There is movement within the Melbourne Storms playing list at the moment with Jahrome Hughes agreeing to a contract extension for the next 4 years. However what could delight Eels fans is that the signing triggers a get out clause for young halfback / 5/8 Jonah Pezet. The Melbourne Storm rate Pezet very highly, having represented NSW state of origin u/19's and is signed with Melbourne for 4 years. Powerbrokers had earmarked him to take over from Hughes in the future. At 22 years old and 183cm, Pezet has played a lot of 5/8 in his junior years, infact he debuted for Melbourne Storm first grade at 5/8 scoring a try in the process.
Jonah Pezet is also the son of former Eels player Troy Pezet. Whilst doing some research I found that Troy Pezet played in the halves for the Eels, and is now working within the Newcastle Knights system as their Elite Pathways Recruitment Manager. This would seem to put a dampener on him coming to the Eels to play 5/8 and partner Mitch Moses next year, with the belief that he may want to re connect with his father in the Knights system whom are after a halfback to partner our own Dylan Brown next season. Its worthy to note though that just last year the Knights went hard for young Pezet offering him the inside running to play this year in the halves at Newcastle, Pezet declined their offer and signed with the Melbourne Storm, knowing that he would have to play second fiddle to Munster and Hughes.
A lot of well credentialed NRL types believe Pezet is ready right now for first grade. Jason Ryles has inside knowledge of Pezet from his time in 2024 as the Storms Coaching Director, prior to taking up his Head Coaching role with us.
'The kid seems to fit what Ryles is after, and could slot straight into 5/8. Long term if everything played out he could possible be in the frame to take over from Mitch when he retires in 4 or 5 years time.
What are peoples thoughts on this hot youngster, there is going to be a lot of interest in him, with so many teams on the look out for halves players. Is this someone our club may attempt to target.
Replies
Bit overrated and coming of an ACL injury. Personally rather a more developed stop gap option till Renzo is ready.
This
Yeah fair call I think.
Correct
I've watched a few Storm games. From what little I've seen, I'm not 💯 sold on him... albeit he has been coming off the bench and limited game time.
Hearing Anasta tonight on NRL360. He will most likely be looking to activate that clause. Anasta seems to believe he is ready and at 22 yrs, I don't think they want to be playing second fiddle for another 4 years. Yes the Bears are angling for Munster but reading Cam Smith's comments, he thinks Munster is settled with his young family in Melbourne. So having said that, Pezet's path is pretty much blocked down there in Melb.
You can rule out Dragons, after what Anasta thinks of Flanagan's treatment of Ilias in favour of his own son. That then leaves just Eels and Knights that are after a half or 5/8. Personally I'm neutral on if we land him or not. I still think Hawkins/Moses combination can develop into something really good. Then of course there's Papalii as well (or even Iongi... if Papalii carves it up in the no.1 jersey)
In another news, Matt Hunter has signed a 3 year deal with Newcastle Knights which is why he has been relegated to JF for Lorenzo. It makes sense as there is probably better prospects in Fletcher, Twiddle, Risati and Renzo coming through the grades for us so he probably saw it blocked. Especially since he wouldn't get a chance to start in cup next year with Volkman and Hawkins at the club. Plus he will be too old for JF next year
Newcastle have 4 former eels in their spine lol. JA, MA, Hunter and DB
They just need an Ex Eels coach to get the complete set.
Thats a shame I really like what ive seen from Hunter
Yep. Cant keep them all unfortunately
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