Looks Like We Pinched Another Eel

[happy_tiger]

According to the Telegraph we've pinched School Boy Kangaroo Halfback Tyler Field from the Eels

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/eels/parramatta-eels-at-risk-losing-young-gun-oregon-kaufusi-just-days-after-losing-boom-prop-stefano-utoikamanu/news-story/c77f8953865d78ed65a4e1d6bedb3173

Hey Chris ..maybe this is where our recruitment falls down ....pinching players it probably hurts the softer ones a bit ...how about we just try signing them and a hug at the end of the wheelings and dealings

 

[Elderslie_Tiger]

Parramatta Eels at risk losing young gun Oregon Kaufusi just days after losing boom prop Stefano Utoikamanu
dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/eels/parramatta-eels-at-risk-losing-young-gun-oregon-kaufusi-just-days-after-losing-boom-prop-stefano-utoikamanu/news-story/c77f8953865d78ed65a4e1d6bedb3173
November 24, 2019
Just days after losing boom prop Stefano Utoikamanu to Wests Tigers, the uncertain future of fellow front-row prospect Oregon Kaufusi is causing huge concern.


******T**wo of the club’s elite youngsters have also signed with other clubs. SG Ball ­captain Trey Mooney has agreed to a three-year deal with Can­berra, while ­Australian Schoolboy halfback Tyler Field has also been poached by the ­Tigers.********

The Daily Telegraph has been told Kaufusi, 20, is on the radar of several clubs, mainly because the Eels have been dragging their feet during contract negotiations.

As with the Utoikamanu situation, Kaufusi is not off contract until the end of next season but given he is free to negotiate, it is probably no great surprise rival clubs are showing interest.

The Eels have been big spenders in the transfer market in recent months, ­securing Ryan Matterson from the ­Tigers and Reagan Campbell-Gillard from Penrith.

But some question the wisdom of not showing greater motivation to look after their own backyard given some mistakes from the past.

You just have to go through some of the names the Eels have let slip over the years, including Paul Gallen, David Klemmer, Luke Keary, James Maloney and Daniel Tupou, among others.

Prop Mooney is another outstanding forward prospect who was made SG Ball captain despite being a year younger than most of his teammates.

While the NSW under-18s representative is still a couple of years off being ready for the NRL, Mooney is said to be as impressive off the field as he is on it and shows tremendous leadership qualities.

The Raiders thought so highly of Mooney that Ricky Stuart has decided to give him a shot at training with the NRL squad over summer to fast-track his development.

Field is a five-eighth who has drawn comparisons with South Sydney’s Damien Cook because of his style of play after being shifted into dummy half this year.

It is said Kaufusi wants to remain at Parramatta playing under Brad Arthur but so far it seems the club’s management has been in no rush to get a deal done.

Like Utoikamanu, Kaufusi has come through the grades at the Eels and it would be a terrible setback to lose him just when it appears his career is about to hit the big time.

Kaufusi has had 10 NRL appearances but many believe he has the talent and deter­mination to carve out a long career in the competition.

Almost makes you feel sorry for them I said ALMOST

 

[yeti]

LOL - not even!

 

[Russell]

I feel sorry for them - sorry that they probably won't run last.

 

[TheDaBoss]

I feel sorry for them - sorry that they probably won't run last.

15th will do

With manly on 16

 

[Ponyo]

Reading through the eels forum, they seem to rate Kaufusi higher than Stefano. They will lose the plot if they lose both.

Stefano started the last 5 games of the season where they made the grand final in Canterbury Cup while Kaufusi came off the bench. Some games be played 60 minutes straight. I think they're a bit sour to be honest...a bit sour and salty

 

[Ponyo]

They've lost another young prospect:

EELS LOSE GUN JUNIOR

Canberra recruitment guru Peter Mulholland has struck again, picking up one of Parramatta's hottest young prospects.

Lock Trey Mooney was named NSW under 16s Player of the Year a couple of seasons ago and also played Australian Schoolboys and NSW under 18 State of Origin this year.

Mooney is an Eels junior and the club was keen to keep him on board - but he sees great opportunity at the Raiders.

 

[fair dinkum]

Awesome, now we just have to invest a few years into these young fellas. No doubt some will work out, some wont, just the nature of the beast. The better ones we have we will blood them into regular first graders, build up a bit of a wider NRL profile and let the Roosters swoop in and grab em just as they are hitting their peak in their mid 20s. Job done.

 

[NT_Tiger]

@Ponyo
It's almost like a massive Karma hit to the slimeys. Do unto others........
They're getting done!

 

[happy_tiger]

Yeah because signing two blokes virtually none of us had ever heard before their signings is far more important than keeping recognized established 1st graders

I know ...I know ......they have the POTENTIAL to be superstars

 

[dazza65]

All good, we’ll spend a few years developing them up nicely until they are at rep level just In time for the rorters or slimeys to slide in and poach.

 

[Don Kershane]

Good timing for them also with a healthy salary cap surplus about the the time they will be ready if they make the grade.

 

[TheDaBoss]

Madge and Brad Arthur to fight in the ring, winner gets Matto and Tuoikamanu, loser gets Josh Reynolds on a 9 year deal for 950k a season


from a reddit comment

 

[taika68]

Some great young Parra players there alright, Field is a Aussie schoolboy, Fainga a Fiji rep, Taipari a Junior Kiwi and SG Ball winner and all the other lads are NSW, Aus and NZ reps. Should be some great games against Parra in 2020.