Tigers Lose Another Rising Star as Eels Snatch Young Gun Mid-Season
In a surprising mid-season twist, the Parramatta Eels have swooped in to sign young hooker Tallyn Da Silva from the Wests Tigers, marking the second promising Tiger lost this year to Parramatta. Da Silva’s transfer comes hot on the heels of the previously confirmed departure of Lachlan Galvin to the Canterbury‑Bankstown Bulldogs.
Da Silva Becomes Eels’ Latest Acquisition
- Da Silva, 20, was given the green light to join Parramatta on June 29, 2025, after Wests Tigers agreed to release him early into the Eels’ top‑30 squad.
- A dynamic hooker with 10 first-grade caps and a reputation as a “class hooker”, Da Silva had been quietly emerging behind veteran Api Koroisau at Concord.
Parramatta’s Strategic Reinforcement
This marking the Eels’ second youth raid on the Tigers in as many months.
- In May, they secured five-eighth Lachlan Galvin after the Tigers granted him an early release.
- Now, with both Galvin and Da Silva onboard, Parramatta is reinforcing key spine positions mid-season—a bold move rarely seen in the NRL.
Coach Ryles: “Correcting the Spine”
Parramatta coach Jason Ryles emphasised that securing Da Silva wasn’t just opportunistic—it was essential:
“We’ve been missing creativity from dummy-half since Reed Mahoney left,” Ryles explained. “Da Silva is the kind of player who can inject energy and structure into our attack.”
Da Silva offers a dynamic presence at hooker, capable of quick service and explosive runs—traits the Eels have lacked. He brings youth, skill, and top-30 squad status, all under tight veteran competition.
Tigers Feel the Pain
For the Wests Tigers under Benji Marshall, these exits are more than roster churn—they’re strikes to their rebuild:
- First, Galvin (19) moved for more opportunities in Brisbane, leaving a hole at five-eighth.
- Now, Da Silva departs on a whim—bypassing Wests long-term veteran plans.
Tigers CEO Shane Richardson acknowledged the blow, confirming that Da Silva left after Polaroid discussions and that Koroisau’s extension doesn’t prevent young talent from moving for opportunities elsewhere.
Mid-Season Talent Raids: A Growing Trend?
Parramatta’s savvy investment may signal a bold new trend: mid-season spine-targeted raids, using strategic mid-season timing to bolster results.
The Eels now boast:
- Lachlan Galvin, dynamic ask-forward for the backline.
- Tallyn Da Silva, impactful hooker to energize their packs.
What’s Next
- Da Silva will train with Parramatta immediately and may debut as early as June 28, depending on NRL clearance.
- Wests Tigers plan to reshape their spine, promoting promising halves like Latu Fainu and reinforcing their dummy-half options.
- Parramatta, now with two Tigers talents, look stronger and more competitive for finals contention.
Final Take
The Eels’ aggressive mid-season recruitment—issuing a strong statement by targeting spine talent—marks a shift in their rebuild game. Tallyn Da Silva’s move cements it as perhaps the boldest youth raid of the season, intensifying pressure on the Tigers and signalling Parramatta’s intent as real title contenders.
Want a comparison of pre- and post-arrival stats for Da Silva, or analysis on Tigers’ next steps in shore-up mode? Let me know!
