This is a traditionally busy time of the year for me on TCT, so my apologies for not posting a recent Bumpers Up column. And yes, I need a new feature image!
Pre-season training reports became a four to five times a week exercise and from there the junior rep season has taken up much of my writing endeavours.
However, it’s been a huge news week following the Eels big loss to Canberra, and it could not pass without a written response.
There’s literally not been one day that the Eels haven’t featured either directly or indirectly in the headlines.
And apart from the Mitch Moses return from injury, most of the news is about goodbyes.
Enough of the preamble. Time for the yardage. Bumpers Up!
Goodbye Darwin
No excuses for the Eels recent performances in Darwin, losing the last four games. It wasn’t good enough. There were two teams playing under the same conditions on each occasion and Parra just hasn’t aimed up for four years running.
Let’s not forget the positives. Recognition must go to both the Northern Territory Government and the Eels for the fine community work that’s transpired for more than a decade.
However, I’m glad to see an end to the partnership.
A poor result
The Eels have struggled in the taxing tropical conditions, and though their opponents were subjected to exactly the same challenges at the venue, the results suggest that perhaps the Eels have developed a negative mindset when playing in Darwin.
Regardless, the Club’s responsibility is to provide the team with the best possible opportunity to win each and every week. Playing a home game in Darwin did not meet that brief, even if it was both financially and socially beneficial.
I applaud the club for making the decision to move in a new direction.
Mitch Moses Returns
Just when it seemed certain that Mitch Moses was destined to not return till after the bye, Jason Ryles surprised us all by naming him for this week’s important clash with the Tigers.
To be fair, after watching him train last week, it wasn’t a total surprise. With an increased involvement, he looked close.
Prior to that, I thought he was a long way off.
Consequently, I entered this week with a sense of anticipation.
Will Moses make that much of a difference?
Let’s consider what the Eels captain brings to the team.
We all know about his running game, and his ability to create line break and try assists. Mitch’s kicking game speaks for itself. It’s an understatement to call it elite. And his defence is both brave and reliable. To be concise, a kit bag like his has resulted in Origin and Kangaroo selection.
Mitch Moses
But further than that, he elevates those around him. He’s a communicator who keeps the team focussed, and actually demands what his team mates need to deliver. In this post-Gutherson era, though there are other voices in the team, none can compare to Moses.
As such, there is also the intangible – the confidence that his presence will bring to the team.
Of course there is a note of caution.
Moses is not, and cannot be, the only answer.
All of the players must fulfil their roles. Our halfback’s renowned kicks will be completely ineffective without well executed chases. There’ll be no line breaks or tries created without the players running the desired lines or getting into the shapes that they train for.
And there’s no point in him handling all of the traffic directed at him in defence if others fail to make their tackles.
Stars like Mitch Moses are difference makers. But rugby league is all about the team. We need every player to find the best versions of themselves to secure the win this week, and every week.
Farewell Joe
The immediate release of Joe Ofahengaue was a bolt from the blue. Supporters might have suspected his departure at the end of the season, but there was no hint of him parting ways with the club (not even) mid season.
Behind the scenes, it’s my understanding that Joe and his agent had been given a heads up about 2026. This led to the search for a new home, and the offer from the Leigh Leopards.
A deal to the end of 2028 came with a caveat – an immediate release. Rightly, the Eels didn’t stand in his way.
Thanks Joe
In the club’s official media release, Eels General Manager of Football, Mark O’Neill praised Ofahengaue’s contributions both on and off the field. I’d like to add to it.
Though he joined the club during a challenging time in the club’s history, Joe maintained a high standard in both performances and leadership.
In 2024, his form was consistently good. In my opinion he should have been in contention for the Ken Thornett Medal. But perhaps the greatest barometer was the esteem in which he was held by his team mates.
Joe leaves the Eels after wearing the Blue and Gold in 41 NRL games, scoring three tries. He will forever be player number 835.
Lane On Indefinite Leave
On the back of the immediate departure of Joe Ofahengaue comes the news that Shaun Lane will be taking an indefinite break away from the game.
Any commentary on the reason behind this would be purely speculative. What can be stated is that Lane has faced numerous injury battles since his outstanding season in 2022.
Lane on Grand Final Day with Marata & Reg
Injury again robbed Lane of most of the 2025 preseason, first with a hamstring issue and then a knee injury requiring arthroscopic surgery. He returned in round two of the season but was named in NSW Cup this week.
We wish Shaun all the best during this time.
Roster Situation
With Joe Ofahengaue off to the UK and Shaun Lane’s immediate rugby league future unclear, the Eels are suddenly down to a top 30 of just 27 players.
From an NRL requirement perspective they will only be required to fill one position before June 30 as they had previously registered 29 players.
However, the practicalities are that the Eels forward depth has been significantly weakened.
The impact of that stretches from weekly preparations on the training paddock with fewer bodies available for scrimmages, through to reduced selection options for Jason Ryles when he is looking for solutions to injury or form concerns.
Regardless of the opinion of supporters about the contracts of some of the Eels senior players, this is now an immediate problem.
It’s likely that the situation might hasten the elevation of younger players, but it should also prioritise the recruitment of an experienced forward.
Galvin Gone From Tigertown
The Eels are quoted at short odds to secure the services of Lachlan Galvin when he eventually parts ways with the Tigers.
Personally, I believe he will land in PARRAdise.
Aside from that, I found the reactions of the Tigers players to his future departure to be astonishing. Has there ever been anything like it?
Further to that, the excuses for the players conduct, or the downplaying of those reactions, from sections of the media was poor form.
Turuva’s photo of Galvin’s locker was accompanied by a “money” sound track
To validate the social media pile on from so-called team mates of Galvin was actually a disgrace. There was an element of victim blaming that is unfortunately seen far too often in bullying.
“He knew what he was in for”, “what did he expect”, to go along with the immature “The players were just having fun. Nothing wrong with it. It’s part of being in a team.”
Worse still, some in the media were giving Turuva a pass on his social media post because his settings limited the post to “friends”. Would that fly as an excuse whenever the NRL or even the police investigate the sharing of inappropriate photos or videos?
In all of this, it’s quickly forgotten that society has a problem with social media trolls, and rugby league is not an island in this regard. Players such as Latrell Mitchell have made a stand against the abuse and threats that players are all too often subjected to.
So imagine a scenario where players take a social media shot at a team mate who is leaving the club. It is fuel to an already burning fire, and completely irresponsible. You wouldn’t even expect such shots to be directed at opponents, let alone team mates.
At the very least such behaviour is immature, hypocritical and symptomatic of a culture that doesn’t respect individuals judged as not fitting in. And it’s come from premiership winning leaders.
I understand Tigers fans defending the actions of players, but the fact remains that the RLPA saw fit to become involved.
Thankfully there are sections of the media now calling out the poor behaviour.
Junior Reps Finals
The Eels wrapped up a successful regular season of the junior representative competitions by qualifying for the finals in all four grades.
Going undefeated through their nine matches, the SG Ball team finished as minor premiers. The Lisa Fiaola Cup side had the next best finish coming in third, whilst the Tarsha Gale Cup girls placed fifth and the Harold Matthews boys grabbed eighth spot on the ladder via a win in the final round.
Unfortunately, there was a hiccup for three of the teams in the first week of the finals, with only the Tarsha Gale side emerging victorious. They were ultra-impressive in disposing of the Sharks in an elimination final and progress to a clash with the Panthers in this week’s semi-finals.
Defeat in their match meant the end of the line for the Harold Matthews Cup team. After leading by eight points as the clock counted down towards the last five minutes, the Eels conceded two late tries to the Central Coast Roosters in a heartbreaking loss.
Despite losing, the SG Ball and Lisa Fiaola Cup teams join the Tarsha Gale side in week 2 finals action at Parker Street Reserve in Penrith.
You can follow the performances of all of the teams with our live blogs on TCT, kicking off from 10am.
And don’t forget, we’ve been featuring a dedicated junior reps preview podcast for the last month.
In addition to looking at the matches, we’ve also included a couple of chats with Eels Elite Pathways Coaching Director, Steve Georgallis along with a dive into the future prospects of SG Ball and Tarsha Gale players.
We hope you have a listen.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Great article. Wishing Shaun Lane all the best during this time.
Odds on the next to go …
1-2 … Matterson if he gets paid out
2-1 … Carty
5-1 …. Lussick
10-1 …. Greig
12-1 … Hands
Trillions …. Matterson if he doesn’t get paid out
Matterson swapped for Galvin in 2026?
Eels pay full freight Less Galvin’s current contract value. Tigers need some incentive to release Galvin and to gain some credibility.
Even better, do it this year if the Tigers plan to waste Galvin in lower grades.
Yeah, they’ve already ridden the Ryan Matterson ride. Doubt they’re interested in a second go. Doubt he is either.
Sixties, excellent all round.
Good write up Sixties.
On Joe
All the best Jo – he’ll kill it in UK.
On Lane
wish you all the best for your future away from NRL.
On Galvin
I think it was Hooper 360 – “it was only sent to his friends” so how else does bullying happen. The
friend group bully’s the kid but that’s now OK? How
ridiculous were they to defend the indefensible. Hooper is becoming the Kent of 360 and I’m sure he’ll get the same ending.
On Fox in general
Fox are all about the narrative! Yesterday all about Bulldogs absolutely nauseating! 3 panellists were ex Bulldogs players and Yvonne as the only neutral. There’s NO way Rabbits were going to win that game even if it was close. Hooper’s praise to the CEO, Gus, “Ciro” front office and their sponsors was the biggest head stuck up a proverbial in history. Hooper clearly has no shame.
Go the junior reps!
Ryles – he clearly tapped a few shoulders last year and some are still making their decisions. We had way too much tied up in aging players that the game has largely left behind. Ryles is not afraid to give chances but also hold players accountable. We are going through a painful process but I trust Ryles is ripping off the Bandaid as quick as he can.
Pete, it seems we are where the Dogs were a few seasons ago. Ryles having to make some roster moves to get the players he needs knowing it will affect results. Regardless of the Fox narrative, I hope Ryles is talked up the same in a season or tow.
Yeah Shaun, we can only hope.
The problem is the saturation of ex-Bulldogs in the media. Fox Anasta, Ch 9 Gus, Graham on podcasts. Then that grub Ennis. In addition they invite their buddies onto each show and people like Hooper are shameless sycophants.
We just need to win and win often.
The dogs are fortunate the best Teams all suck this year so far
Panthers equal last
Rosters bottom 3
Storms had 40 + put on them twice I think from memory
And 6 teams from 3rd to 8th have won the same amount of games
Not suggesting they are not playing well, but there’s no competition this year so far besides the Storm in terms of teams who are looking clearly better
And even Storm look poor if you ask me compared to previous seasons… they got 40 put on them by the dolphins
If parra played in this weak of a comp a few years ago at our best we would be easily in the top 4 I feel like
Even the sharks are in 11th – the teams who would usually flog the dogs are largely having poor seasons compared to recent years
The dogs are also now getting the boss treatment from refs since they are the top team it seems, like what Penrith received during their prime seasons
The dogs as you said also have bootlickers in every media outlet, nobody has even mentioned the dogs have essentially employed a team full of Penrith panthers more or less because developing from within has not given them any success for almost 10 years
They essentially stole panthers players every year including the assistant coach, the clubs success is not organic, unlike panthers who developed majority of their roster
Not hating because obviously I wish we were coming 1st, but the dogs are still a disgraceful club in my eyes
And the club was a dirt bag of an organisation with the worst fans on the planet
Regards,
By an eels fan 😂
Muz, we share our love for the Dogs, their fans and their great leader Gus. Special mention to their coach who I’m sure hires an expression artist to mimic Bellamy’s staunch, I’m a hard arse, don’t mess with me look. Very convincing, I like it.
I wonder if Gus will be in the dressing shed on his knees at Lidcombe oval waiting for Galvin to drop his shorts.
The Dogs are playing with semifinal intensity in April, let’s see how they go when other teams bring it in September.
And you’re right, the top teams have been poor and the Dogs have had a soft draw with the exception of the Sharks. Lucks a fortune and winning breeds confidence. My father used to say, the more air in a ballon, the louder it pops.
Their fans are the worst followed by Tigers fans. Bulldog fans don’t understand gamesmanship, they hunt in packs like cowards, they taunt and intimidate fans in packs and don’t care if parents have young children.
Tigers fans have 90 IQ points which they share among the entire fan base.
Agree Muz,
After their Knights game didn’t 8 Bulldogs fans attacked a man and woman Knights supporters and knock the woman unconscious? It was reported briefly then buried under the Bulldogs narrative.
https://www.2gb.com/stadium-violence-police-hunt-eight-spectators-after-bulldogs-knights-game-fight/
No mention about that by Hooper et al
That’s what they do pete, they hunt in packs like the cowards they. They won’t pick on a big guy, they look for families with kids, younger fans and people who don’t look intimidating.
I’ve been on the end it myself many years ago. I had my young nephew with me at time. I won’t bore you with the story but my opinion of Bulldog fans being cowards was proven that day.
I never go to a Bulldogs game! And did you notice not many Rabbitohs fans went to that game either. Normally Souths would outnumber most teams
Yep I noticed pete and yeah, I don’t go to Bulldogs games either.
Fellas I think we can all agree ant games with the dogs is not worth going to
I went to a dogs eels match at commbank and we flogged them, but the dogs fans were absolutely awful
They abuse kids and woman who support the other team, hurling abuse and swearing with no consideration whatsoever
I don’t think i would attend a dogs match again, they are the worse fan base possibly on planet earth
Pete I didn’t see that assault mate but how sad – especially sad the narrative controllers (media) kept this quiet largely it seems
If parra fans did that hooper and Gus would be going after parramatta every chance they got to discredit the club
It worries me because when things get covered up or ignored or obfuscated. That usually leads to terrible things happening in the future. These media sycophants are the enablers.
100% Pete, and unfortunately the media in Australia is like a big click especially in rugby league. They harp over unimportant issues which need to be addressed, then sweep things under rug at times if it’s a conflict of interest with the media heads, making their employer or former club look bad.
The biggest scam is when Gus or the former strorm players cam smith or Slater commantate on their clubs games or players, it’s the most biased dribble you’ve possibly heard anywhere.
Re Shaun Lane, I was reading something on motivation last year and it made mention of how sports fans sometimes see players as machines or automatons rather than human beings. It behoves us to think more kindly of players at times. With that I also wish Sean Lane the best and that he makes the decision that is best for himself in regards to his future.
On a completely different tack – if I were the Eels, I’d be making inquires about Cody Ramsey to the club as a centre / winger.
He would be very reluctant to leave the Saints after their support but the reality is that he’s 25 now and is well and truly behind a host of players.
He’s lightning fast and would really fit into the Eels backline.
He’s also off contract.
Hes much too good to be playing reserves.
I agree Spark, but you’d have to wonder if our R&R team are up to that level of perception. I wonder if Lane would have required this sabbatical if he wasn’t dropped to reserves. He’s probably been informed of his future.
Careful mate.. that line if thought is NOT allowed 😂
Anyway we will see.
I would hope the R&R are all over it.
Can you imagine him outside of Galvin and inside of Lomax !!!
Love that speed.
Very good article – well done.
Wests for me have handled this quite emotionally and not with much professionalism.
As much as I don’t like Galvin’s management team the NRL have allows this to occur for years.
Tks sixties. I’ll be looking for Moses to inject some composure rather than provide all the answers in one go. If we can just get the stat sheet looking more sane and get those bumbling periods of play down to defendable levels (eliminated is too hopeful)then this game is winnable. Williams will help too. It was interesting, maybe I was imagining things but Hawkins seemed to add some sanity but then Darwin came, Moses will definitely be capable of the right ‘therapy’ for those around him.
Nice one Sixties, thanks.
Mate I share your relief but can’t agree that anything positive came out of the partnership. In my opinion, a football club should worry about their own community. How a football team visiting for a fews days a year can have a lasting impact on a community based thousands of miles away is beyond my comprehension. After 9 years visiting schools and God knows what else the players did up there we get a special thanks from the locals. They all turn up wearing Dolphins jerseys cheering against us. Wow, we really cut through.
The Darwin arrangement was a complete disaster, the club made decent coin for sure but it didn’t come without a cost. We lost a home game, the players got tortured, we suffered embarrassing loses which impacted our seasons and the effects of the conditions lingered weeks after the game. Darwin may have cost a coach a job.
To the people in Darwin I say, get stuffed, good riddance and thanks for nothing.
May your community thrive without us and I hope the Dolphins take their team to be tortured in your backyard once a year. At least they’ll have your support.
Knowing our luck, we’ll be drawn to play that game.
The plot thickens!
Galvin’s agent has involved lawyers and sent formal correspondence to Tigers – probably bullying and victimisation claim.
Hopefully they used Lee Hagipantelis lol the irony would be too tempting. Revenge is best served cold!
That would be hilarious Pete if that uses him, in fact Pete probably offered him his services no doubt. 😂
I hope the eels get him and this whole saga is about Galvin & Isaac Moses knowing Lachy ideally needs to get out of this tigers contract to join eels next season as browns leaving.
Moses is mates with Galvin, Galvins manger is Moses cousin, Galvins a former eel jnr and gre up supporting our club.
If Galvin doesn’t make some type of exit move to wiggle out of his tigers contract the parramatta eels may be forced into another 5/8 option for next season and may leave us too short for Galvin in 27’.
I personally feel Galvin wants to come to us and Mitch Moses and ryles both sort of indicated that we are interested, Ryles directly stated it.
Why would Galvin want to stay at tigers on 350k playing with a group he doesn’t even like when he can join his favourite team as the 5/8 alongside his mate Mitch Moses, while earning probably $1m per year at the eels?
Tigers are fooling themselves if they continue trying to force this kid to stay if he doesn’t want to be there, the bullying was also very low IQ behaviour – because he now has legal grounds to exit the tigers earlier possibly.
100% Muz.
Without knowing all the details.
It looks an open and shut case of bullying and victimisation for raising a concern/reasons (that Tigers requested) and then retaliation in social media and dropping for essentiallybeing honest and providing his reasons.
First the media claimed the players decided the punishment and how good that was. Then Benji in damage control came out and said that he made the call.
Tigers have signed some good players but the club is still toxic. Very spiteful and emotional behaviour must have damaged Benjis ego lol
People blaming the kid are forgetting all the other players that have left Tigers.