I’m stunned by the number of pundits prepared to write off the Eels chances in 2023 well before a ball has been kicked in anger. Such opinion is mostly based on the number of forwards who departed the club at…
Eels Pre-Season Training – November 28 To December 2, 2022: The Squad Lifts As Hodgson Watch Continues
We are now four weeks in and this collection of new faces at Eels training is settling in to a rhythm. Given that many are young pathways products, new recruits or upgraded contracts, I’d suggest that after this week…
Bumpers Up – November 29, 2022: A Clearer Future?
For most NRL fans, the start of every preseason brings renewed hope for what lies ahead. After typically winding up the season before with “maybe next year”, we find ways to see the promise in the future. After hitting the…
Eels Pre-Season Training – November 21 To 25, 2022: Hodgson Impresses
Though many established NRL players remain on annual leave, preseason training got a little more intense this week with the return of more of the full time squad. Much anticipation has surrounded the arrival of English international Josh Hodgson. At…
Rookie Watch 2023 Part 2 – Jersey Flegg & NRLW Development Squad
Part 2 of the 2023 Rookie Watch is here as we take a gander at the fine young men and women of the Jersey Flegg and NRLW Development squads. Limiting myself to just five players in the Jersey Flegg proved…
Eels Pre-Season Training Report – November 14 to 18, 2022: A Bit More Barrett
It’s week two of the preseason and more players are making their return this week. The core group of “senior” players now sits at around 12. Because the Jersey Flegg preseason commenced this week, the younger pathways players will only…
Bumpers Up – November 4, 2022: World Cup Notables And The Tigers PR Machine
I don’t understand the negative talk surrounding the Rugby League World Cup. Apart from some broadcast issues and the less than ideal times, I’ve enjoyed the footy on display. Yes, there are the minnows of the tournament, but for…
Eels Round One 2023 Team List – An Early Call
The 2023 NRL pre-season is due to commence for some players and clubs in early November. Those that didn’t qualify for finals football will be amongst the first to return to the training track. For the Parramatta Eels, early returns…
Parramatta Eels Junior League Presentation Night – Award Winners
The 2022 Parramatta Eels Junior Rugby League season was finally wrapped up following Tuesday’s official presentation night. Held at Oatlands House, the event recognised some of the outstanding achievements of the Parramatta District Junior Rugby League Clubs. Over the last…
The Spotlight – Rewarding NRL Development Clubs: Introducing Value Added Contracts
Should NRL clubs be rewarded when it comes to retaining players that they have developed? It’s a topic that’s raised every year, and no matter how often it’s been discussed, the answer has never been found. Penrith is currently the…