Parramatta have launched discussions with the Gold Coast to sign strike centre Brian Kelly for the 2026 season.
In the wake of star winger Zac Lomax’s sudden exit from the NRL club’s roster after just 12-months at the club, the Eels are aiming to restock their stretched backline and it’s Kelly who has emerged as a genuine target.
The Eels, Titans and Kelly’s management are in the process of thrashing out the financial aspect of any potential release of the 29-year-old, who is contracted in 2026 to the Gold Coast.
Kelly and his management have been informed by the Titans that the Indigenous All Stars representative won’t be re-signed beyond 2026, prompting serious thought to prolonging his career for 2026 and 2027 at the Eels.
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/eels-in-talks-with-gold-coast-titans-over-zac-lomax-replacement/news-story/2abfa2e37971b2db2b9db8d58b3e47b7?using_ew=false&using_ew_noesi=false&fbclid=IwY2xjawOfF7VleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFKc3RUTUFPeEpEZUxjN1A5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgPwojjIGnzFPQQ99dpzxbCykc8wzAGNZxn2mAH5aVZ2m68OCVWrn02zTSDX_aem_dfGMxwaigU4dJ8dLNjWkAg
Replies
At first i was like the hell, but sitting on it i do not mind it as much. Good competition for Simonsson, experience in lower grades and he can cover Centre where we are very thin. If Penisini or Russell went down you have Simonsson but who plays Wing? Samrani not a great option at Centre.
Not a bad left centre. 400k absolute tops. We could do worse. I heard a rumour parra were looking into Shaun Blore too , as he wants to return to Sydney.
I reckon there is a good chance he could play Wing. I wouldn't change Russell and JAC combo. The way they kept Staggs out of the game in Brisbane was incredible. I would keep that partnership and use Kelly as that work horse Winger.
Good point. I'd rather have Simmonson on the wing tbh. Defensively Russell was decent last year, you're right. But he offers very little in attack and doesn't open up fox nearly enough imo.
I think Russell works well with JAC and that is unlikely to change. I aslo think Simmonsson is a much better centre than a winger, positionally he gets lost on the wing. This leaves the potential for Penisini to be more of a finisher on a wing. I have talked about this previously but people say he is too slow. He can be/maybe is too slow but very effective with his strength from 30 metres out, with some one like Moses taking the blindside. The Penrith winger is a similar style and Penisini could do worse than model himself on him. Kelly, who started this discussion would be good depth and if our pack measures up like we hope it can, then he could prove much more destructive than he was playing behind a Titans pack.
Interesting take on Penisini which I'm not against. I think the only thing stopping that is his ability to draw and pass (especially when he was coming through) is why he was so highly rated. Have to disagree on Simmonson though, I think he's an out and out winger with his speed, runs hard and gets through a lot of work in the backfield.
Good option, can play inside Fox. We saw what Fox can do to a players game with how much he helped Russel. Could do wonders for him
Perennial cellar dwellers Gold Coast think highly of him ...
It's safe to say, there is no more money for a marquee player for 2026.
Love to know where it went
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