I’ll get straight to the point.
It’s been some time since I’ve written about Parra or the footy, and this Bumpers Up column is for my benefit. It’s a selfish exercise. This week, I need to write. I need the distraction of rugby league.
So no long preamble. No attempt to find a theme. Just a collection of my opinions.
Bumpers Up!
Brown Embargo
Where do you sit with the Dylan Brown situation?
Many punters agree with the stance taken by Jason Ryles that the future starts now, so therefore let’s get a head start on 2025.
Other Eels supporters are in TCT columnist Shelley’s corner. She doesn’t want the games at the back end of 2025 treated like trials. As a supporter she doesn’t feel it’s respectful that the best 17 aren’t selected and that Dylan Brown sits comfortably inside Ryles best available players.
I probably have a foot in both camps. Joash Papalii is a star of the future and I reckon he’s worthy of a place somewhere in the 17. But maybe, just maybe, the Eels could have gone very close to beating the Raiders with Brown playing.
Dylan Brown
Of course, that is pure conjecture and it wouldn’t be the hill I’d choose to die on. Now Hawkins has been selected to play in the six jersey with Joash moving to fullback to cover for Iongi’s absence. Is that move also based on the future? And if so, does that mean that Hawkins is as much in the mix as Papalii?
And so to the other discussion point about what has transpired with Dylbags. Our departing five-eighth was given the opportunity to leave early and join Newcastle mid-season. He chose not to.
As far as I’m concerned, it reinforces my mail that Dylan was never comfortable about accepting the Knights deal and his early season struggles were due to his regrets.
Regardless, the decision was ultimately Dylan’s to make. His agent works for him, not vice versa. I don’t begrudge Brown setting himself up for life and I will defend him as a player.
However, in Dylan not taking the mid-season opportunity to join the Knights, there is no cap benefit for Parra. Throw in Brown’s non-selection as a final outcome and it feels we’ve seen the worst case scenario for the options in his contract.
NRLW On Fire
The Eels 46 to 12 demolition of the Raiders in their round 3 NRLW clash was not only a highly entertaining performance, it also set a host of new records.
* Most points by the team in a match – 46 (previous was 28)
* Most team tries by the team in a match – 8 (previous was 5)
* Most team goals in a match – 7 (previous was 4)
* Highest winning margin – 34 (previous was 14)
* Most individual points in a match – Rachael Pearson 18 (previous was 12)
* Most individual goals in a match – Rachael Pearson 7 (previous was 4)
For those interest, the most individual tries in a game was not beaten. The best is two, held by a number of players. Rory Owen’s double on Saturday saw her join that list.
Rory Owen
After a clunky start to the season with their attack, the Eels would have pleased coach Steve Georgallis with their cohesion against the Raiders. They had been held to nil in their round two trip to Auckland and this type of bounce back was just what they would have been looking for.
Two wins from three away trips, including a victory over the Sharks, has been a positive way to begin the season, especially with the likes of Kennedy Cherrington and Tyla Amiatu still a number of weeks away from a return.
The big guns such as Pearson, Church, Albert and now Murphy are firing, whilst rising stars such as Rueben Cherrington, Chloe Jackson and Rory Owen look like they’re taking their games to another level.
I literally could name every one of the 17 for individual praise, but I’ll limit it to a couple of 2025 Tarsha Gale Cup graduates. To put the achievements of Ryvrr-Lee Alo and Tess McWilliams into perspective, it would be like the next game for SG Ball players being an NRL debut, a couple of months after wrapping up their season. In Alo’s case she’s been starting, and provided a try assist on the weekend, whilst McWilliams grabbed her first NRLW try against the Raiders.
Keep an eye on both teenagers as their rugby league journeys have just begun.
Farewell Matto
Ryan Matterson has moved to Warrington on loan for the rest of this season, but it seems inevitable that it will extend beyond that date.
Matto has always been a talent. He played in the halves in the lower grades at Parra before signing with the Roosters. There he became a versatile forward, making his NRL debut and ultimately winning a premiership with them.
After linking with the Tigers for a lone season, Matterson returned home to the Eels in 2020, peaking with Origin selection and a grand final appearance in 2022.
It’s fair to say that Matto has always marched to the beat of his own drum. He places a priority on his health and well-being, and has pushed back against decisions that he felt were unjustified.
This saw him fall out of favour with Eels fans when he was charged with a crusher tackle in the 2022 Grand Final, and in the aftermath of the match, chose to take a three game suspension rather than pay a $4000 fine.
Matto
Matterson was incensed by the charge. Though he later tried to pay the fine, the NRL stuck by his original decision and Matterson sat out the first three rounds of 2023, watching as his team lost all three games by four point margins.
Since serving that suspension, injury and fluctuating form have both taken their toll on him and now Jason Ryles has moved in a different direction with his selections.
Though there have been those peaks and troughs in form, Ryan Matterson has always been passionate about giving back to the community, especially with disability support. This saw him take on an ambassador role with Heroes With Ability. I’ve also been present when he’s spoken to young people. I found his messages to be valuable and heartfelt. In my opinion, he exemplified being a role model.
On behalf of The Cumberland Throw I’d like to thank Ryan Matterson, player number 805, for his service to the club and to the wider western Sydney Community.
Enough Is Enough
I’ve gone on the record in recent podcasts that the Eels must look into the mirror to find the reason for many of their losses this season. Completion rates of 59% wth 16 errors vs Raiders (81%), and 75% with 20 errors vs Panthers (87%) told the respective tales of the last two rounds.
Under Jason Ryles, the Eels are attempting to ask multiple questions in every set in possession. It’s an entertaining, though low percentage brand of footy, especially with so many novices in the team. Passes are pushed, from near impossible positions, and the outcome can be inevitable.
That negative comment aside, most supporters can see the “green shoots” that Ryles has spoken about this season, both from individuals and the team as a whole. The lessons learned and development experienced by so many emerging players will lead to a brighter future.
Indeed, the Eels were the better team in the first half of both of the last two rounds. They trailed the Panthers 12-10 at the break on the back of a succession of absurd calls favouring Penrith, and led 16-12 until the 52nd minute against the Raiders, despite getting literally zero calls throughout the match.
This is where Parra has been let down by factors outside of their control. The players can’t afford to think about bad calls when they review matches. They have to focus on what they can control. As a supporter I can say what they can’t. Because as far as I’m concerned, in each of the last two rounds the match officiating has been atrocious.
The classic hip drop tackle on Gideon missed by every match official.
In the clash with the Panthers, the momentum was turned late in the first half when an obvious hip drop tackle by Tago on Gideon Kautoga was missed by every official. Mind you, everyone else in the stadium could see what happened. It should have been a penalty from in front and a six point half time lead. Instead, the incident robbed the Eels of their most threatening player, whilst there was no consequence for the Riff.
From there the Panthers were gifted a six again from an imaginary Eels touch, whilst an incorrect play the ball was completely ignored as the visitors scored a converted try after the siren to take an undeserved lead to oranges. The poor calls continued throughout the second half and the Eels could not break the Panthers momentum.
Just when I thought that the officiating from Gough and Atkins had blitzed Parra in a manner reminiscent of the 1970s, up stepped Ashley Klein and Kasey Badger with a “Hold My Beer” refereeing performance.
The Foxx is clearly tackled mid air. Somehow, someway, it was missed live and then in review. How? With thanks to Eels supporter Sean for grabbing this photo from the broadcast.
The Raiders were found to be close to perfect in a 5-1 penalty count and 4-0 (5 nil?) in set re-starts. But they weren’t perfect. I won’t go into the details of all of the errors, but let’s allow this absurd call on Addo-Carr’s disallowed try to exemplify what happened beyond just those lopsided numbers.
The Foxx takes control of the catch by leaping higher than the defender who clearly tackles the Eels winger mid air to prevent him from grounding the ball. Is that not a penalty try? At least a professional foul? No. Nothing seen by Klein or even worse, by Kasey Badger in review. How? How is that possible?
Now let’s consider the call against Bailey Simonsson earlier this season. He was outleapt in a similar bomb contest by Ronaldo Mulitalo. As the two fell to the turf, Mulitalo came down on top of Simonsson, who, in trying to protect himself in a split second, made contact with his arm on Mulitalo.
The NRL can say what they like, the penalty against Simonsson for this tackle was absurd
That contest was still framed, and replayed numerous times before a decision was made. Penalty against the Eels for a mid air tackle! Even the commentators lost their minds. The officials were Peter Gough and Chris Butler.
Now talk me through the suspension of Dylan Brown for referee Sutton almost running a blocker and causing the collision and Ryley Smith getting a multi-week suspension for the lightest leg lift that left the tackled player completely uninjured.
Remember, Gideon Kautoga faces a lengthy stint on the sideline for the syndesmosis injury suffered in the blatant hip drop. Tago copped a one week stint on the sideline for that.
The Eels aren’t the only team copping a flogging from the refs. In recent weeks, the Dragons have had game defining calls ruled against them.
Once more, there is no accountability, and nothing to see. Just move on. I’m sick of treading water against the tide of poor calls. Nobody expects perfection. People even accept some inconsistency. But when teams get treated like the Dragons and the Eels did last weekend. there’s a stench that supporters shouldn’t have to ignore.
Iongi Injury
The hand injury to Isaiah Iongi just about puts the sour icing on what the footy gods have cooked up on the injury front for the Eels this season. Combined with some absurd suspensions, the Eels have been whacked from pillar to post throughout 2025.
Iongi joins Gideon Kautoga on the season ending injury bench. What makes it even more distressing is that both players were causing all kinds of issues for opposition defences, and doing so without star half, Mitch Moses.
lsaiah Iongi
So of course, the Eels lose two attacking weapons before they get the opportunity for more game time alongside the Eels Captain. Moses himself has only played six games for the Eels this season, with his Momax combination literally a non-entity this year.
The decision to move Papalii to fullback is an interesting one. In isolation you’d expect it. After all, Joash played in that position in NSW Cup prior to his NRL elevation.
However, the non-selection of Dylan Brown at five-eighth had seemed to be premised on giving Papalii game time now in that position in preparation for 2026. Now we find Dean Hawkins likely to fill that role for the remainder of the season. As I referenced earlier in this column, does that mean that Ryles is also looking at Hawkins to play alongside Moses next year?
You’d have to think that’s the case.
Catching The Eye
Which Eels lower grade player is making you sit up and take notice?
I’m going to make my selection from the NSW Cup team. Most of the Flegg players are probably a couple of years away from making their mark, so I wanted to nominate a player who might push for an NRL shot in 2026.
My nomination is the unheralded Matt Hunter. A five eighth who hasn’t attracted the attention in the same fashion as Joash Papalii or Lorenzo Talataina, Hunter has gone about his business of climbing the ranks in a highly productive season.
In nine NSW Cup appearances, the Queenslander has scored five tries, laid on five try assists and created a further seven line break assists. Despite only starting in nine games, he also sits in the top 20 for line engagements.
A former Townsville Blackhawk, Hunter linked with the Eels in 2024, playing the back end of the season in Jersey Flegg, before starting this season as the captain of the team.
After steering the Flegg to early season victories, Hunter has become a regular in NSW Cup following the NRL injury to Mitch Moses.
Turning 21 in December, Hunter has game management skills in addition to a deceptive running game. I’m especially impressed by his ability to count numbers and hit the short side in attack.
Though not as dynamic as Joash Papalii, and with work needed on his defensive technique, he’s definitely a player to keep an eye on whether he finishes the season in Cup or Flegg.
TCT Watch Party
Don’t forget that you can join The Cumberland Throw in Sterlo’s Sports Bar this Friday night to watch the Eels battle with the Broncos on the big screen.
This is our way of saying g’day and thanks to fellow Eels fanatics in what is our tenth year of covering all things Blue and Gold. And where better to do so than in the Home of the Eels, Parra Leagues.
You’ll get our preview, there’ll be some give aways, platters of finger food, and Parra Leagues will have their $5 beer of the month on tap and the game on the giant screen.
I look forward to seeing you there!
Personal Message
I want to thank everybody who replied to my post about Mum and especially to those who have reached out to me over the past eight weeks. I’m humbled by the support of the TCT community and indeed the wider Eels community. And to be honest, I’ve not only appreciated it, I’ve needed it.
Outside of Yoko and the family, John (Forty) has been amazing. He’s held the TCT fort and on a personal level has had a sixth sense about when to call and when not to. And Rob (Trouser Eel) was there when I hit breaking point. Shout out to you too, Mario.
Let nobody tell you that dementia is only a slow insidious condition. In Mum’s case it’s been an aggressive, vicious bastard that sprung upon her overnight on May 27 and since has made her daily existence one of nothing but terrifying delusions. The simplest examination by medical staff has often left her screaming in fear at the top of her lungs and the only option I have at such times is to hold her and tell her how much she’s loved.
Those same fears lead her to refuse food, water and medication. Dementia has delivered the rarest and most troubling of psychotic symptoms with the complication that many anti-psychotics carry the risk of death for those with even a suggestion of Lewy Bodies in the brain.
It’s a nightmare for the family to face every day. I can’t fathom the torture that Mum is enduring. And every time that I think that her mind is completely gone, she’ll say something to remind me that she’s still there thinking and caring about her family.
The doctors have been caring and vigilant. They use terms such as “atypical” or “highly uncommon” to describe her case. Some staff have told me they’ve seen nothing like it before.
As I stated at the start of this column, I need the footy this week, more than I can put into words. My goal is to also get to this week’s Captains Run.
I’ll be thinking of Mum on Friday night at Parra Leagues as I throw down a Canadian Club – Mum’s favourite drink. If you feel so inclined, please join me.
Eels (and Mum) Forever!
Sixties
I’ve been wrapping Hunter for a while, he will play first grade.
He has a future for sure.
Just a shame it won’t be with our blue and gold 🥹
Beautiful words sixties god bless and up parra’
Thank you Des.
I like the pairing of Hawkins and Moses
I have alot of time for Dylan but I think Ryles call is justified on form alone you cant justify his selection.
One thing that was touched on is Matg Hunter I watched him up close the last few weeks he has something about him hopefully it happens for us but that kid will play 1st grade.
I think a positive for the season is despite all the changes and injuries our reserve grade have shown us that there is some hope for the future
Offside, the NSW Cup team have shown both talent and resilience. It’s been a credit to them and the coaches
I truly hope that better times are ahead for you and your family, Sixties! Stay strong.
Regarding the refereeing we have witnessed this season, I would hope that the club collates a package to take to the NRL and demand answers and a way forward. A few dodgy calls you can live with, but when that extends to just about every ref in every game, there is something happening that really stinks. I am loath to call that deliberately giving Parra the raw end, but gee, it certainly looks that way. As I have said previously, the NRL don’t need Parra to be winning to make money from us. We turn up to games, tune in to games on TV and gobble up all the media thrown to us. We are a dream club already in their eyes. Why should they make life a bit easier for us if that means a struggling club takes our place at the bottom of the ladder? Will those fans of other clubs still continue to support their club to the same degree? Judging by Penrith fans this season, I think the answer to that would be NO.
I don’t hold any hope in the refereeing being kinder to us – we are marked and will continue to cop it as we have the past few seasons. What we can control is in not giving the refs any reason to give us a raw deal. As you rightly point out, we should first look to control our errors – that is killing our game, and is something we need to get right for next year.
Cheers Longfin. It’s a balancing act in terms of the club or coaches fighting for a fair deal and ensuring that the players are also accountable.
Dear Sixties,
I wish you much strength through this difficult time. A friends mum went through Lewy Body dementia as you said it hits fast and takes its toll on the family. Stay strong and close to family and friends as that’s the best medicine (And a healthy dose of Parra). Hopefully the men’s team can join our wonderful women in the winners circle.
You have a lot of support at TCT.
Cheers to you!
Cheers Pete. Every day seems to present a new nightmare for Mum. I’m genuinely trying to get distracted by the footy this week, and continue to be buoyed by the Eels community.
On the NRL.
I see Hawkins is given the opportunity whilst its available. Joash was the 2nd string fullback so it’s a no brainer. If Joash remains at 6 I don’t think Api is really ready for 1st grade fullback. Shift Lomax to fullback? Possibly but Joash has trained there most of year.
Brown, had all year to win us games. I don’t think he’s winning us the game against Panthers or Raiders. He’s put his que in the rack long ago.
Matto, marched to his own drum as does Brown. If you choose a player fighting in the trenches with you. I don’t think these two would help much. Everyone is different and I wish them the best. But, it seems they are not club first.
I like Ryles trying to get the best out of our limited squad. Not everyone has to agree. He’s the one who’s at the coal face.
Yeah I agree there Pete. Is this the squad that Ryles believes can win a Premiership? Probably not, but it’s one that will change the club culture, and that’s what can lead to Premiership success, if you can add to the squad with the right skills etc.
Not the squad it’s still a work in progress. I guess we have Volkman, Hawkins, Joash and Hunter. All players that will be given the off season to push their case for 6. As Ryley Smith came from the clouds we may see another come from the clouds. I just see Joash was given the first chance given we missed out on Galvin. Now Hawkins
gets a chance and offers a 2nd kicker
option.
Without question Ryles is determined to steer the course. We have to back him.
Best wishes 60s glad to see you’ve got a good partner. Family and friends. Hopefully parra comes good with an upset win
Thanks Tanky. Come on Parra.
Sixties, I don’t comment much, I have to commend you on your openness about your dear mum.
Hang in there
It’s actually Paul G (small phone!)
Thanks Paul. Many people who get to lower grades and reps have met Mum, especially over the last two years after Dad passed away. She loves Parra and her footy. She touched plenty of hearts.
Great read Craig as usual, I have been away from the footy and socials myself for most of the year and I am very sorry to read about your mum, it truly is a cruel diagnosis, having gone through it with my father recently.
To the footy, I can’t agree with you more, from the boys playing an expansive but risky style of footy resulting in handing over valuable field position and momentum, our continued bad luck with injuries, bullshit suspensions and don’t get me started on the officiating & it’s not only us, I don’t think I’m on my own when I say the standard and level of consistency of officiating from the on field ref to the bunker is at an all-time low.
Anyway, it’s good to see our captain back and hopefully we can jag a couple of wins and avoid the dreaded spoon.
Sending my thoughts and strength your way, mate…best of wishes.
Thanks Jason. Hope to see you soon – maybe Friday?
Thanks for the concise blog, think you tell it as it is and that’s welcome in what is a difficult season, Having said the word difficult, it’s hard to even contemplate what you are having to endure, stay strong and gather those around you when you can.
Officiating is a strange beast, but the many more than obvious errors are a stark reminder of how the refs are treating the Eels, no pushback as Ryles starts his coaching career. How different to the treatment, dare we say, of Sticky and Wobbo, kid gloves need to be mentioned.
If the front office can get those 2 or 3 good players before the start of 2026, the team will be In a different place and have no doubt will be competing for the finals.
Hope we can make Friday night a memorable one for you, TCT is a refuge at time thanks to both you and Forty20. Stay as positive as you can and perhaps pass on our thanks to Yoko for her support and assistance .
Thanks mate. Appreciate your call today too. The thing about the officiating that has never seemed to change is not so much having calls going against Parra but rather the opponents not being picked up for their indiscretions. And those sorts of calls are often momentum changers.
Thanks, 60s hope you’re coping well mate. I don’t know how you do i t been the the same experience and still delivering to TCT supporters.
By the way, mate, are we concerned that yesterday we lost Matto unlikely to come back, Sean Lane is gone. You would think I’m just concerned that we have a shitload of money up our sleeve and a lot of not coming in., I believe we still have four spots left including leading one for mid-season signing that I’m scratching my head where our signing is gonna come for 2026 surely we can’t go through season of 25 again albeit we have good youngsters coming through kind regards, Ray
Thanks Ray. To be honest, I’m not going so good, which is why I’m turning to the footy this week. The only thing that Mum will consume at the moment is a strawberry thick shake. The staff conceal one medication in that – an anti-psychotic. How long can a person last when their total intake is one small thick shake per day? As it turns out, her body functions are now slowing up. So I turn up with that thick shake each day, hoping that the medication will kick in and she will calm down enough to consume something else. She has talked about wanting different food the last two days but when offered she won’t take it.
As for Parra, I believe they have targets and the money to secure them. They’ve upgraded and extended some current players and added JDB, which has used some coin, but the shedding has been significant in comparison. From a supporters perspective we all want to see a bit more. More experience will help the current crop, as will better luck with injuries, but everyone is realistic in knowing that additions are needed to move the team significantly up the ladder.
Thanks Sixties,
As I’ve mentioned previously my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My extended family has had, and continues to have, loved ones with varying forms of dementia. They all suck and cause distress. I hope writing this post and reading the responses provides some form of salve to the ongoing hurt and confusion you are experiencing.
I haven’t seen Matt Hunter play but hopefully he can provide Ryles with another option to consider for the number six role. The more options to consider the better at this moment.
I’m with you on the refereeing, it just seems never ending. At my age I can go back to Cook and Hartley doing us no favours. I’m sure those older than myself could probably add a few more. I think Jack Gibson seemed to manage it well and if I recall correctly he made sure Parra complained about the refereeing in one of the GFs we won at the end of season NSWRL meetings. Never one to miss an opportunity Jack.
While I live in Brisbane I will not be going to the game this weekend. The Broncos supporters just do my head in. I went once with my son when he was about eight, never again. That is a story for another time. Instead I’ll watch at home and, while I’m not a big fan of Canadian Club I might have one to send good vibes to you and your mother.
Cheers mate
Thanks Namrebo. I honestly couldn’t ask for more support from my support network, including the Blue and Gold community. When I arrived home from the hospital yesterday, I had a gift package from the Eels waiting for me. People from the Leagues Club and the Eels continue to reach out. Mum has been a member of both clubs and they have been checking in on me.
From a supporters perspective I needed to say enough is enough, about the officiating, and about the MRC. I’m realistic about consistency. Different refs will naturally mean different interpretations. But can we get something that approaches a level playing field?
In every instant reaction, Forty and I first address what the Eels can control, and they have been their own worst enemies. But far too often, momentum has been taken away or not provided, with big calls against Parra. Far too often, the entire flow of a game will see zero calls fall Parra’s way, be they 50/50 or 100/0! Be they in spite of obvious tactics from opponents.
How many times do we look back in a match and say “that was a lucky call. That decision turned momentum for us”? Of course there has probably been a call here or there, but nothing significant enough to turn momentum around or indeed for us to remember like those pictured in this column.
Thank you again for your reply mate. Mum has started asking for a Canadian Club. Whilst we can’t provide her with one, it might be another way of giving her liquids – dry ginger ale in a CC bottle.
After watching the NRLW game v Sharks, couldn’t quite get my head around the next result v Warriors. The reviews seemed to indicate nothing much went right, the Warriors playing solidly.
Good to see them bounce back, the Knights will be a good test. Good luck to the team.
Continuing best wishes to you sixties.Tough days.
Thanks for your kind wishes BDon.
Yeah, the NRLW Eels went from an 87% completion rate and less than ten errors against the Sharks to 64% and 17 errors vs Warriors. It looked like they also didn’t have the right boots on in the conditions as they struggled with their footing. Then back to 84% and only 7 errors vs Raiders. It was an awful game vs Warriors, especially when they received an 8-1 penalty count in their favour. Here’s hoping they keep those completions high vs Knights.
We don’t know each other, but I don’t wish what you are going through on anyone. Awful thing to deal with and I hope you have the support you need.
I personally am all for planning for 2026. So I don’t understand why Ryles is giving up on Joash at 6 after two games – two games without Mitch. There is surely no scenario where Hawkins is the first choice 6 next year.
I also don’t get dropping Simonson. Russel has shown he can’t change the point of attack, can’t put his winger in space, can’t outrun anyone. We’ve all watched it. I would have thought he would want to see what he has in Simonson because again, I can’t imagine Russel is a first choice centre next year.
Cheers BA. If I’ve made some people more aware of dementia through a football website, then maybe my writing has helped. In some ways being able to do so is a coping strategy for me. I’m trying to balance being informative with my personal experience and trying not to take the personal side too far.
Until this form of dementia hit Mum, I wasn’t aware that it could strike in this manner. She literally went from zero to full blown with the severest form of psychotic symptoms inside two weeks. She went from 10 to 100 within a few days of hospitalisation.
The senior doctor told me that Mum’s terror riddled reactions are so traumatic that it’s not just a daily nightmare for Mum, it’s very difficult for the staff. I’ve been there every day for long stretches and been required to hold Mum during basic examinations. Those experiences will never leave me. But I’m not there 24 hours in a day. I don’t see all of Mum’s moments like that. Are the staff dealing with worse at night? Do I want to know?
Like you BA, if Brown is now surplus to needs, I would have liked Joash to get more time at 6. Mind you, I understand that Hawkins has deserved to hold a place in first grade. So the only assumption I can make is that Hawkins is in the mix for 6 next year.
As for Bailey, he can only be paying the price for his unavailability this year. I rate him highly. I think he could have been a fullback option too.
The refereeing this year is the worst I can remember. Some decisions made are so bad one might conclude the game is fixed.
Rugby League under V’Landy and Abdo has lost its heart particularly with rule changes that have in many ways contributed to a greater number of injuries.
As for Dylan Brown – his form this season is terrible – clearly his pride does not equate to his ego. $13 million – tell him he is dreaming.
Once they choose to leave then they are just a memory – who cares!
Once the season is over we can prepare for 2026.
Moses has to decide what he wants the most – a premiership or representative games. A million dollar man playing so few games over the past two years needs to put the club first.
For the NRL they need to clean out the referees and encourage explayers to join the ranks.
Also let’s get rid of those two blokes who have contributed to ruining the game.