Eels eye Titans' Brian Kelly as Lomax replacement

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

"My solution begins the same way as always.
Identifying if we have a last minute problem in negotiations closing contracts.
Investigating if we do. Why - what is missing, what are we getting wrong, or what is it we can't compete on.
If we have a…"

Replies

- Tragiceel > Bob Smith December 5, 2025 at 1:08pm
  
  I don't think he would be a backup. He is a good attacking centre that can create space for players around him, he has good footwork and speed.
  
  He is not a marquee signing but a very handy player.
  - Bob Smith > Tragiceel December 6, 2025 at 12:22pm
    
    Yeah, he's not as bad some some make out.
- GM > Bob Smith December 5, 2025 at 1:58pm
  
  He will be a starter, his not moving states to play Reggie's or back up, fair dinkum
  - Bob Smith > GM December 6, 2025 at 12:22pm
    
    Ok, bud.
Gucci December 5, 2025 at 1:02pm

Didn't we complain that we don't have any back ups? Now we are complaining that we aren't signing plays like Xavier Coats to play in cup when simmonson goes down. Some on here are very hard to understand.
- LB > Gucci December 5, 2025 at 1:21pm
  
  I am not sure he is signed to be a back-up though?
  - Gucci > LB December 5, 2025 at 2:42pm
    
    He wont be in the starting 17. I wouldnt be surprised if this is a swap with Matto as he was heading there before preseason started and there was a falling out. I can see the swap and we pay the extra for 2026. We get another back, and still keep top 30 spots open.
    - LB > Gucci December 5, 2025 at 2:44pm
      
      Yeah swap with Matto is my thought. I reckon there is a chance he would be 17.
Alfred December 5, 2025 at 1:20pm

Might get him cheap and good to experiment who suits Ryles playing style
Richard B'Stard December 5, 2025 at 1:29pm

At the right price, he's a solid, tough option to have in the squad.

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