The preseason rolls on in the new year and the Parramatta Eels continue to ramp up. Sixties has been in his element out at Kellyville with his training reports and the show looks at how the Blue & Gold are shaping up as we begin the gradual turn towards the trial games. Parramatta have locked up another exciting prospect with young forward Max Popo committing to the club until the end of 2028. It marks another priority junior retention for the Eels and the boys review how the club now stands with its young prospects.

Speaking of juniors, the pathways are just about in full stride now as they prepare for the launch of their competitions early in February. With trials against the Bulldogs set to solidify each squad, the boys forecast how the junior representatives are set to stack up.

The Bears continue to build towards their 2027 debut with another pair of NRL additions. After raiding the Eels for Sean Russell, Mal Meninga then turned to Melbourne where he nabbed Nick Meaney and Tyran Wishart. It marks Perth's most successful recruitment drive to date - so how are they stacking up? NRL clubs are pushing back against constant rule changes as they present a unified front to the governing body. It feels like a similar sentiment to the majority of fans, so how will it all play out?