NSW Cup Update: Injuries, Awards Night, and the Eels’ Triumphant End to the Regular Season
The Parramatta Eels’ NSW Cup campaign has been filled with highs, challenges, and unforgettable moments. As the team prepares for the crucial stages of the season, three key stories have dominated the headlines: the latest injury update, the glamour of the Ken Thornett Medal night, and the stunning Round 27 performance against Newcastle, where the Eels ended the Knights’ campaign on a sour note with a resounding victory.
Injury Update: Simonsson’s Heartbreaking Exclusion
The most significant news on the injury front is the exclusion of Bailey Simonsson, who will not feature in the Eels’ semi-final clash due to a lingering hamstring issue. Simonsson, who has been an electric force in the backline all season, was desperately unlucky to sustain the injury late in training last week.
Eels medical staff confirmed that Simonsson’s recovery will require careful management, ruling him out for at least several weeks. It is a cruel blow for the winger, who has provided speed, power, and consistency on the edge, as well as for coach Jason Ryles, who must now adjust his tactical plans heading into the finals.
Other injury updates included cautious optimism for several fringe players, with a handful expected to return to training in the next fortnight. The Eels will lean heavily on their depth, with replacements eager to prove themselves under the finals spotlight.
Ken Thornett Medal Night: Celebrating Excellence
Off the field, the spotlight turned to the annual Ken Thornett Medal night, where the club came together to celebrate the season’s best performers. Named after the legendary Parramatta fullback, the medal remains the highest individual honor at the club, symbolizing not just on-field excellence but also leadership and character.
The night was filled with emotion as players, staff, and fans reflected on a rollercoaster year. Key awards included recognition for the Players’ Player, Rookie of the Year, and the Community Spirit Award, which highlights contributions beyond the field.
While anticipation swirled around who would take home the prestigious Ken Thornett Medal, what stood out most was the unity and passion within the Eels family. Several speeches highlighted the importance of resilience, teamwork, and connection with the fans. Captain Mitchell Moses praised the club’s supporters, saying: “This year has shown what it means to wear the blue and gold—we’re not just a team, we’re a community.”
Round 27: Eels Crush Knights, Wooden Spoon Secured
The biggest storyline on the field came in Round 27, as the Eels stormed past the Newcastle Knights in a dominant display that confirmed Newcastle’s finish with the dreaded wooden spoon.
The match was nothing short of spectacular for Parramatta, with Josh Addo-Carr delivering a blistering performance capped off by a hat-trick. His speed and finishing ability tore the Knights apart, leaving the defense scrambling all evening. Addo-Carr’s hat-trick was met with thunderous applause from the Eels faithful, who have come to adore his flair and game-changing brilliance.
Beyond Addo-Carr, the Eels’ forward pack laid the platform for victory, bullying Newcastle through the middle and setting the tempo for their backs to exploit. Moses orchestrated play with his usual poise, while Clint Gutherson showcased his leadership at fullback, ensuring the Knights never found a way back into the contest.
For Newcastle, the result was a sobering end to a difficult campaign. Despite flashes of fight, their defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed, and their attack lacked the spark needed to compete with a well-drilled Parramatta side. The wooden spoon was a bitter pill to swallow, with fans demanding answers and immediate changes heading into 2026.
What It All Means
The three storylines—the injury to Simonsson, the celebration of the Ken Thornett Medal night, and the emphatic Round 27 victory—highlight the multifaceted nature of the Eels’ journey this season. On one hand, the club is dealing with setbacks that test its resilience, while on the other, it has showcased brilliance and celebrated the deep values that make Parramatta unique.
As finals approach, the absence of Simonsson will test the team’s depth and adaptability. However, the energy from their Round 27 triumph and the spirit showcased during Ken Thornett Medal night will undoubtedly serve as inspiration.
For the fans, the message is clear: this team is building something special. The combination of young talent, seasoned leaders, and a shared commitment to excellence positions the Eels not just as contenders this season, but as a club with its eyes firmly set on long-term success.
