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Stop stealing Pou’s scoops
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Stop stealing Pou’s scoops
A significant number of runs, in the Super League. If it’s true and he can actually carry his form over he definitely improves the side quite a bit, but you never know. Sam Tomkins should’ve been better during his time at the Warriors.
Having lost Blaize Talagi, Eels turn sights on Panthers for Ryles’ first target
Just days after losing Blaize Talagi to the Panthers, the Eels have stepped up their interest in Penrith’s boom young fullback Isaiah Iongi in a bid to make him incoming coach Jason Ryles’ first major signing.
Iongi, who made his NRL debut a fortnight ago, has been identified by the Eels as a long-term fullback option for the club after Talagi walked out on Parramatta to link with their western Sydney rivals from next year.
The decision from the Eels’ local junior was considered a savage blow for Ryles, but Parramatta has quickly shifted their attention to Queensland-raised Iongi, who has been a standout for Penrith in the NSW Cup for the last two seasons.
Iongi still has a year remaining on his deal at Penrith, but given he’s behind Australian and NSW representative Dylan Edwards and utility Daine Laurie, the Panthers are unlikely to stand in his way if he wants to pursue a full-time NRL gig elsewhere.
Iongi impressed during his top grade debut against the Knights earlier this month and is considered ready for the regular demands of the NRL.
His potential addition to the Eels ranks – following in the footsteps of J’maine Hopgood, who was also starved for consistent NRL action at Penrith – would give Ryles the option of shifting Clint Gutherson to another backline position.
Ryles has already told Regan Campbell-Gillard he is free to leave before the end of his contract next year, with North Queensland and St George Illawarra expressing an interest in luring him to their clubs.
Back-rower Ryan Matterson and winger Maika Sivo have also been granted permission to explore their options elsewhere.
The Eels have already started dialogue with five-eighth Dylan Brown’s management about taking up an option on his contract beyond the end of next season to avoid him fielding offers from rival clubs for the 2026 season.
But Iongi seems the most realistic option to come into the club externally, with the Panthers aware of the Eels’ overtures.
Talagi is expected to vie for the vacant five-eighth role alongside Nathan Cleary at the Panthers next year, with Iongi seen by Eels recruiters as a ready-made replacement to add speed to a backline seeking more pace.
Speaking after his NRL debut, Iongi said: “It was unreal. It was more than I can imagine.
“I’m still learning from Dylan Edwards. He’s the best of the best. I’m happy to bide my time behind him and learn from him.
“The cramps got me a beauty at the end [of the game], I couldn’t even stand up at one stage. But managed to come through with the goods.”
Stade de France to Wentworth Park: Roosters’ signing’s low-key debut
When Mark Nawaqanitawase runs onto Wentworth Park on Sunday, there will be about 75,000 fewer fans to greet him than in his last game of football.amp.smh.com.au
Weirdly it’s a swap deal that would work for both clubs and the players in regard to their preferred position.
Me too , the heart of a lion
There rolling!
I don't think anyone rated Talagi as a fullback, including us, which is why he went where they needed a five-eighth. Obviously they are pretty much identical in attack, but there are zero similarities in defence, and it's rare that a player defends equally well at fullback or in the line.
Yep looks like storm are too. Is this a rule change that didn't reach our club
Maybe or we just too stupid to implement
