Just in: Eels prop“ Junior Paulo impressed by Dylan Walker’s leadership”, as he anchors his team’s preparations ahead of a high-stakes showdown with the South Sydney capturing the build-up to Round 25 against the Rabbitohs…
Junior Paulo impressed by Dylan Walker’s leadership
As Round 25 looms, Parramatta Eels prop Junior Paulo solidly anchors his team’s preparations ahead of a high-stakes showdown with the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Yet amid the familiar rhythms of training, it’s a fellow teammate who’s been catching Paulo’s eye for all the right reasons.
That teammate? Utility ace Dylan Walker, whose leadership throughout August has left a marked impression on Paulo and the rest of the Eels’ roster.
A steady hand in turbulent times
Walker, who joined Parramatta midway through the season from the Warriors, brings a wealth of experience across multiple positions—he’s played as prop, hooker, second-row, lock, five-eighth, and even halfback . It’s this versatility—combined with calmness under pressure—that’s earned Paulo’s admiration.
“Dylan’s been awesome,” Paulo shared in a media session this week. “He can slot in anywhere, break up plays, organise defensively, push us when we need it… I’ve seen that Michael [‘Walkz’] has really taken charge on the field at key moments.”
Those sentiments are far from idle praise. Walker’s ability to adapt—and lead—has injected confidence into the middle of the park, with voices like Paulo singing loudest on match day.
Refocusing after Round 24
The Rabbitohs’ latest victory, a gritty 20–16 win over Parramatta in Round 24, struck a nerve at the Eels’ camp . A tight first half had the Eels ahead, but the Bunnies turned momentum with second-half efforts—especially from Cody Walker and Tallis Duncan—breaking through to seal the comeback .
That result stung. “They exposed us,” admitted Paulo. “They clicked forward and while it hurt, it’s given us a real push now. We’re watching footage, picking up details. Dylan’s stepping up in that process—offering calm voice when things look tense.”
Dylan Walker: the missing piece
With Walker settling into Parramatta’s structure, his influence isn’t just positional—it’s cultural. His NRL résumé spans the Rabbitohs, Sea Eagles, Warriors, and now Eels . He brings not just knowledge, but leadership shaped by different environments.
In this era of quick turnarounds and shifting team balances, Walker is providing a clear, steadying presence: giving instructions, helping younger forwards read the game, reshaping the Eels’ defensive cohesion amid constant reshuffling of personnel.
“This week it’s been him,” Paulo added. “In video sessions he’s drawing us in. On field he’s the calming one—his voice is what we hear when things get tight.”
Paulo’s belief in Walker transcends the stat sheet. While the stats don’t necessarily show big scoring or offload numbers for Walker with the Eels yet, his impact is visible in the structure, communication, pulses and rhythms of the pack .
Stakes for Round 25
Taking on the Rabbitohs again, the Eels face familiar threats. The Bunnies have an edge, not just in recent form but in psychological momentum—seeking their third win in a row following back-to-back victories .
The Eels, meanwhile, have a chance to respond—to reassert themselves and slow Rabbitohs’ rise up the ladder. Paulo’s faith in Walker is as much about results on the field as it is about fostering a culture of belief.
Paulo vs. the Bunnies
Paulo—with his imposing frame, defensive work-rate, and hidden support-play nuances—remains one of the competition’s most influential forwards . But even his strengths can benefit from thoughtful structure around him: Walker helps organise sets, place the forward pack in optimal positions, and maintain composure.
When Sunday night arrives, much of the spotlight will fall on edge breaks, attacking flair, big moments—especially in a clash as heated as this. Yet it’s often the quiet, savvy voices behind the scenes that carry teams through—voices like Walker’s, which now echo loudly through the Eels’ camp, and in the ears of players like Paulo.
The path forward: leadership meets execution
If Parramatta are to turn the tide, it will come down to consistency in structure and intentions. Can Walker continue to marshal that across every rep? Can Paulo amplify that through interior control and attitude?
“I feel like we’re syncing up now,” said Paulo of Walker’s integration. “He’s not just in the team—he’s helping define us.”
The stage is set for the Eels to respond. Round 25 awaits: the fans, the ladders, the intensity. But this one may well hinge on quiet leadership, hard edge work, and the trust Paulo knows he has in Dylan Walker.
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