1 Eyed Newsletter
November 2025
🏉 ROSTER MOVES: BUILDING FOR 2026
Welcome to the Blue & Gold
The Eels have secured halfback Jonah Pezet on a one-year deal for the 2026 season in what shapes as an intriguing recruitment play. In an unusual arrangement, Pezet will then move to the Brisbane Broncos from 2027 as part of a dual-club agreement. The young playmaker joins a squad looking to bounce back under new coach Jason Ryles.
Re-Signings
In positive news for the forward pack, Matt Doorey has committed his future to the club. The mobile forward brings leg speed and ball-carrying ability that makes him a handful for defenders, providing important depth in the engine room.
Departures
Dean Hawkins has been released from the club, while Brendan Hands will continue his rugby league journey at Toulouse Olympique in the French competition.
🌏 INTERNATIONAL HONOURS
Our boys have been flying the Eels flag on the international stage this November:
Mitchell Moses was called up to represent Australia in the Prime Minister’s XIII match against Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby and travelled with the Kangaroos squad to England
Zac Lomax was selected for the Kangaroos but withdrew due to injury
Josh Addo-Carr returned to the Australian side, replacing Lomax
Will Penisini and Isaiah Iongi turned out for Tonga in the Pacific Championships
Junior Paulo captained Toa Samoa to the final of the Pacific Championships
Kitione Kautoga proudly represented Fiji at the Pacific Championships
🏥 INJURY REPORT
Zac Lomax finished the 2025 season carrying an abdominal strain that hasn’t fully healed, impacting his power and strength. The medical team has confirmed the injury requires rest for complete recovery, with the star recruit expected to be firing on all cylinders when the 2026 season kicks off.
📚 OFF-FIELD EXCELLENCE
The club has launched an exciting new initiative called the Eels Institute, creating pathways to careers in sport and business. This program reinforces the club’s commitment to developing well-rounded individuals both on and off the field.
💪 PRE-SEASON UPDATE
The hard work has begun! Pre-season training for 2026 commenced in early November at our Kellyville training base. Bailey Simonsson and Luca Moretti were spotted watching from the sidelines as teammates put in the early yards under the watchful eye of coach Jason Ryles and his staff.
The mood is positive as the squad prepares for what promises to be an exciting new era for the Blue & Gold.