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Sixties is absent from The Tip Sheet tonight but very much here in spirit as he does the ground work for the show at the Ken Thornett Medal presentation. Forty20 holds it down on the live stream as the wraps up the final full weekend of action before the off-season arrives for the NRL and Jersey Flegg Cup while Sixties transmits all of the deserved winners from the club’s big night.
There has been some big market action as the Bulldogs and Sharks lock up core talent on and off the field for the long haul while the Sea Eagles and Knights also made long-term acquisitions. There was one more piece of fascinating signing news with Taylan May rejecting a 3-year deal from the Tigers and the club then almost instantly folding to his counter offer.
The intrigue and drama of the finals is well and truly underway with Josh Papalii and Reece Walsh potentially injured at training while Nicho Hynes had his hip-drop charge sensationally downgraded within the space of 24 hours – is it another case of right outcome but troubling process? Laurie Daley is set to join the Sea Eagles as an advisor to Anthony Seibold. What does it mean for the dirty birds and for NSW?
Jack Williams & Paulo for me are hugely deserving of their awards. Obviously the others too, and congrats to all. 👏
Why in mentioning Williams and paulo is because I don’t think people realise how screwed we would have been without those two.
They lead our culture change. Not only from an effort & playing style while playing in the actual games.
From my understanding they’ve both lead the team in training and off the field to help Jason Ryles execute his vision and implement his desired culture.
Word is from every fan Paulo & Williams are extremely genuine and humble, kind, and every single player speaks highly of them.
The amount of games this season where Jnr had his second stint and it completely changed the course of the game is unbelievable.
Ado Carr spoke highly about Williams as the player to watch even before the season begun when he was on a few podcasts.
Iongi had one of the best NRL rookie years I have seen from a fullback. Huge fan. And I know this might be controversial, I have Ryley smith ahead of him in terms of importance to this squad.
Ryley smiths kick pressure alone has single handedly changed the outcome of games. Ryley smiths is probably more effective for parramatta than Reed Mahoney would be if he came back. And Reed is still a top 5 hooker in the NRL respectively.
And the amount of difference it makes when Ryley smith comes on is so noticeable even in attack.
I also wish there was a most improved award because Sean Russel has improved massively and Josh Ado Carr instructing him is largely why.
This year has proven to us how important it is to have substantial investment into your outside backs – Josh Ado car and Lomax has completely transformed our side (especially when Moses is there to feed them quality ball).
Last but not least: we scored our highest points in a NRL game since 2007 on the weekend! 4th highest points scored in any eels game!
You simply could not have achieved that without high quality backs like Josh Addo Carr – he has been a revelation for us in 2025. 🦊
Love the passion and insight Muz. Great thoughts on all the winners and those in the periphery.
Russell would have been a deserved winner for a ‘Most Improved’ gong without a doubt.
Yes fair call on all. Ryley is one of the most dedicated and yet team focussed players you could meet. He is a future leader. We spoke glowingly about the impact we anticipated that Williams woukd bring to the group. No surprise about his achievement. As for Shaun, he has developed into a Melbourne Storm style of player.
Great points fellas and spot on 60’s as I think you mentioned on the podcast previously.
Sean’s literally turned into a storm type player, nothing overly fancy, just 100% committed and following the system perfectly.
Josh addo car also deserved some type of award I feel like – a Clint gutherson award ??
Being the voice out there and truly being the spirit and heart of the team sometimes this season, his energy and passion is is amazing.
A fun show last night. I forgot to ask did Lane get a mention or a farewell lap before the game last week? I was there but I was away from my seat right up to kick off due to the heat.
He was mentioned as a departing player. He was also honoured at the KTM as a departing player and interviewed about his decision and his new role.
So annoying waiting for round 1 2026
Who plays 6 will be biggest question dont see why everyone pencling Joash. Lorenzo from what I saw from nsw cup huge chance being there.
Also who starts Kit kat or Kelma?
Does Tuivati start?
Da Silva can he start?
What happens to Bailey?
With the 6 question, I reckon it’ll be similar to how I remember the fullback debate being this year. Iongi was the front runner and signed to be the fullback but joash was also given opportunities and pushed iongi very close.
It’ll probably be similar, all half options given a chance which means joash will have to work his behind off to ensure he gets that jersey, Lorenzo been killing it so I wouldn’t be shocked if in a few months I’m hearing his name in the circle more.
Sebastian, I reckon you’ll hear his name, but he won’t be rushed. The fact that he’s got a double dev year contract says that he also understands that. I’m not ruling out a debut at some stage in 26, because injuries happen and he’s confident and talented. It’s a good spot for the club to be in.
Big questions Henry, but I think Joash has a big start on Lorenzo. Don’t get me wrong, the preseason does offer opportunities to push for selection. The thing is, that was Joash in the last preseason. His training track work demanded a place in the 17 but they couldn’t squeeze him immediately. So I reckon he gets the start. Lorenzo is a talent but this will be his first NRL preseason. That’s the unknown about how he will respond.
TDS will benefit from the preseason, no doubt. He’ll get to know his team mates and the systems better, but Ryley is of massive value in the role too. It’s just the minutes and whether an extra role can exist for say Ryley when TDS comes on.
Back row – huge battle!
Bailey probably moves on.
Sam consolidates.
Jack Williams has been immense literally anywhere ryles has needed him. I wouldn’t be surprised that if the eels start well next season he could find him self on the bench for origin, versatility to play both second rows, lock and prop, strong leg speed off the bench which is becoming more and more important and a bit of the tough put your head down and get to work that makes an origin forward.
Junior and jack very well deserved winners they were both so reliable for us this year. Josh ado carr is an elite winger he was worth every bit of the risk we took on him and played some of the best footy of his career.
I really hope the club see ryley smith as our future captain post Moses because the kid is a special player. I think his been one of the best finds in years they need to lock him up long term
You won’t get any arguments from me on any of that 1990. And Ryley is definitely a leader.
A bit disappointed Ryley Smith didn’t receive an award. Well and truly deserved. But who would you take one of the awards off. Not one winner deserves that.
I don’t want to turn into one of those people who think everyone should get a prize. So I guess it’s telling Ryley bad luck mate, keep improving and maybe you can win one in 2026.