Mole’s season review: ‘Spectacular failure’ led Eels to Luai gamble that might backfire
A poor roster, a cruel run with injury and the failure of one-season wonder Jonah Pezet to make an impact combined to make it yet another season of woe for the Eels.
Parra fans had high hopes in Jason Ryles′ second season in command - but the team ended up finishing with one less win than last year and a defence that leaked far too many easy points.
The Eels have had a season to forget. Getty Images
Long-term injuries to marquee man Mitchell Moses and Isaiah Iongi, J’maine Hopgood and Matt Doorey hit hard and the Eels lacked the depth to replace them.
A roster overhaul is badly needed, but so far only two players have come to terms - Jarome Luai for a hit-and-run season and former Dragons forward Jaydn Su’A.
Five players with plenty of talent are going out, so hopefully the Eels still have money up their sleeve for the November 1 garage sale.
After Pezet failed to make an impact in his short stay at the club, it’s hard to believe the Eels went down the Luai route after his patchy season at the Tigers this year - particularly considering Ronald Volkman proved a revelation when given his chance in the second half of the season.
If Moses can form a potent halves combination with Luai or Volkman, there is some hope for a better season in 2027.
Insiders have told nine.com.au that the camp wasn’t the happiest during the season with several players on the outer.
The mysterious disappearance of Joash Papalii, a promising young fullback late in the season, highlighted the behind-the-scenes intrigue at the club.
Papalii wasn’t named in either NRL or NSW Cup in the latter rounds and wasn’t even sighted at training despite being injury free.
He is expected to be at a rival club in 2027.
Dylan Walker was great in the forwards, particularly coming off the bench as a real impact weapon, but is off to Leeds in England and will be hard to replace.
One shining light was Tallyn Da Silva, who finished with 12 tries - the most by a hooker since 1998.
Ronald Volkman and Jonah Pezet. Getty Images
Brian Kelly proved a smart signing from the Gold Coast in the outside backs while Josh Addo-Carr had his moments but got few opportunities from a spine that struggled to match the NRL’s more polished outfits.
Best player: Despite being dogged by injury, Mitch Moses was the Eels’ main man and his fierce competitive nature kept the team in many games.
Biggest disappointment: The Pezet experiment proved a spectacular failure, with injuries and poor form restricting him to just seven top grade games.
Key signing: Luai is coming on a similar one-year hit-and-run season to Pezet - and hopefully it will prove more successful. The former Panthers multi-premiership winner will have a point to prove after his Tigers stint ended so badly before he takes up his massive tax-free deal in PNG.
2027 gains: Jaydn Su'A (Dragons), Jarome Luai (Wests Tigers)
2027 losses: Jonah Pezet (Broncos), Te Hurinui ‘Apa’ Twidle (Perth Bears), Toni Mataele (Sea Eagles), Dylan Walker (Leeds Rhinos), Kelma Tuilagi (Storm)
