Rumours and Stuff

[Poupou Escobar]

Well neither of those clubs you mentioned have been linked with him.

Not in the media anyway.

The Dolphins have a halfback called Katoa they are going to have to pay a motza to keep at bay from Rival clubs.

Like we had to with Moses?

I doubt there priority is signing a hooker on big $$$ with JMK being locked in and Donoghue as a capable backup who can play lock & middle as well.

Fair point that the Dolphins don’t need a hooker, but we’re not the only club that does.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Right price are you talking 400k-450k.

He wouldn't even bother talking to us if thats the case.

You knows whats going to happen when Perth come in 2027 & PNG 2028.

The value on everyone is going up with 22 more million dollars to be spent on talent across the next 3 years.

650k for a young talented hooker is going to be unders in 2027/2028

The point is we are getting fixated on $650k, as if that’s all it will take to get him. But if enough clubs think that’s what he’s worth then it could end up costing a fair bit more. Especially if some of those clubs can offset the risk of overpaying him by paying some of it outside the cap.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

The only thing I’ll say is this is exactly what we did with Brown and it always felt like we were paying him one contract value earlier than he was worth.
Other than that you are probably correct with expansion happening, there’ll be another redistribution of perceived value.

The dual risks of overpaying and missing out. It’s very exciting.

 

[Twizzle]

2026 starting front row
8. Arjuna Ranatunga
9. Aravinda de Silva
10. Inzamam-ul-Haq

mate, that's the whole scrum

 

[Grigor]

If he helps us win another spoon, what are we going to say about his salary?

Pou never answer a question with a question , however I will bite as you seem to love being one of life's great antagonists, he is a quality player who will improve us significantly as I'm sure will other recruits , we aren't winning any more spoons while ryles is running the show even allowing for the incompetent twits that run run the joint

 

[Poupou Escobar]

it's like saying Sean Russell only cost the club $200 k when we all know he's an average player

What is an average player worth?

 

[Poupou Escobar]

I don't know what the right price is, but the point is its not as simple as just getting the deal done by giving him $600k or so.

ffs

But obviously it's easy getting/keeping any player you want. Just pay them 'slight overs', boom problem solved. I wonder if merkins think we would've gone any better if we'd paid overs to keep Mahoney. He has won as many finals matches as we have since he left.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Pou never answer a question with a question , however I will bite as you seem to love being one of life's great antagonists, he is a quality player who will improve us significantly as I'm sure will other recruits , we aren't winning any more spoons while ryles is running the show even allowing for the incompetent twits that run run the joint

Well his record isn't good so far. We are bottom four in attack and defence and have won 36% of our games. Yes it's a small sample, so it's too soon to go predicting no more spoons.

If we don't, it'll be because we've gained a salary cap advantage with the new CoE and pathways funding, not because of coaching. Ricky Stuart is a quality coach and he's won a wooden spoon (at Parramatta of all clubs). If he can, then almost anyone can.

 

[Grigor]

What is an average player worth?

Divide the cap by 30 and you get an average price of a player

 

[Grigor]

Well his record isn't good so far. We are bottom four in attack and defence and have won 36% of our games. Yes it's a small sample, so it's too soon to go predicting no more spoons.

If we don't, it'll be because we've gained a salary cap advantage with the new CoE and pathways funding, not because of coaching. Ricky Stuart is a quality coach and he's won a wooden spoon (at Parramatta of all clubs). If he can, then almost anyone can.

Ryles also has only been involved in 5 signings of significance which gives him a 17% say in our top 30

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Divide the cap by 30 and you get an average price of a player

So if Russell is only on $200k then he is costing half as much as an average player? He would be helping us fund all the overpaid merkins in reserve grade or sitting on the sideline injured.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Ryles also has only been involved in 5 signings of significance which gives him a 17% say in our top 30

He's also been involved in pushing first graders out of the club and sticking a bunch of others in the lower grades. This has contributed to results.

 

[Timana]

So was someone else recently until had a succulent Chinese meal with Gus. To get him have to keep him out of Chinese restaurants until signed!

Get him to talk to Rheed

 

[lingard]

I reckon we are in with a great shot.

You said that about Galvin.

 

[emjaycee]

Ryles also has only been involved in 5 signings of significance which gives him a 17% say in our top 30

Any contract extensions since July 2024 would also have had Ryles involvement, probably more than 17% I reckon.

 

[Avenger]

You said that about Galvin.

I know, Gus told me.

 

[Stevie]

So for someone that has genuinely not seen or focussed rather, on TDS. Who can give me a decryption of what his attributes are?

I asked Co-Pilot.

Tallyn Da Silva is a promising young hooker currently with the Wests Tigers. Here's a breakdown of his profile, skills, and the potential fit with the Parramatta Eels:

Player Profile & Skills​

• Position: Hooker (No. 9)
• Age: 20 (as of 2025)
• NRL Debut: 2023 with the Wests Tigers
• First-Grade Appearances: Limited to around 10 games due to competition from veteran Api Koroisau
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Strengths & Skills:

• Sharp dummy-half play: Known for quick service from the ruck and strong decision-making.
• Agility and speed: Brings energy and pace around the middle third.
• Defensive work rate: Solid tackler with good technique for his age.
• Development potential: Still early in his career, but highly regarded by scouts and rival clubs.

Current Situation​

• His contract with the Tigers runs until the end of 2026, but he can negotiate with other clubs from November 30, 2025.
• Limited opportunities at the Tigers due to Koroisau’s presence may push him to seek more game time elsewhere
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Would the Parramatta Eels Be a Good Fit?​

Yes, potentially a very good fit:

• The Eels are reportedly one of five clubs interested in him
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• They are in need of a long-term solution at hooker, especially if they’re looking to build around youth.
• Da Silva could benefit from more consistent first-grade minutes, which the Eels might be able to offer depending on their current roster.

Would you like a comparison between Da Silva and the Eels' current hooker options to see how he stacks up?

 

[Noise]

Ryles also has only been involved in 5 signings of significance which gives him a 17% say in our top 30

Ryles signed JAC, Walker, Samrani, Kautoga, Iongi, Williams, Hawkins and Papalii.
Also involved in the upgrades / resignings of Penisini x2 , Hopgood, Smith, Tuivati, Latu, Guymer, Tuilagi
Thats half the squad and I've probably missed some.

 

[Stevie]

But wait, theres more. Would you like a player comparison with our current squad? Love the table!

As of Round 16 in the 2025 NRL season, the Parramatta Eels' current hooker options are:

Ryley Smith – Starting Hooker (#9)​

• Profile: A young and developing player who has taken over the starting role.
• Strengths: Solid defensively, good service from dummy-half, but still building consistency at NRL level.
• Limitations: Lacks the attacking spark or creativity of elite hookers; still maturing in game management.

Joey Lussick – Bench/Reserve Hooker (#18)​

• Profile: More experienced than Smith, Lussick has played in both the NRL and Super League.
• Strengths: Reliable, composed, and a good option off the bench.
• Limitations: Not a long-term solution; more of a depth player at this stage of his career
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Comparison: Tallyn Da Silva vs. Current Eels Hookers​

Attribute	Tallyn Da Silva	Ryley Smith	Joey Lussick
Age	20	Early 20s	Late 20s
Experience	Limited NRL (Wests Tigers)	Limited NRL	Moderate (NRL + Super League)
Attacking Spark	High potential	Moderate	Low to moderate
Defensive Work Rate	Strong	Solid	Reliable
Upside	Very high	Moderate	Low
Long-Term Fit	Excellent	Possible	Unlikely

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Verdict: Would Da Silva Be an Upgrade?​

Yes — Tallyn Da Silva would likely be an upgrade in terms of long-term potential and attacking upside. He could:

• Push for a starting role quickly.
• Add dynamism around the ruck.
• Fit well into a rebuilding or youth-focused strategy.

 

[Legal Eel]

Well his record isn't good so far. We are bottom four in attack and defence and have won 36% of our games. Yes it's a small sample, so it's too soon to go predicting no more spoons.

If we don't, it'll be because we've gained a salary cap advantage with the new CoE and pathways funding, not because of coaching. Ricky Stuart is a quality coach and he's won a wooden spoon (at Parramatta of all clubs). If he can, then almost anyone can.

It's amazing how much insight you lack into quality coaching. You really are a specimen.

Of course, this is your usual defence of the BA era by shitcanning the current coach...