3 New Signings

The Parramatta Eels are pleased to announce the signings of three new players who will commence training in the 2021 pre-season.

Centre Tom Opacic has agreed to a one year deal with the Eels.

Tom made his NRL debut in 2016 for the Brisbane Broncos and has spent the past two seasons playing for the North Queensland Cowboys in his 43 NRL game career.

Isaiah Papali’i has agreed to a two year deal, after playing 59 NRL games for the Warriors since 2017.

He has also represented New Zealand and Samoa.

Hooker Joey Lussick has also agreed to a one year deal after spending time in the Eels pathways in 2014 and 2015.

He went on to make his NRL debut for Manly in 2017 and has spent the last three seasons in the UK Super League playing for Salford.

Parramatta Eels General Manager of Football Mark O’Neill said, “We are excited to welcome Tom, Isaiah and Joey and I have no doubt that these three men will be a great cultural fit with our Club.”

“All players will add class, depth and balance to our overall squad and they will be relocating from their current destinations in readiness for the 2021 pre-season,” O’Neill said.

"No we signed those players because the pathways stalled during Covid and we missed two years of graduates coming into the top 30. By 2024 they were coming through again, which is why our reserve grade side featured 20 players under the age of 21…"

"I don't remember the injury from but I do recall sterling , Kenny , Ella and Grothe spent half the season or more in England . Price and Cronin carried the team till they got back "

Replies

Parrapete October 21, 2020 at 3:22pm

Welcome boys
MontoEel October 21, 2020 at 3:22pm

Never heard of any of them so they must be good. Is Joey related to Darcy? Who wore the blue & gold for a brief uninspiring stint? Is Isaiah related to Josh Papali?
- Wild_Eels > MontoEel October 21, 2020 at 3:23pm
  
  Yep, younger bother.
  - MontoEel > Wild_Eels October 21, 2020 at 3:26pm
    
    Hope hes better than big brother. Will he be a backup for Reed Mahoney?
    - Parrapete > MontoEel October 21, 2020 at 4:19pm
      
      You would think so Monto. I just read up on him. He is a hooker.
      - Sir Col "THE NODDY MUSHROOM" > Parrapete October 21, 2020 at 4:24pm
        
        Think he can also play bakrow - has speed and aggression.
      - Hector > Parrapete October 21, 2020 at 4:24pm
        
        Pete joey played in our junior system went ok then went back to manly
        
        Parrapete > Hector October 21, 2020 at 4:51pm
        
        Thanks Hector
        
        CarloEEL2 > Hector October 21, 2020 at 6:12pm
        
        Geez hope he is better than Darcy
- Parrapete > MontoEel October 21, 2020 at 4:00pm
  
  I don't think Isaiah is related to Josh, as I think the surnames are spelt differently