Young EELS Star Stands Up

It's not hard to shine in a good pack - but to lead a no frills bunch of forwards when you are just 23 and making only your 14th NRL appearance takes some doing.But that's the situation young Eels prop Wiremu Greig found himself in against the Cowboys on Friday night - and he shone.Greig scored the opening try of the game and ran for 145 metres with the ball - the most by any Eels forward - to show the way in the 24-16 win over the Cowboys.Parramatta was without its entire grand final pack from last season - Junior Paulo is in the NSW Origin team, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Shaun Lane and Ryan Matterson are injured, and Reed Mahoney and forwards Isaiah Papali'i, Marata Niukore, Oregon Kaufusi and Nathan Brown have all moved on.But the youngster rose to the occasion and played the best game of his short NRL career, confirming the view of Eels coach Brad Arthur that he has one very special young prop in his ranks.

Campbell-Gillard replacement stands up

Giant prop Wiremu Greig is shaping as one of the big improvers of 2023.Greig has looked a player with potential over the past couple of years but produced a breakout performance in the Eels' upset 36-16 win over Souths.Greig shattered the 200 running metre barrier despite only playing 51 minutes and was a handful every time he took on the Souths pack.It's a great sign for the Eels, who lost a heap of forwards over last summer.

Eels youngster closing in on new deal

Much-improved forward Wiremu Greig is close to signing a new three-year deal with the Eels.Greig has developed into a regular in the Eels pack this season after serving his apprenticeship in the lower grades last season.The 23-year-old played one game in the top grade in 2022 but with the Eels losing several experienced players, he got his chance and has made the most of it.Born in New Zealand, Greig played his junior football for the Cowboys and also got a taste of rep footy in 2021, playing for the Māori All Stars team against the Indigenous All Stars.Big and strong, he is still a baby in terms of front rowers and looks like he will develop into a handy player up front.