Parramatta are ready to let Joash Papalii leave the club as they step up plans to keep half Ronald Volkman in an Eels jersey.
The Eels had resigned themselves to letting Volkman leave at the end of the season but it is understood his impressive form in recent weeks has prompted a change of heart at the club.
That U-turn could yet have ramifications for Papalii as he finds himself languishing in NSW Cup in recent weeks.
This masthead understands that the Eels would not stand in Papalii’s way should he find interest at another club in the NRL or Super League.
That would in turn help the Eels keep Volkman, who has been a fixture in the halves this season alongside Mitchell Moses.
Volkman has played 16 games for the Eels in 2026 and registered six tries as well as 10 try assists. Prior to Friday night’s game against the Dolphins, he had been one of Parramatta’s best players after starting the season as an afterthought.
Parramatta had planned to put their faith in Jarome Luai and Moses next season, but Volkman has given them food for thought with his performances in recent months.
The Eels had put an offer to Volkman but talks eventually broke down when they landed Luai for 12 months.
If the Eels have their way, they will find a way to keep him at the club.
Papalii has played 13 games for the Eels this year but only one in the past five weeks off the interchange the bench.
He had been seen as the back-up half to Luai and Moses alongside young halves Lincoln Fletcher and Lorenzo Talataina.
Volkman scored a try in Parramatta’s 34-16 loss to the Dolphins on Friday night.
Meanwhile, the Eels have set up a four-person subcommittee headed by chair Matt Beach to step up their search their next chief executive given the impending departure of Jim Sarantinos.
The Eels had hoped to convince Penrith boss Matt Cameron to take the role but he has rebuffed their advances so far.
While it its understood they haven’t give up hope of securing Cameron, they have also begun the process of identifying potential alternatives to the Panthers boss.
It is understood the cub is on the lookout for a chief executive with strong footballing nous. As part for the process, the subcommittee is expected to take advice from former players as they look to ensure the next chief executive has the football department humming.
Replies
I don't think the club ever backflipped on Volkman decision. They were clear on how they valued him before and after Luai signing.
They wanted to keep him always. Just as a back-up. That hasn't changed.
Also, Joash is not a factor whether he stays or not.
I will say, I have no clue who the back-up 1 is next year. The market is really bare.
Sloan will soon be looking for a new club, maybe he would be good coverage for fullback and wings
I doubt he comes to be a back to be a back-up. A good starting Winger? Maybe.
Maybe Target Seb Khris. Can play fullback as well. Few different options out there
Kris is going to Titans.
Good player, didn't realise titans got him
Not yet, was touring their facilities last week, they are very hopeful.
That makes sense, they need a Centre.
Sloan is going to the UK...
But he doesn't really want to go, especially now Ryan Carr has left.
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