The Parramatta Eels have signed former Canberra Raiders and Newcastle Knights Winger James Schiller to a two-year deal effective immediately until the end of the 2028 season. Schiller has played 33 NRL games, scoring 18 tries across five seasons. Schiller has the ability to play both Centre and Wing, possessing decent speed and high ball ability. Defensively is where he lets himself down.
There were rumours he was set to sign with the Wests Tigers, however Schiller is on his way to Western Sydney, just with the Blue & Gold. Schiller as a depth signing is a fair signing. He offers versatility as he has experience at Centre. He has some speed, is 26 next year so he is of a decent age and has some NRL experience to be a plug and play replacement. Now if JAC is gone immediately, can Schiller win a starting Wing spot over Simonsson? I could see why not, if not he will be a fine Winger to have in NSW Cup, called upon for an emergency. Even being on the 6 man bench.
With juniors such as Cyrus Bloomfield, Samuela Sorovi and even Liam Martin still a year or two off, Schiller is fine back-up bridge to have. Can Schiller be a diamond in the rough looking for a chance to shine as an NRL starter? Sure. We saw the job Ryles did with Kelly this year in making him a stand out.
https://www.parraeels.com.au/news/2026/11/12/james-schiller-join-the-eels/
Replies
Does the club really think Simonsson/Kelly/Schiller is good enough? If they do then we have serious problems still on a management level
Correct!
It's not. But problem is nothing is out there either. As to why JAC for 27' I would have preferred.
You put those 3 on the end of decent centres, back rowers and 5/8, I think they would go alright.
Im sure the club's priorities are the positions I've just mentioned and the need to free up cap space to go get them. Can't be throwing good money on wingers.
My gut feel is Schiller will go alright. He's stuck behind a couple decent centres/wingers at the knights. Big athletic body with speed. Let's see...
I saw Schiller on the wing anyway, the back ups are Kelly and Simmo.....Schiller can also play centre!
But come on we have let two Australian wingers go to make room for these "superstars" anyone thinking Wingers are a dime a dozen wasn't watching Marky Mark this season gone......wonder why a shit team like Melb would have shit wingers like Coates and Osaka....silly boys!
We're not the glamour club like the Roosters or Storm that can attract stars at, or below market value. We're a club that will need to pay overs for key positions. That doesn't leave much left over in the cap. I can live with average wingers if it means we're able to buy quality in other positions.
Looks like JR is trying to find his own little milky.
He will go ok he can play stuck behind established wingers at the knights I think he will be on one wing for sure if jac leaves