Brian Kelly officially signs 💙💛

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

- LB > Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 January 5, 2026 at 9:25am
  
  If it is simply a signing of come in do your job and back to NSW Cup, that is a great signing.
  - Trent > LB January 5, 2026 at 9:44am
    
    He won't be in cup
    - LB > Trent January 5, 2026 at 9:50am
      
      I said if, but if he isn't chances are he is on the Wing.
  - Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst > LB January 5, 2026 at 9:54am
    
    As long as he has the right attitude, he will be starting. Slick mover. Let's see if he's also a quick learner. Having JAC in the team will be a added bonus with his brah.
  - Zip zip > LB January 5, 2026 at 10:03am
    
    Kelly is no Staggs or Herbie, but those guys are $700k-$1m category.
    
    Considering the lack of top line backs on the market, I think Kelly/Simonsson and Penisini/JAC are a decent backline.
    - LB > Zip zip January 5, 2026 at 10:33am
      
      Kelly would be with JAC, which is great as JAC is a great defensive communicator.
Adam Magrath January 5, 2026 at 9:38am

Zac who?
- Randy Handlinger > Adam Magrath January 5, 2026 at 10:14am
  
  I think he is an ex-footballer with big hands who threw away a lucrative NRL career to chase personal glory and early onset dementia in the fight game....He will achieve one of those goals.
Flow Basket January 5, 2026 at 10:09am

Couple of people saying his defence is suspect
- GM > Flow Basket January 5, 2026 at 12:30pm
  
  Penisini says hi