The boys have gone very early with their predictions for the Parramatta Eels Player of the Year, but that’s part of the fun when a new season is still finding its feet. With only a handful of games played, the sample size is small, emotions are high, and standout performances tend to loom larger than they might by the time September rolls around. Still, early calls often reveal plenty about where the team is at and which players are shaping as the Eels’ heartbeat in 2026.
Unsurprisingly, the early chatter has centred on the Eels’ senior spine players. The likes of Mitchell Moses and Clint Gutherson are always going to attract votes early because of how heavily Parramatta lean on them. Moses’ game management and kicking have again been crucial in tight moments, while Gutherson’s work rate, organisation and willingness to inject himself everywhere continue to set standards. When the Eels look composed, one or both of those names are usually written all over it.
There has also been strong early support for the forwards, particularly those doing the tough yards through the middle. Junior Paulo and Reagan Campbell-Gillard may not always grab headlines, but their metres, post-contact work and defensive commitment have laid the platform for Parramatta to compete. Player of the Year awards often reward consistency, and these are the types of players who quietly build a compelling case over a long season.
However, making definitive calls this early is risky. Parramatta seasons have a habit of swinging dramatically as injuries, suspensions and form slumps come into play. A player who looks indispensable in March can fade by July, while someone flying under the radar early can surge once combinations click. Younger players, in particular, often take time to grow into the season, and history suggests at least one breakout Eel will emerge as the year progresses.
There is also the question of context. A Player of the Year award is not just about highlights; it’s about week-to-week reliability, leadership during adversity, and influence when the side is under pressure. Those traits only truly reveal themselves over 24 rounds, not four or five.
So while the boys might be keen to plant their flags early, the smarter view is to treat these predictions as conversation starters rather than conclusions. The early frontrunners deserve their praise, but the race is wide open. If anything, the fact that several names are already being mentioned is a positive sign for the Eels, suggesting responsibility and form are being shared rather than carried by one man alone. By season’s end, the true Player of the Year will have earned it the hard way — over time.
Leave a Reply