon Pryke are evidence of the depth of this ethic. Stars such as Dylan Brown and Joe Ofahengaue set the standards as role models

Individual Players

It seems completely unfair to single out individuals for special commendation, given I believe that each and every player advanced in some respect over the summer. I should list them all and describe that advancement but I’m not aiming for a 5000 word essay here.

Instead, I’ve come up with some categories to provide a guide for supporters as they follow the top two grades in 2025.

Remember, this is all based on training track form, with trial performances also factoring. 

Pre-Season Star

Alongside a host of contenders, Will Penisini gets this gong just ahead of Kelma Tuilagi.

Will’s pre-season was all quality, and ultra-consistent. He looked sharp and switched on in every session and is arguably fitter than at any time in his career.

After a 2024 season that he wouldn’t have been happy about, Will looks set to make a mark in Parra’s 2025 campaign.

Kelma Tuilagi imposed himself on the edge in every scrimmage. I expect him to do the same on match days.

Most Improved

This might surprise some readers, but I’ve gone with Toni Mataele.

Toni has been plagued by injuries and inconsistent form since returning to the Eels a couple of years ago. He’s thrived over the summer, and it’s easily been his best preparation yet.

It would not surprise me to see him earn an NRL debut.

The Surprise Packet

This has to go to Joash Papalii.

Some of Joash’s ankle snapping evasiveness at training had to be seen to be believed. His footwork and acceleration is unlike any other player in the club.

There was a bit of hype around Joash at the Dogs, but he never quite cracked an NRL debut. I expect this to change at some point in 2025.

NSW Cup Players To Watch

Besides the aforementioned Mataele and Papalii, I could literally list an entire team.

However, that’s not the goal of this post.

Forced to narrow it down, I’ll nominate Will Latu, Jordan Samrani and Richie Penisini.

Will is a strike player on the edge, and is an NRL player of the future. His performances in the trial speak for themselves, and it follows on from a promising 2024 that was cut short by injury.

I’m not sure whether Jordan Samrani is aware of his own potential. Tall and powerful, he could easily play as an edge forward, but from what I’ve seen at training, his aerial skills would be one of the best in the club, so he probably remains a work in progress as an outside back.

Richie’s duels with older brother Will provided some of the highlights from pre-season scrimmages. Both didn’t shy away from big hits. I like the way Richie reads the attack thrown at him. It was a very impressive trial against the Knights.

Important Acquisitions

It’s easy to list Josh Addo-Carr and Zac Lomax as quality additions to the team.

But it’s more than just match day upgrades with their inclusions. These two players have been massive for the squad.

Without question, the Foxx brings the vibe. It’s always upbeat around him and he’s become a fan favourite before he’s debuted for the club.

Just as importantly, JAC adds a much needed voice to the backline. He’s constantly talking to those around him, encouraging others, organising the defence and letting his inside men know when a chance is on.

Then there’s his mentoring of younger players. Helping them out with advice as drills and scrimmages unfold.

Speaking of mentors, Zac Lomax must be mentioned here. Not only is he often last to leave the field after practising his kicking, he also keeps an eye on the work of younger players during extras and offers advice to help with their technique when necessary.

This speaks volumes about how senior players have both the understanding of, and confidence in, their roles at a club. Mentoring younger players, especially those playing the same positions, means helping to develop a player with the potential to take their spot.

But they also know that having better quality depth is beneficial to the club and so ultimately to them too. It’s great to watch this in action, and explains why such stars have the respect that they do inside a club.

Sneaky mention to Ronald Volkman who could prove to be a critical back up in 2025.

Big Year Incoming

It’s hard to split Junior Paulo and Dylan Brown as both players look primed for massive seasons.

Junior is barely recognisable, such has been the change to his frame. He’s stripped over 10kgs from his playing weight to be in the leanest shape of his career. You almost can’t call him the halfback inside a prop’s body any more!

As for Dylan, he’s occupied the headlines due to the contract stuff, but this has overshadowed his preparations for the season. I reckon he’s added an extra dimension to his game that we will see this season.

In 2024, Dylan regularly lacked support when threatening opposing teams in attack. I don’t expect that to be the case in 2024.

Special mention to both Isaiah Iongi and Mitch Moses.

Moses game was already ascending to new levels despite his injury issues in 2024. His leadership has come to the fore at training. The captaincy will inspire him.

Isaiah Iongi completely changes the pace that the Eels backline can throw at opponents. Some commentators suggested that he was under pressure from Joash Papalii to hold on to the fullback job.

It’s a measure of Iongi’s preseason that despite what Joash delivered, there was never any doubt that the Iceman would be named as custodian to start the season

Underrated But Highly Valued

Jack Williams and Luca Moretti have to be named here.

Luca has also changed his body shape during the pre-season, but unlike others, he’s added to his frame. To clarify, he’s added lean muscle.

I’ve liked the lines that I’ve seen him run during scrimmages and he was close to Toni Mataele in the improved category.

Jack’s appointment to the leadership group confirms that his team mates and coaches have been immediately impressed by his contributions and personal qualities.

I expect both to be key members of the pack in 2025.

I’m tempted to add Joe Ofahengaue here. Due to the Eels poor season, I don’t think he received the accolades he deserved in 2024. But this is about the preseason and he too has worked hard to achieve a changed body shape. I’ll back him for a big 2025.

Next To Debut

This call changed when the Eels upgraded Ryley Smith.

I was uncertain whether the next NRL debut would be Joash Papalii, Sam Tuivaiti or Toni Mataele. There was, after all, an opportunity on the bench in round one with injury ruling out Shaun Lane, and with Gideon Kautoga in doubt.

However, the change in eligibility for Ryley Smith means that he can be selected from the opening round.

Ryley was a strong performer in the lower grades during 2024, but outside of the Eels, he’d mostly flown under the radar.

An ultra-impressive pre-season in which he broke Gutho’s “Broncos Test” record and stood out with his energy and work ethic could not be ignored. His trial performances put him in the public spotlight as a potential back up for Brendan Hands.

Will he be named against the Storm? You might just be reading this after Team List Tuesday is announced, so you’ll already know the answer.

 

This post now completes the 2025 pre-season coverage on TCT.

Thank you to you, the readers, for the record number of views and for your responses.

I’m also especially appreciative of how welcomed we were by players and staff during this pre-season. I have no expectations with regard to interactions and deliberately aim to keep my footprint to a minimum. This is the place of work for the team that I support and their job is to train hard, not spend time with supporters.

Furthermore, my coverage of training was new to many, especially the staff, so it meant a lot to be accepted as a regular visitor.

Special mention to the way the players responded to the young fans who dropped into watch sessions. Invariably, players would find the time to say a quick hello whenever kids were there. These weren’t open sessions but it’s obvious that connections with supporters has been a focus moving forward.

Bring on the footy.

Eels forever!

Sixties