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
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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. And I don't think he's smart enough to play centre, his role is simplified out there.
He's improved 100 EA and I would have our jokes to one another during game threads.One week he'd throw beautiful catch and pass the next week he'd out himself with poor skill execution but I'm with you Pops no chance in hell I'm changing out a starting yet another combination.
I don't know where I'd start Kelly as he's been a left sided centre for the best part of his career.Very physical which I like and we need it and desperately.
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
Well HOE did a nice blog a few months back talking about it and it makes sense.
Me too. I'm guessing Moses and some Juniors are on way more than we think.
The money is there, the players are not!
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