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It is just the Harold Matthews and SG Ball Cups in action this weekend as they travel to Leichardt to tussle with the Tigers in Round 3. Both grades are seeking to maintain their perfect starts to 2026 but with Balmain coming out of a bye in both grades – what should the Eels be wary of ahead of their third straight road trip?
The NRL preseason hits its frenzied zenith this weekend and Parramatta find themselves right in the mix to claim the $100,000 prize. Jason Ryles has named a full-strength outfit as the Eels head to Gosford to face the Sydney Roosters. What do the boys think of the team? Who has a chance to make the most important final impressions? Which rookies are edging closer to a potential debut?
The first twenty minutes of the trial will tell us a very great. deal; the second half will be an interesting look at depth.
In the second half, the performances of Volkmann, Kelly and Brown are of particular interest, both the this season and next.
Reece Robson is reportedly out of the trial, up to 8 weeks out due to injury. I like our chances more without him playing for Easts. Robson will in my opinion be one of the roosters best players of 2026. He is a Big out for them.
Really hope we don’t try to flex our egos and battle against easts with our NRL players, I’d rather we played them for 20, pulled key players off, get most out of interchange players. There’s really no signs I’ve seen of teams killing it in trials then it helping them in round 1.
I’m Hoping easts only decides to play their key spine players for a short period, so that we can hopefully remove our key players from the field too without pressure to keep them on.
Just really want to see the NRL eels get in some good try line defence against the flamboyant roosters backs, that should certainly help our men better prepare for round 1.
Nothing substitutes the defensive reps of facing a classy first grade side like easts who will throw the ball around out wide, and give the boys a different look to what they’ve been defending against all pre season.
Btw, I think easts looks stronger on paper, but if last years anything to by, parramatta should hold their own defensively while 1st graders are on.
60’s I think we are a top 6 team this year – I’d be interested to hear what you’ve seen, is there a very big improvement on where we were last year at this time? That’s how it feels, I feel a sense of confidence about them all.
I actually think at full strength we are one of the strongest sides in the comp. Lots of really in form young players mixed in with Snr players who are leaders, very good dynamics for a successful NRL team in the current meta trend of the modern game.
Totally agree Muz. I can’t believe so many are writing us off, and the ones who back us are to just make the eight. As we showed late last season, we have the team and tactics to beat the chooks, we can do it again but, I don’t think Ryles will show them too much in a trial. Whichever way this game goes, we WILL turn it on against the Storm round one.
Yes Muz, I read an interview with DeBelin and was thinking along the same lines..our starting pack basically has 3 tiers of experience and 2 of age depth…and the age thing (Paulo and DeBelin) doesn’t phase me at all, with these 2 it’s a strength not a weakness, Paulo has a had a late life renewal and DeBelin has been in the garage for 75% of his third decade.They will provide leadership and push each other. We have general depth as well, it’s a good springboard to improve and compete.
Thanks for the Pod guys.
I notice the U/16s Development side play the Tigers at Henson Park (2:30). If at all possible, could you try to find (and post) a team list?
I’ve been watching as many of their games as possible but can’t put names to body shapes/numbers.
Ditto for the Flegg trial – Sat 2:00 against the Chooks at Henson Park.