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.

"I'd try to argue that it's not a restriction of trade as he signed the release that he instigated a matter of weeks ago, and he also has at least 1 offer from Rugby at $400k a season. I reckon he's absolutey stitched himself up by leaving the Eels…"

"If Lomax wins, it will set a precedent that any player can get out of their contract at any time. All they have to do is say they want to try another sport, then 6 weeks down the track change their mind and sign with whoever they want. This is no…"

Replies

- - LB > GM January 5, 2026 at 10:05pm
    
    Pou, is that you? FFS could give it away ahaha.
Bubba j January 5, 2026 at 11:40am

More dangerous than Russell in attack and can pass if he fits in defensively ok he should be the starting centre for me over Russell,him and the fox could be a real threat see how it goes still only 29 so not over the hill and lots of experience
will January 5, 2026 at 11:53am

I believe he will start. Russell won't be dropped for signing with the bears

Brown was dropped for different reasons. His affiliation with Brad Arthur was why he had to go

Reg, matto, Ruth and Brown were causing unrest, as was lomax
- LB > will January 5, 2026 at 10:10pm
  
  Your mention of BA affliiation with Brown. Someone on another site brought up an interesting point. Russell is a client of Chris Orr, who also manages Ryan Matterson and Bailey Simonsson, as well Shaun Lane at the time. Who also is managed by the Orr's? BA.
  
  Tinfoil hat on.
rex macmundi January 5, 2026 at 11:57am

I like this signing He's not a superstar so shouldn't be too expensive and will give our current outside backs a shake up
paul taylor January 5, 2026 at 12:20pm

Good signing. He is a footballer , been around the block, knows where the try line and more importantly knowws who to get the ball to to make that happen. JAC will be dynamite for us this year.
Parra_Greg January 5, 2026 at 1:40pm

Meh signing
BEM January 5, 2026 at 1:49pm

Another bottom of the barrel signing.

Lose a rep level winger and sign a nuffie that couldn't even get a start at a crap club like the Titans.

That's the Parra way 🤣🤣🤣🤣
- LB > BEM January 5, 2026 at 2:16pm
  
  To be fair he started most games for Gold Coast. Not saying much though.
- HKF > BEM January 5, 2026 at 3:16pm
  
  Couldn't get a start?, he has played 190 nrl games, 21 last season.