https://soundcloud.com/user-644086018/the-tip-sheet-2026-ep-103
https://on.soundcloud.com/X42qlRRPXHVvvJ49JH
The Dolphins were over-matched in their first ever Preliminary Final as the Roosters cruised to an easy victory…but it was a different story for Newcastle as the Knights played out a legendary underdog game to stun the Penrith Panthers. Sixties and Forty20 break down all of the action as the 2026 Grand Finalists are settled in a decidedly red, white and blue affair.
The Tip Sheet checks in at Parradise as always. From Luai’s surprise appearance at training to the latest on Junior Paulo and Bradman Best and the Eels picked among the male and female PM XIII squads – the lads discuss it all in another busy episode.
The final – don’t you hate it when someone boasts after the event of a winning bet?
Got to boast – Leary and Yeo going into the game with major injuries, Talagai (unbelievably!) being slated to mark Bradman Best, the Knights willing to tackle like madmen; I thought the Knights price was absurdly generous.
This weekend? I think they’ll give an account but The Roosters have too much going for them.
Next year? Laui, Su’A major additions, Luhai reportedly coming, Hopgood back from injury – unless we have another amazing injury year we should improve, probably challenge for the eight, probably just fall short – lack of strike out wide.
Luai and Su’A confirmed. Leniu can probably be locked in. Hopgood and Doorey returning after missing just on full seasons are almost like new signings. I think the club is close to where they need to be with forwards, especially with the junior forward talent coming through. The captain obvious statement is that the Eels need outside backs. Best is both a good start and a game changer.
Hi guys just read that the NRWL Eels skipper just walked out on the club. Do you have anything on whats going on in the NRLW team.
Murphy didn’t walk out on the club , eels didn’t take up her option for next season, maybe a couple on contract who will be given a tap to go elsewhere apparently and I believe a rooster will be joining our women’s team
Michael, there are some conflicting reports around Mahalia. She’s definitely declared that her time is up. The club is yet to do so.
I believe we should chase Bostock instead of best
Best get Bostock, or leave the Boss Talk to Best?
Very good Horo
Rev, I’m fairly confident that the Eels will also talk to Bostock
My biggest frustration with Parramatta at the moment is the slow pace of their roster management, particularly their reluctance to move on players who aren’t up to NRL standard. Watching Newcastle’s back-rowers this season only reinforced that view. I knew Kitione Kautoga wasn’t up to it back in Round 5 of 2025, and nothing since has changed my mind. This is a club that held onto Dunster for the better part of five years and continues to sign players like Harrison Edwards and Andrew Davey. Taken together, it points to a broader problem with how the club manages its roster and I hope the new CEO appoints new people in the recruitment and retention department.
One point – Hayze Dunster suffered an appalling injury while playing for the club and lost the acceleration which had marked his potential; since he’d suffered the injury in the service of the club we honoured the rest of his contract and gave him every chance to regain his former abilities.
I believe it is right to see our contracts where a bloke has suffered a career affecting injury playing for us.
Fair call on Haze Noel
I’m beyond frustrated, and now the priority is to extend Ryles when he still has 2 seasons remaining on his contract? Can we get some actual results before extending people? He needs a kick up the a for turning Parra into a transit lounge, he has played a major role in our recent recruitment catastrophes- competency starts at the top.
Message to Moses- we need more than a handful of club games from you next year, time to repay the club and fans who have all been very patient up until now
Big Bob, Ryles is not without fault but he has had not just this year with a significant injury toll. Last year was ordinary too. He deserves a year with a close to full roster, let alone a better roster.
As for Moses, I think it’s grossly unfair to tell him to stand down from rep games. It’s not his fault that he’s our only rep player.
Good to hear abt the pre WC session- Sixties have you gone off early abt Ronnie? Hope he does well
Just saying that Ronnie was nailing his work Milo.
I know mate – had to say it. There has been ‘kiss of death’ names in the past. Ronnie will be fine for Samoa; and for us.
I also prefer the idea of Bostock to Best. Bostock younger, less injury history, and provides more of a threat in the air. Most likely will partner with Penisini who is already short and nuggety like Best.
Tallis Duncan would have been a good get – just re-signed with the Bunnies. Reportedly on $850k. How they can afford him, Murray, Fifita, Haas, Cheese, Wighton, Latrell, Campbell Graham is beyond me.
As I said elsewhere, I’m sure that when they can that the Eels will also talk to Bostock.
Best over Bostock every day of the week. Best is a towline specialist left centre, something we are very much in need of. Bostock is good, but not in the same class as Best. Bostock is desirable, but not a necessity, where as Best is a necessity.
Fair call on the immediate need Mick
Agreed, and I’m not 100% sold on Bostock. I suspect he’s the kind of player who needs the right scenario to succeed, whereas Best will succeed irrespective.
Yeah it like Parramatta can choose who they want lol.
Let me give you a tip, how about we go hard for both……jesh
For once I agree with you
Will there be any recruits coming in in terms of backs for 2027? It’s cool we might be getting something for 2028 but next year is a wasted year unless we get at least a winger and centre added to the squad
The whole back of house situation is taking far too long. The CEO should have stood down immediately and a new CEO put in place back in August so that they could move forward with reviewing and replacing those who needed replacing in the football department. NRL Clubs and AFL Clubs galore are already advertising and recruiting new High Performance leads. Once again we will end up with the scraps.
James, I agree about the urgency. If he signs, I’m sure that the goal with Best would be to negotiate an early release. But he can’t be the only backline signature.
BA – how long did you want the search for a CEO to last? Also, perhaps there are candidates who have been involved with teams in the finals series who weren’t available to talk until their campaign was over. I want a new CEO in place asap (read that as within two weeks of the season’s end) but this will be a critical appointment. I don’t want it rushed to the point where key candidates can’t be considered.