Moses: New-look depth changes equation for Eels

A host of promising youngsters approaching first-grade readiness and some handy off-season recruiting will make a difference to the Eels in 2021, according to halfback Mitch Moses.

While very reluctant to pile too many expectations on the up-and-comers, Moses told NRL.com he'd been impressed by what some of the triallists had added to the squad, including players such as centre Will Penisini, utility back Sean Russell, halfback Jake Arthur and lock Caleb Tohi.

The latter three were all playing against 15- and 16-year-olds just a few months ago on their way to spots in the 2020 Schoolboys Cup team of the tournament (or second team) honours.

"It's a massive step up but they've earned that, they've been really impressive at training," Moses told NRL.com.

"I don't want to put too much pressure on them but they've been very good at training. I'm sure the other senior boys will look after them. [Penisini] has been really impressive.

"They're full of learning and pretty keen to get stuck into it. I'm not sure what Brad [Arthur]'s thought process is going to be there. That's what's up for grabs and whoever impresses will get the job."

None of those up-and-comers are likely to play NRL this year, though Penisini is a chance as the year wears on, but some of the club's newer faces will also strengthen the roster in the shorter term.

Moses welcomed some support for hard-working hooker Reed Mahoney, with Joey Lussick joining from Salford and Nate Roache from the Warriors.

"Taking a bit of workload of Reed will be good," Moses added.

"Since he's come into grade he's been copping a bashing. Credit to him, he's been handling it very well. Reedy's still our number one man and I guess the club's shown faith in him in that way.

"Nate Roache has been very good at training and he's been through a lot of injuries in his career so it's good to see him get those sessions in so hopefully he gets a go this year. He's been through it all."

Roache has had a horror run with back and knee injuries, playing just 15 games in the past four years, but the talented rake drew praise from fellow Warriors recruit and current housemate Isaiah Papali'I, who was powerful in the club's opening trial against the Dragons last Thursday.

"I'm living with Nathaniel Roache which made the move a little bit easier to have other people in the same situation as me," Papali'i said.

"He's been going well, it's just those injuries keep setting him back. As a club I know they're not pushing him too hard to get out there and giving him that time to be ready when he's ready."

Papali'i's own move from the Warriors came about with both club and player happy to part ways.

"At the Warriors we had a mutual agreement it was time to move on then Parra came forward and offered two years," he said.

"I had a talk with BA and Buckets [football manager Mark O'Neill] and Peter Sharp and talked about what I could bring to the team and what they thought I had, assets. We built a good connection straight away and I was pretty happy to end up coming here."