We’d be in finals mix if NRL season was longer: Eels
Jasper Bruce |
Parramatta players insist the rebuilding Eels would be in the mix for the NRL finals if the season were 10 weeks longer.
Jason Ryles’s men spent nine of the first 10 rounds in last place on the ladder but are set to finish the regular season as one of the league’s unlikely form teams.
The Eels have won four of their past six games, three of those victories coming against sides that enter round 27 in the top eight.
It’s been vindication of Ryles’ call to completely overhaul his roster, moving on from Eels stalwarts such as Maika Sivo, Clint Gutherson, Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Joe Ofahengaue.
In their place, rookies Isaiah Iongi, Ryley Smith and Joash Papalii have announced themselves as the next generation of Parramatta superstars.
“We’ve gelled a lot the last couple of rounds,” Iongi told AAP.
“Ten more rounds and we’d be in a good position to put ourselves in the finals. It’s just a foot forward for next year.”
Playing his 100th NRL game on Sunday, Will Penisini has ridden the highs of a 2022 grand final berth and the lows of three consecutive years missing the top-eight.
But the Eels centre is upbeat about 2026.
“The last couple of weeks we’ve built a bit of momentum. If we had another 10 rounds, who knows what would’ve happened,” Penisini said.
“It’s our first year (under Ryles) and a lot of people’s first year in the NRL as well. It gives us confidence going to pre-season next year.”
Gun fullback Iongi appears a chance to become the first Eels player to win Dally M Rookie of the Year since Jarryd Hayne in 2006.
The 22-year-old has blossomed since moving from Penrith this year, tasked with filling the No.1 jersey vacated by former captain Gutherson.
Having played one game for the Panthers, he would join Ash Taylor and Harry Grant as the third NRL-era player to win the award after making their debut at another club.
“It would be a really cool experience to have that achievement,” he said of winning rookie of the year.
“Mum said last week how much of a good year I’ve had. I didn’t really expect it to turn out the way it did. I’ve sort of just come here and tried to play my best.”
Iongi is still just pinching himself that he is even playing in the NRL.
“Pretty much every day since I’ve been here,” he said.
“It’s good to see the fans here at Parramatta as well, all the little kids that know me. It’s crazy. A surreal feeling.”
AAP
