The Official Club Announcement
The Parramatta Eels are pleased to announce the signing of experienced NRL outside back Brian Kelly on a two-year deal, securing his services until the end of the 2027 NRL season.
Kelly brings a wealth of experience to Parramatta, having played 190 NRL games across his career. A talented ball-runner, the versatile back adds valuable depth and strike to the Eels’ backline.
Parramatta Eels General Manager of Football Mark O’Neill welcomed Kelly to the club.
“We had an opportunity to strengthen our outside backs which was a positional area of need, and Brian certainly fits that need very well for us.
Jason and the coaching staff are looking forward to working with Brian who adds a greater attacking dimension to our game.
With nearly 200 NRL games to his name, Brian’s experience will be an added benefit the broader squad,” added O’Neill.
Kelly has proudly worn the jerseys of Country NSW, the Prime Minister’s XIII, and the Indigenous All Stars. A proud Aboriginal Bundjalung man, Kelly has also made a meaningful impact beyond football. He has been actively involved in programs that support and mentor Indigenous youth, helping to foster personal growth, cultural pride, and community empowerment.
Replies
Simonsson was stuck behind JAC and Lomax, not Russell.
He will still be at the back of the line, doesn't matter who is ahead of him
Could be wrong, but I think Simmo was coming back from injury and needed some more fitness and game time in his legs, and I think Russell had just strung together a couple of good games. Those two factors don't mean Russell is better than Simmo, but it's also not a reason to drop Russell either.
Simmo has a bit more speed and evasion in his game, defensively they are pretty close though.
https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/news-2025-parramatta-eels-jason-r...
Still wasn't picked even with Russell injured
Simmo seemed to be peeved off with a temporary entitlement issue, which was on the nose attitude-wise, and why the club was ready to open the door for his release. The main thing is it's all sorted, and everyone moves on. That's mature.
*A good dose of drama seems to come out of the Orr stable for some reason(s).
He had all sorts happening last year and I'm not sure what he's done to put himself ahead of anyone quite frankly. Kelly takes the vacant right wing spot, that's the backline sorted with minimal disruption. That's the way I'd go, Ryles may have other ideas.
If this is actually fully resolved, all involved put it behind them and Simmo has a good year I will be seriously impressed.
Are you saying there could be a case of biting of the tongues from both Simonsson and Ryles etc. over the fact Simonsson maybe couldn't get a deal, or a deal worthwhile, anywhere else so he is now just copping it?
No. We were out of the running when Brown was left out.
Brings depth to a position we've been short in for a few years.
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