What team list will Eels supporters be reading come round one in 2026?
Pay no attention to mainstream media speculation. At least one journo recently read a typo on the NRL website as gospel and had the Eels extending Haze Dunster till the end of 2030.
Barring unforeseen injuries, most Parra punters will go close to correctly naming the backline and the starting pack. The greatest discussion will likely centre on who gets the run-on gig and who finds themselves on the interchange.
Unfortunately, we can’t rule out the unexpected. As a reminder, here is the team that took the field in round one against the Storm this year.
1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Sean Russell 3. Will Penisini 4. Zac Lomax 5. Jake Tago 6. Dylan Brown 7. Ronald Volkman 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Brendan Hands 10. Junior Paulo 11. Jack Williams 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Ryley Smith 15. Matt Doorey 17. Charlie Guymer 21. Sam Tuivaiti 18th man – 20. Toni Mataele
If you correctly named 12 or 13 of that team list back in December 2024, you did exceptionally well. Or you’re just full of arse!
So, in naming my predicted round one team, I’m basing it on last season’s form, their efforts on the training track during this preseason, and making the assumption that all will be fit for the season opener.
Jason Ryles – who will get the nod from the head coach?
I’m also attempting to put on Jason Ryles’ hat, and in doing so I’m considering both his past selections in addition to how he has utilised players thus far in this preseason.
My predicted round one team is as follows:
1 Iongi
2 Simonsson
3 Penisini
4 Russell
5 Addo-Carr
6 Pezet
7 Moses
8 Paulo
9 Smith
10 De Belin
11Williams
12 Tuilagi
13 Hopgood
14 Da Silva
15 Walker
16 Kautoga
17/18 Moretti/Doorey/Tuivaiti/Papalii/Samrani/Guymer
And so to some detailed rationale for my selections.
I don’t think that the backline requires any explanation. It’s straight forward and if an outside back is unavailable they will likely, at this stage, select Jordan Samrani.
If either half is injured, or even Iongi, Joash Papalii gets the gig.
Does De Belin start?
The pack will create more debate. For example, will Jack De Belin start? Is it possible that J’maine Hopgood will be a starting prop rather than the run on lock? Will Ryles use Jack Williams in the middle or on an edge?
Those questions honestly haven’t been answered at training. In fact, based on what I’ve witnessed, any of those options remains a possibility.
As for the bench, I consider the first three that I’ve named are close to certainties.
Tallyn Da Silva has been electric in the opposed sessions, and Ryles has already shown his hand in the latter part of 2025 that he would select both dummy halves in his 17.
TDS is looking forward to 26
Dylan Walker is a key component of the Eels attack. Ryles originally wanted to turn Gutherson into a “Walkeresque” interchange player. He ended up signing the real deal.
Though primarily an edge player, Kelma Tuilagi coming into the game simply moves Jack Williams to the middle. Kelma has also started this preseason in dynamic fashion and if he continues in that vein after Christmas, he’ll be writing his own ticket to the top grade.
The final position on the bench gets tricky. If Ryles opts for a middle option he chooses from Moretti, Doorey or Tuivaiti. Luca’s footwork and leg speed is second to none in the forwards. Likewise, Doorey probably runs the best lines of anyone in the club. Finally, Sam is a future star of the club, the prototype big/mobile prop.
Sam Tuivaiti
In contrast to those players, Charlie Guymer is the one with the biggest motor. He can play long minutes, and could play dummy half in a pinch.
Then again, Ryles might look to cover the back line. If that’s the case then Jordan Samrani and Joash Papalii come into calculations. Jordan can play centre or wing, and of course second row.
Joash made his debut off the bench and did exceptionally well in the unfamiliar role of winger for nearly 80 minutes. His capacity to play in the spine is already established.
There we have it. There are other players who are likely to be called on during the season. Toni Mataele, Ronald Volkman or Jake Tago are candidates there. There might even be a debutant such as Will Latu, Tyrese Lokeni, Apa Twidle, Jezaiah Funa-Iuta, Saxon Pryke, Teancum Brown, Richie Penisini or Araz Nanva. Sometimes that first NRL gig comes a bit earlier than planned (see Ryley Smith and Sam Tuivaiti)
However, this post is sticking to Round One only, and as it stands there will be players with strong credentials who end up missing out. Who will count themselves as unlucky?
Go on – have a crack at naming your own team list.
We’ll see who gets closest to the mark in just over two months.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Images courtesy Eels media.
I think you have nailed it Sixties.
Position number 17 for mine needs to be another middle who can provide impact, I think it will be one of either Moretti or Doorey.
Sam T I have no doubt will have the best career of the three but he is only young and missed a fair bit of footy at the end of the year. Getting some Cup games into him early to get him back up to speed won’t hurt at all.
Samrani is your perfect 18th man
Your thoughts are probably on the money zest. Let’s hope that the rest of the preseason and the trials doesn’t impact availability.
On the money Sixties!
This team list shows just how much depth Ryles has brought in and how he has brought the best out of the youngsters. Add Keon for 2027 and suddenly we have an elite forward pack, some with lots of experience, some in their prime and some with huge potential. Great balance!
Genuine competition and depth in the forwards. Should be a youthful NSW Cup team.
Nailed it imo , I think if we sign Kelly he’d be first cab off the rank , I’m suprised we haven’t gone after Sloan as he has pace which ryles loves and yes defensively weak but that can be rectified
I’m an advocate for chasing Sloan. I think the goal would be a couple of outside backs and he’d be on my list.
My pack and bench looks like this:
8. Paulo
9.Smith
10. Hopgood
11. Williams
12. Kautoga
13. JDB
14. TDS
15. Walker
16. Tuilagi
17. Moretti
To be clear I’m not sure if this is how Ryles will go – but it’s what I think is the best configuration.
I thought hopgood at prop really simplified his game and brought the best out of him last year. I’ve noted in the preseason reports that JDBs ball playing has been noted and think this suits him better to 13 to start before Walker comes on. The 17 spot really could come down to a lot of options so take your pick there. The rotations will be fascinating. I think with JDB and Williams there are lots of guys that can cover a middle role if needed which gives Ryles flexibility with his bench.
While at the moment I’m astounded by the depth of that list – the reality is over the course of the season we will more than likely have to call on all of these guys at one point or another. They’ll all get their shot and it will depend who is ready to take it!
Also, kautoga over kelma in the starting side is just a coin toss for me. I don’t think you’re gonna lose either way but it will come down to the wire between those two I think! My preference is to continue to start the young up and coming superstar
Ollie, like you I think that Gideon is a future superstar. He and Kelma could easily play either side of the ruck with Williams in the middle. As for JDB and Hoppy, I too thought Hoppy improved with a simplified middle role. Could it be that it helped his confidence and he’s ready to go back to 13 now?
Agree with this Ollie.
60s – any thoughts on Matto’s training? If he gets back to form, we have some good forwards selection headaches. Backline depth however clearly a problem.
Matto has been in rehab for most of his time this preseason so I’m not seeing anything to comment on.
Walker will start at 13. The way he combined with Moses at the backend of last season when he started and played 60 min changed our game.
He is a better player than hop and jab in every aspect.
No doubt Walker is instrumental in our play. I still see him starting off the bench then playing good minutes. It will be an interesting use if the bench this season.
Still not there yet with a top 6 roster but Ryles should be commended. Mark Oneill on the other hand continues to hold his job after repeated recruitment failures and poor roster management? Looks like he’ll be saved by Ryles decision making on players now that he holds the keys. Wow.
Go parra!
Ok Josh, what recruitment failures. Why do you blame MON if we don’t land a player?. If KK decides to stay at Souths, is that MONS fault? A player might be in talks with the club, he loves the coach, the roster and the facilities but, by your reasoning he won’t sign because of MON. Please enlighten us on who we have lost or failed to sign that was MONS fault.
I think we got every recruit right in 25, even the mid season.
The forward pack is impressive. The backline without Lomax is thin and then drops off remarkably if there are any injuries, which with Simonsson in the side is seemingly just waiting to happen. Talented young players waiting in the wings but a distinct lack of experience. Once again we have had players leave with little to no thought it seems in replacing them. It’s been an ongoing theme for years.
Yes there seems to be a gulf between our starting backs and the replacements. I understand that you just can’t materialise these players but surely there are one or two in lower grades at top clubs that need a chance?
For the life of me I can’t see that we have a backup winger at the club at all that could play NRL if it goes pear shaped with injuries.
Ritchie Penisini? The bloke just can’t stay on the field. Another Dunster. AMS is the same.
There must be a perfectly serviceable young winger with a bit of speed somewhere in NSW or QLD cups that wants a chance and has that duribility.
There have been suggestions that Jake Tago has been promoted to the Top 30 which reeks of not only desperation but smells so much like what happened with Zac Cini and Taumoepenu – clogging our Top 30 and no hope of moving them on.
It’s not a suggestion. Jake is top 30.
Agree well said. Can’t win a comp with those outside backs.
My two bobs worth.
1 through 7 pick themselves.
I loved Hoppys improved form in the 8 so he’s a lock in the front row for mine. JDB will partner him with Jnr shifting to the bench for impact.
I think Walker will start in the 13. Ryley in the 9 is a lock.
My edges would be Tuilagi and Williams.
My bench would then be TDS, Paulo, Gideon and Samrani.
Unlucky: Big Sam, Doorey, Guymer.
It’s all very exciting.
Spike, Moretti would be unlucky too. Your inclusion of Samrani’s provides backline and forward cover.
It’s really a shot in the dark to be honest.
I’m still holding out that we manage to get Brian Kelly before the season starts and if so, he will be an automatic selection in our backline.
He improves our team so much.
I have doubts about the durability of Simonsson and doubt he will play much football.
He’s willing but he’s just so injury prone.
Samrani is not a centre IMHO, he’s an edge but a damn good reserve who can play both if an injury hits us mid game, so I see more of an upside having Samrani as a reserve than say, Joash.
I expect Ryley Smith to transition to an 80 min player who will move to lock when Tallyn comes on. Terrific player and rep duties await.
I think our best gain is still Ryles. He has completely transformed the place.
If we have a great year expect the interest in his services to greatly increase.
The interest in Ryles services will probably increase. He has a genuine opportunity to reshape the club culture, playing stocks and future. Just like BA was the right man for that tough period in Parra’s history, so too is JR the right man for making the necessary change. The club won’t want to lose him or his staff, and likewise I think building that future is attractive to him.
1. Isaiah Iongi
2. Bailey Simonson
3. Will Penisini
4. Sean Russell
5. Josh Ado-carr
6. Jonah Pezet
7. Mitchell Moses (C)
8. Jack De Belin
9. Ryley Smith
10. Junior Paulo
11. Kitione Kautoga
12. Jack Williams
13. J’maine Hopgood
14. Tallyn Da Silva
15. Dylan Walker
16. Luca Moretti
17. Kelma Tuilagi
18. Joash Papalii
1. Joash Papalii
2. Mohammed Alameddine
3. Araz Nanva
4. Richard Pennisini
5. Jake Tago
6. Lorenzo Talataina
7. Ronald Volkman
8. Matt Doorey
9. Jack Hudson
10. Sam Tuivaiti
11. Will Latu
12. Jordan Samrani (C)
13. Charlie Guymer
14. Meni Luke
15. Toni Mataele
16. Teancum Brown
17. Ryan Matterson
18. Apa Twidle
My NRL and Cup team for next year.
– 1-7 pick them selves pretty much
– I think if he can get back to his strongest hopgood is one of the best 13s in the comp, either way the style of play ryles uses with his middles they all end up ball playing anyway.
– Unsure of kelmas ability to play the full 80 but I think kautoga can develop into it better, I’d let Williams play the first 20-30 on the edge before moving to the middle and letting tuilagi carve.
– I think out of all the prospects for the last jersey on the bench, Moretti is a quick pick. Ryles loves him as far as I can tell and he’s really taken a step up this year on the field, being a solid starter when called upon.
– Into the cup team the backline was the biggest headache. I originally moved Richie to the wing but with the news in the last few days I’d keep him at centre to compete for the open spot come 2027.
– Mo represented Lebanon at the end of last year I’m pretty sure and has been pictured a tonne next to nanva, getting more posts on instagram then his competition for the spot in AMS, and tago although I think AMS is still injured. It might be abit tin foil hasty but I’ve got him on my left wing with tago on the right.
– Lorenzo prepares to fight for a top spot in 2027 starting at 6 and partner volkman who was doing some great things for the cup side last season.
– the starting pack mostly pick them selves and has a load of nrl experienced players.
– Hudson moves to start at 9 for me after hopefully having a strong pre season, coinakis will probably stick in flegg and develop.
– the skipper now that Keir has moved on for me was anyone out of samrani, guymer or volkman.
– the bench ends up loaded due to our stacked starting pack with matterson not cutting the starting side for me unless he sees great improvements and teancum browns preseason being rewarded with a bench spot.
– could’ve had the likes of funa-iuta and talagi snag a spot but I think their development will be better for bigger minutes in flegg compared to limited off the bench in cup, although they would be my first called upon to step up when Injuries happen.
– if we get a Kelly or something I’d almost be keen to see Kelly on the wing, looked pretty good there in the final game for the titans and can simplify what he needs to do in defence.
Can anyone give me any insight on how Twidle to progressing?
I had high hopes for him, his path at fullback is blocked but I was hoping he would develop into a handy centre or at least slot in on the wing for cup.
It appears Nanva may have the jump on him for centre atm but I thought he would jag a wing spot ahead of Alameddine and Tago
In one of the recent reads sixties said that joash and apa were swapping time at fullback in the opposed which signalled to me that he hasn’t had a position change.
Because of that I didn’t put him on the wing in my side.
I do hope we might see a position change for him just because I’d like to see what he can do with a less blocked path.
Jake, Apa has been playing fullback in NSW Cup team during opposed, and looking quite good. He does alternate with Joash, who also alternates at 5/8 in NRL.
Is Jack Hudson still with us? Dont know if he was injured but seemed to drop out of the team.
Pretty sure sixties reported he’s been training with the cup squad? Not entirely sure though.
Sebastian, that NSW Cup pack and bench you named is the example of Parra’s forward depth, esp as you couldn’t find the space for the rising young talent. I think Hudson might still be Flegg? The Cup dummy halves at this stage will come from Luke, Niutili-Schmidt, and Pat Spence. Maybe Coinakis will get game time after starting the season in Flegg?
Richie Penisini started to find his groove in the last week before Christmas. He has an opportunity this year and hopefully he takes it.
I’m not sure I have Hopgood starting, I think we will see Matto coming back- could be a big year for him, he’s in outstanding shape
I don’t have Russell, Penisini or Simonsson starting in my team either !
I’m certain we are destined for the top 8 next season
Interested to see who you are starting ahead of Penisini, Russell and Simonsson…. Not much first grade outside of them outside of the handful of games Tago played.
Good call mate
Could be some cash splashed soon, I recon there’s a few more signings to come before the start of the season
To answer your question it’s too early to predict the starting team when we are still looking to sign a few big names
I was wondering who you were going to suggest ahead of those boys. I did say that things can change between December and March, but if we speculate now it has to be with who we have. Not sure how you rate Matto at the moment as he has been in rehab this preseason. If he gets over his injury, he’ll have a bit of catching up to do. I am not sure if his situation has been totally resolved. A fit and focussed Matto should excel as a middle. But, it’s been a while since we’ve seen his best. But like you, I think we are a genuine top 8 chance.
Big Bob,
Matto, to quote someone a much better wordsmith than I, is “a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma”. Wow he is frustrating. A lot of talent.
I think you could be right though. If he has had the heart to heart and sorted differences out with Ryles et al then he could be good for us. Being his last contract year is also likely to see his form improve markedly I would think.
Namrebo, Matto has always been a talent and as far as community work is concerned he’s a role model. He has to be in the shop window to earn his next contract. He’s behind the 8 ball at the moment, that’s just the facts. The club looked to find him a new home and he has been in rehab this preseason. But he has a contract so the ball is in his court as much as anyone.
Second row is the query. Both Williams and Kautoga are left side players. I think it will be Williams and Tuilagi with Kautoga on the bench. Paulo and Hopgood to start up front with JDB at lock. Bench is going to be fascinating, TDS and Walker with Kautoga/Williams, or both. Williams can cover middle. I think Ryles is going to have some selection headaches.
Mick, definitely some headaches await. But better to have a “how can we fit this player in” type headaches than the alternative of “who have we got?”
I think Guymer grew in spades last year and will be a mainstay in this pack.Will be a certainty on the bench for me. he also cover middle and edge.
With Williams taking up one back row spot (likely left) it could mean that either Tuilagi and Kautoga are fighting for the right edge. Perhaps one misses out of the 17 all together.
The pack is a puzzle that will change throughout the year. I also think Hopgood will need a strong opening 4 rounds to hold his spot. My two cents
8 Paulo
9 Smith
10 De Belin
11 Kautoga
12 Williams
13 Hopgood
14 Da Silva
15 Walker
16 Guymer
17 Tuivati
Hey metal, I agree about Charlie’s growth in 25. What about that moment when he gave away the try to Junior! Team first mentality there. Hoppy will hold his spot in 26.
8. deBelin
9. Smith
10. Propgood
11.Kitkat
12. Williams
13. Paulo
14. daSilva
15. walker
16. Tuivaiti
17. Tuilagi
18. Papalli
19. Guymer
20. Doorey
21.Samrani
22. Matterson
23. Matale
24. Teuncum
25. Lokeni
26. Latu
The depth in the forwards stands out Martin.
You won’t be far off the money sixties. Some random thoughts:
– I remember watching Moretti’s late teens highlight reel and still wonder why he’s been a slow starter in top grade. Injuries, playing style not fitting, labelled ‘mistake-ridden’ under BA, whatever, hope Ryles can realise his potential.
-Hopgood, like Will Penisini, showed real class early then got caught up in injuries and the team’s decline. I’m thinking wherever he plays, he’ll add value.
-I didn’t see any games, but Kautoga got rave reviews for Fiji in the Pasifika. He looked improved and promising for us late 2025. Keen to see him in action.
-DeBelin is no-fuss, no compromises, a bit of Beau Scott there, we need it. He also does the hard hit up playing for the quick play the ball, which will be loved by Ryles and Moses.
-Keen to know what Ryles has targeted in Tuivati’s game, don’t want to kibosh him but reminds me a little of a raw Bob O’’Reilly. Being a prop, Ryles will likely get it right and the Eels will benefit. Smash them Sam!
BDon, your comparison with JDB and Beau Scott is interesting. I made a similar comparison with regard to their training professionalism in my last training report.
Mr Sixties, I believe you are spot on with 1-7. Should there be some injury doubt with a winger I think Joash or Nanva would fill in. You have reported on Nanva concerning power and pace. However my first replacement choice would be Joash. Playing NRL fullback he proved himself under the highball. He is fast and elusive with good defence. He plays like a winner. It does surprise me not many like Simmonson. Sure he has had some injuries compounded by staying on the park too long and carrying hose injuries. He runs as hard as any wing but doesn’t necessarily have the frame for the hard work coming out.
I am surprised you went for JDB. There wasn’t much about him in your training reports.
My six are:-
Paulo
Smith
Hopgood
Williams
Kautoga
Guymer.
My bench is:-
Walker
TDS
Kelma
JDB.
18th. Samradi.
Injuries will take its toll and we have capable backups in place
Moretti
Doorey
Big Sam
Matterson
Everyone is hoping for Kelly however I consider Jake Averillo a better prospect – he can cover any backline position. A clever footballer who is very quick.
Should KK choose another club Big Sam is our future and I would keep him in the Reggies to enhance his game and stamina.
We do have, it seems, some promising juniors and maybe we should spend our money on them. It is still early days and the training regime will come harder and faster once we enter the new year. I am now counting down the days.
Hey Zero. I have been mentioning JDB in recent reports. He was also one of the last to return to training but I think he’s shown his class. I’d be very happy if we picked up Averillo. As for Bailey, when he’s fit he’s good in yardage. And people forget how fast he is.
I like Kautoga as a starter and I see JDB as a a thirteen
I’m confident Gideon will be a starter
The news about Brian Kelly is truly exciting
I thought he was representative class when he was at Manly. Presumably he’ll play left centre and combine with Josh Ado-Carr, Sean Russell moving to right wing with either Will Penisini or Baylie Simonsen, the loser moving to reserve strength.
Good shape iny view.