'Always that worry': How Eels hookers turned fear into dynamic combo
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Parramatta hooker Ryley Smith has opened up on the uncertainty that came with Tallyn Da Silva's arrival at the club midway through last season.
The emerging talent joined the Eels last June after receiving an early release from the Wests Tigers. Many, Smith included, suspected Da Silva would walk straight into the No.9 jumper.
Instead, the pair have formed a potent one-two punch with Smith starting the match before Da Silva comes on as an impact player.
Ryley Smith Try
"When you're the hooker and you sign another hooker there's always that worry about losing your spot," Smith said. "We learned to put that aside and work together as a duo and we've been getting the best out of each other through the pre-season.
"He had a very strong pre-season and we're both picking each other's brains about how to get better as a player and a person. The combo's going really well at the moment."
Match: Panthers v Eels
Round 4 -
home Team
Panthers
2nd Position
away Team
Eels
9th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
After a Round 1 hiccup in Melbourne, the Eels have claimed back-to-back wins over Brisbane and St George Illawarra.
They will face a new test on Saturday evening as the Eels look to end Penrith's unbeaten run in the western Sydney derby at CommBank Stadium.
While Da Silva arrived at Parramatta with big raps and high expectations, it took some time for the 20-year-old to find his feet.
The transition wasn't helped by a challenging season on the field for the Eels, with external noise soaring after a dressing down from halfback Mitchell Moses during a tight win over the Cowboys.
Three weeks into the 2026 season, however, and it's clear Da Silva is thriving at his new club.
Tallyn Da Silva Try
The hooker had his best game in a blue and gold jumper last Sunday as he scored two tries to help the Eels defeat St George Illawarra.
The Dragons led when Da Silva entered the contest in the 32nd minute before the youngster swung the game in his team's favour with a burst of energy and unpredictability.
Da Silva recognises the transition has been tougher than initially expected but is starting to feel comfortable in Parramatta's playing structure.
"It's pretty hard getting used to the way the team plays and the different systems," Da Silva said. "The boys and the coaches made it easier.
"They knew I was going to get a few things wrong and mess a few things up, but they put their faith in me and continue to put their faith in me, which has made it a lot easier.
"The best part of my game is the speed and the impact I can bring to the team. At the moment [the combination with Smith is] working very well and if that's my role for the next whoever knows how long, I'm going to keep doing that to the best of my ability."
No one was happier to see Da Silva thrive on Sunday than Smith, who has embraced his teammate with open arms.
The pair have developed a close bond and work closely together at training to develop their games.
Ryley Smith Try
Smith recognises he has a game suited to the tough, physical early minutes of matches, while Da Silva's speed is most effective when taking advantage of tiring forwards late in the first half.
It's a combination Smith hopes will lay the foundation for more success as the Eels eye a top-eight finish in 2026.
"Tallyn's a very talented player," Smith said. "He's very fast, a lot faster than I am, so when he comes on the field you can tell how much the momentum swings.
"He has the ability to get out and just run. He's still working on his craft but if he backs himself, he'll be the best player not only for himself but for the team.
"I'll stick to doing the things that I do well and if he does his, then it will be a strong combo leading into the future."
