The Broncos continued their title surge on the back of Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam’s brilliance, with a legend branding Walsh the game’s most dangerous player on his day, while an issue has emerged with the evolution of the Storm.
RYLES’ GOOD ‘HEADACHE’
This will be the third straight season that Parramatta miss the top eight, but if you’re an Eels fan, there’s plenty to like about your club right now despite the lowly ladder position.
It has been clear that rookie coach Jason Ryles wanted to make a fresh mark on the club this season.
In what has been a rebuilding year under Ryles, several players were shipped out while many inexperienced young guns were blooded.
While there have been some growing pains, the last few weeks have shown that Ryles’ plan is starting to come together.
Ryles made the huge decision a few weeks ago to drop Dylan Brown, who is leaving for Newcastle at season’s end.
Given Brown is on nearly $1 million a season, it’s a fair chunk of the salary sitting on the sideline.
In Brown’s place, Ryles entrusted 20-year-old Joash Papalii in the No. 6 jersey. Papalii impressed in two games in the halves.
When emerging superstar Isaiah Iongi suffered a season-ending injury a fortnight ago, it appeared Brown would win back his spot.
Instead, Ryles moved Papalii to fullback and Dean Hawkins shifted to five-eighth to accommodate the return of Moses.
Iongi has been a breakout star in 2025 and could win Dally M Rookie of the Year, but has Papalii’s recent form at the back given Ryles something to think about.
“I think Rylesy has a bit of a headache though at fullback with Papalii. He’s had two games at fullback and he’s impressed,” Eels great Nathan Hindmarsh opined.
“I know Iongi has been very good as well.”
“Well he’s been their best player this year, Iongi,” Matty Johns responded.
“If you can make that work, if you look at some of the very best sides, the six and the one are interchangeable. You just have to work out who picks up the defensive responsibilities.”
