There was so much good news coming out of Parra lately that I felt compelled to find the time in my schedule for this Bumpers Up column.

Then, with the finishing touches being added, the opening match of the World Cup delivered the injury that all Eels fans were dreading.

More on that shortly, but I don’t want it to detract from what has been an incredibly positive sequence of media statements from the Eels.

There’s plenty to discuss. Bumpers Up!

Spenny Lenny An Eel

 

It was regarded by many as one of the worst kept secrets, but Spencer Leniu’s contract was finally announced in the aftermath of the Roosters grand final victory.

The news could not have been timed any better. The Roosters enforcer had just played a game changing role in the 2026 decider, reminding the rugby league world of the impact he can leave on any match, including on the biggest stage.

Neither the Roosters or the Eels engaged in any media speculation about his future prior to this time, and that apparent “gentleman’s agreement” extended to the Roosters announcing his release last Thursday morning, and the Eels confirming his arrival by the afternoon.

The player market is full of such moving pieces. Clubs are looking to create cap space for certain targets, or they are looking to change the balance or shape of the roster. Players not yet free agents become the subject of discussions between clubs – something that is allowed when a club grants permission for negotiation.

When you consider the number of occasions that a player moves to another club with time left on their contract it almost means that the November 1 date is simply that – a date on a calendar. If a player wants to shift clubs, or a club decides that a player is now surplus to their needs, a new home is quickly found.

Maintaining professional and respectful relationships with rival clubs goes a long way to helping that to happen. Full marks to the Roosters and the Eels in this instance.

As for Leniu, he finished his time as a Rooster on a high, and with both Parra and Easts not responding to the media, fans of the tri-colours weren’t triggered to call for Spencer to be left out of the grand final team. It’s arguable that they might not have won without him (or Marky-Mark, Teddy or DCE)

The new Parra forward brings the level of intimidation that the Eels have not possessed for a number of seasons. And he knows what winning titles is all about. Are there concerns about whether the “red mist” could be detrimental to the team? Images of him taking on Kaloamatangi readily spring to mind.

My response? Eels coach Jason Ryles had a bit of a firebrand reputation out on the field. Perhaps he’s the ideal mentor to channel Leniu’s aggressive approach to get maximum benefit.

 

Your Favourite Eels Enforcer

 

In our Q & A podcast on Tuesday night, John and I received a question regarding the most recent intimidator to play for the Eels.

John nominated Beau Scott. I opted for Manu Ma’u.

Ma’u first played for the Eels in 2014 before moving to the Super League at the end of 2019. Scott joined Parra in 2016, before retiring during the 2018 season.

Manu and Beau were both blokes that players preferred to play with than against.

Parra had a sandpit at the Old Saleyards training facility that was used for contact training. Watching the level of ferocity that Beau tackled his team mates made me wonder about what he inflicted on opponents. I was told that he would also treat scrimmages as an education for his colleagues, with messages such as “is that all you’ve got?” in their ear when he’d take them down.

Manu Ma’u will always be one of my favourite Eels. I was fortunate enough to speak with him a number of times during his years at the club.  He genuinely loved Parra, especially BA, and brought a hard presence to the pack.

Just one look from Manu could intimidate, and the camera often caught that perfectly. By the same token, his skill level was arguably unappreciated – but not by those that mattered. It’s why he won the Ken Thornett Medal in 2016.

That night ranks as my favourite at the event. Hearing Manu, in the emotion of the moment, say that he’d do anything for Brad Arthur, kill or be killed, exemplified his attitude. Of course he didn’t mean literally killing someone, it was his way of saying that he has so much respect for the coach that he would give everything humanly possible for him whenever he took the field. Nothing would ever be left in the tank.

But it was what followed that will live in my memory. After he returned to his table, and all of the well-wishers had finished congratulating him, Manu was taking the time to just look at the medal. It was obvious how much it meant to him. I imagined that there were many thoughts and emotions he was going through at that moment, and it likely included a reflection on his journey to that point.

When he appeared to be finished reflecting I approached his table. He smiled and gave me a hug, then asked if I wanted to see the medal. Of course I did.

A few years later, at his final Eels function, I spoke to him about his move to the ESL. He was genuinely excited about the opportunity to take his family to England and to see Europe. We talked about what being able to do that for his family meant to him, and then he added one other important reason for going overseas.

He could never play against BA or Parra.

Hearing words like that leave a supporter in no doubt about what pulling on the jersey means to a player. Not that I ever questioned Manu’s loyalty or passion. As I said, he’ll always be a favourite.

Other Extensions

 

Eels supporters are starting to worry about whether Sam Tuivaiti, Jack Williams and Luca Moretti will test the market on November 1. All are under contract for 2027 but become free agents for 2028 onwards from that date.

Personally I haven’t heard anything about them heading elsewhere and I am aware that talks have been taking place to get new deals sorted.

Let’s keep that positive mindset going. Sam is a highly valued local junior, Jack Williams is a back to back Ken Thornett Medal winner, whilst Luca Moretti achieved his first grade status as an Eel.

I reckon announcements are not too far away.

Luai At Kellyville

 

I addressed this post season training in our recent podcasts but for those that aren’t podcast people I’ll tackle it here too.

During the finals series, there were some training sessions at Kellyville featuring players preparing for the World Cup, players in rehab, and young players wanting to prepare for the preseason. I caught two such sessions on consecutive Mondays.

First grade staff such as Jason Ryles, Scott Wisemantel and Matt Jay took players through their paces along with NSW Cup coach Jordan Rankin and Flegg Coach Mitch Lewis.

Luai trained alongside fellow Eels World Cup extended squad players like Mitch Moses, Junior Paulo, Jordan Samrani, Ronald Volkman and Jack Williams.

Other full time squad members were present, including Bailey Simonsson, Charlie Guymer, Teancum Brown, Ryda Talagi, Lincoln Fletcher and Tyrese Lokeni. If I’ve omitted any, it’s because each had their own needs or level of involvement.

Then there was a collection of players from Flegg or pathways. I’m not going to name those because it then forces speculation as to whether they will be in the full time squad moving forward.

The work was mostly conditioning or some specific skills that the senior players wanted/needed to work on.

As for Luai, it was obvious that he had existing relationships with the senior players, and he certainly looked sharp in his skills execution.

I don’t think we’ll see much of the World Cup players till January. Hopefully they all come through unscathed.

Mike’s The Man – Going Global Part One

 

After a global search, the Parramatta Eels proudly announced their appointment of Englishman Mike Rush to the vacant CEO role.

Let me make this very clear. The CEO position at Parramatta is highly coveted. It might be perceived by some fans that the lack of first grade success makes it unattractive, but the key numbers around the club in facilities, finances, corporate partners, membership, supporters and broadcast ratings places the Eels near the very top of sports organisations in Australia.

From the outset, the Eels made it very clear that experience in rugby league was going to be a significant attribute for any candidate. The club is in outstanding shape financially, and they have the executives below the CEO level to ensure that the work of Jim Sarantinos continues.

Without going into the fine details of his resume here, Mike Rush comes from a lifetime of football involvement at St Helens. From a pathways halfback, through to pathways coaching and administration, to CEO and assistant coach and head coach, he’s covered the gamut in English rugby league.

The feedback that I’ve had from a number of sources has been outstanding. He has an eye for talent, knows what it takes to develop it, and understands the demands on players and coaches.

His successes speak for themselves – five Super League titles (four straight), the Challenge Cup, the 2023 World Club Challenge over Penrith along with multiple Women’s titles and Challenge Cup trophies.

Do such successes mean anything in the Australian landscape? Can he produce similar success in the NRL and the associated pathways here?

That can only be answered in the future. But if the Eels had Matt Cameron as the prime target, and he couldn’t be lured from Penrith, then I’d suggest we have found his English equivalent.

For now, Mike Rush has taken up the Eels reigns from England and is expected to be in place in Kellyville in November.

adidas – Going Global Part Two

 

Does it get much bigger, or more global, than partnering with the iconic Adidas for Eels club apparel?

With global sales of just on €25b in 2025, the Eels have partnered with the giant in the industry.

Already, it’s evident that “community” will feature heavily in the relationship and in the marketing.

In the Eels official media release, Parramatta Eels Chief Commercial Officer Daniel Clifford said, “Parramatta is more than where we play, it is who we are. Our connection to Western Sydney is part of the club’s identity and something that has been built across generations of Members, supporters, players and families. adidas understands the powerful connection between a club and its community. They recognise that where you come from shapes who you are.”

It was backed up by Rachel Howard, General Manager, adidas Pacific, “Rugby league sits at the centre of life in Western Sydney, and Parramatta is one of the clubs that proves it. This partnership is about showing up properly in a code that matters to this country – for both the NRL and NRLW squads, and for the junior players coming through the club’s pathways. We’re here for the long term.”

The campaign to launch the partnership focusses on the emotion and connection of genuine supporters, as well as club legends like Peter Wynn.

Personally, I’m being inundated by supporters messaging me with questions about when the 2027 jersey will go on sale. That typically happens around the second week of November, and I’d expect that to be the goal this time. Please note, I’m not speaking on the club’s behalf here but just trying to give a rough guide.

Stop The Presses

 

In an extension of the good news streaming out of Eels HQ lately, Junior Paulo and the Eels have come to terms on a contract for the 2027 season.

It was barely two months ago that Junior seemed destined to link with the Bears. Across the board, the rugby league media were declaring it a done deal, and every bit of mail that we had at TCT indicated the same. I even posted a farewell on our socials before anything was confirmed, something I’d rarely do and lesson learned.

Speculation on Junior’s departure was one thing, but some of the rumours that made him look greedy were uncalled for.

Now that the deal has been done, there is plenty to look forward to. Junior has an important role, and not just for what he brings to the field as a skilled player and forward leader. He is also a mentor for the younger emerging Eels forwards, many of whom have Pasifika heritage.

Securing Junior for next season is not just investing in the 2027 roster, it’s also building the future and the culture of the club. Hopefully a role will exist for him at Parra when he finally decides to hang up the boots.

Stop The Presses Again – Moses Injured

 

The opening match of the World Cup was an enthralling match. The players, spectators, and the broadcaster all deserve kudos for making it so gripping from start to finish, actually from preamble to post match breakdown.

But the worst fears of Eels supporters were realised when Mitch Moses was again injured in a representative fixture. As this column was being written there was no results known from scans.

Please don’t go pointing the finger at Mitch. He both deserves and is entitled to accept and wear with pride the Origin and International jerseys that come his way.

My concerns are that something is going wrong outside of Parra. Eels staff do a tremendous job in managing any injury issues or niggles that have befallen Mitch. Whenever necessary, his training loads are adjusted, and his physical preparations suit his needs.

Perhaps these representative game injuries are all just bad luck.

Then again, as Eels supporters we need to get out of the habit of worrying about being lucky or not. You know what they say about manifesting your own destiny by your thoughts…

Regardless, let’s wish Mitch all the best in his latest rehab from injury.

Furthermore, let’s wish all of the Eels reps in World Cup teams, male and female, every success in their respective campaigns.

We look forward to you meeting your individual and team goals, and congratulations on your selection.

Eels forever!

Sixties