Eels Urged to Seal Deal for “Outstanding” Hooker Tallyn Da Silva
Sydney, June 27, 2025 — As the NRL’s June transfer deadline fast approaches, pressure is mounting on the Parramatta Eels to finalise a deal for Tallyn Da Silva, the highly-touted Wests Tigers hooker widely hailed as a rising star.
Eels supporters and rugby league analysts alike have called on the club to secure Da Silva—described as a “class hooker”—in order to resolve their longstanding spina issue at No. 9.
Da Silva: The Hooker Every Club Wants
Da Silva, just 20, has already racked up 21 NRL appearances and three tries from dummy-half, drawing acclaim for his energy, passing quality, and maturity in pressure situations.
Despite a strong start at the Tigers, his pathway is blocked by veteran Api Koroisau, who is not only the starting hooker but also negotiating a contract extension that will delay Da Silva’s promotion to first choice.
This roadblock prompted Wests Tigers to grant him permission to speak with rival clubs, with five confirmed suitors—the Eels prominently among them.
Filling the Spineless Void
Since the departure of Reed Mahoney in 2022, Parramatta have struggled to fill the hooker role effectively. Their reliance on a trio of Hands, Smith, and Lussick has seen inconsistent combinations and a lack of spark from the dummy-half position.
Eels legend Mark Geyer recently commented on live radio, urging club bosses to act decisively:
“Parramatta need a hooker who can fire the spine, move the forwards and play with pace. Tallyn Da Silva is exactly that—he’s ready and should be headed to Parramatta now.”
A Move That Makes Sense
Da Silva’s manager, Mario Tartak, confirmed to Wide World of Sports that Da Silva would welcome a move if the Tigers finalise Koroisau’s future. That opens the door for Parramatta to swoop in with a clear No. 9 pathway and offer him long-term security.
A move could materialize quickly—sources suggest Parramatta have already opened formal talks with Da Silva’s camp. The player is set to become free to negotiate from November 1, but an immediate release would allow him to slot into the Eels’ system ahead of 2026.
Eels coach Jason Ryles has pinpointed dummy-half as a critical weakness. Adding a young, hungry, and versatile hooker is seen as essential to restoring cohesion in the spine.
Time to Strike
With the June 30 deadline looming, Parramatta must act swiftly. Once Koroisau signs a new deal, talks with Da Silva may stall. An immediate approach offers clarity to both clubs and a clear career path for the hooker.
Final Word
For a team battling inconsistency in the spine, Tallyn Da Silva is the upgrade Parramatta desperately need. Backed by data, expert endorsement, and ample work capacity, his arrival could provide the spark needed to reignite their season.
Act now—or risk missing the chance to finally resolve their biggest on-field weakness.
