Huaraki, Mateo and Lowrie in line for Widder's role

Michael Hagan has named Weller Huaraki as one of the Eel's young guns who will be right in contention for an NRL berth as the Eels look to fill some of the holes left by departed players. Asked by 1Eyed Eel at last week's open training session as to who had impressed him of the young players so far, Hagan nominated Huaraki, Kris Inu, Blake Green and Junior Paulo as leading the charge.

"There are some exciting times ahead for the club," Hagan said, emphasising his positive early impressions of the Eel's emerging players.

Feleti Mateo is another of the young Eels that Hagan will have his eye on.

"I spoke to Feleti last night, he's just got back from [representing] Tonga. I haven't actually met him yet, I've spoken to him a couple of times, but I think he's an exciting player - a very skillful player - and obviously with people like Dean Widders having left the club you've got to look to other players".

Weller Huaraki, too, would definitely "be in the mix" for a bench spot, as would former Knight, Todd Lowrie.

"Todd Lowrie I think will do a good job and is quite skillful and has come here to establish himself in the back row," said Hagan.

As well as those younger players, all of the senior players would naturally be considered for all positions, he said.