Isaiah Iongi extends with the Eels

The Parramatta Eels are delighted to announce that talented young fullback Isaiah Iongi has signed a long-term contract extension, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2030 NRL season.

Since joining the Eels 12 months ago as a rookie, Iongi has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting emerging players in the game, impressing with his speed, footwork, and maturity beyond his years.

Iongi expressed his gratitude after putting pen to paper.

“This past year has been surreal, I came to Parramatta for an opportunity and now it’s become home. I’ve built a great connection with Jason Ryles, the coaching staff, my teammates, and everyone at the Club, and I’m grateful for the faith they’ve shown in me. The incredible support from our fans has made my journey even more special.

“We’ve grown so much as a team over the past year, and I can’t wait to keep building our future together at this Club,” said Iongi.

Parramatta Eels General Manager of Football Mark O’Neill said the club is thrilled to lock Iongi in long term.

“Isaiah has developed into an important member of the team and has settled into the club and our environment very well since he arrived last year. His performances in 2025 have made him popular not only with the playing group but also amongst our members and fans.

With his positive mindset, strong work ethic and desire to improve, we see him as a long-term leader at the Eels. Jason, the coaches and the rest of the club are incredibly excited to see him continue to evolve over the coming years,” said O’Neill.

Iongi finished the year with eight tries, 12 try assists, and averaged more than four tackle busts per game. His strong form also earned him representative honours, playing for Tonga in the Pacific Championships. He was awarded the Parramatta Eels Rookie of the Year at the Ken Thornett Medal Presentation, and he cemented himself as a fan favourite by claiming the Blue & Gold Army NRL Player of the Year.

"Tells me LB, he got a huuuuge upgrade. Right now , the players are firmly in the driver's seat to get Santa Clause contract offers from us as we have bags of cash and nowhere to spend it. "

"Like some suspected , we are unable to use our millions we have in the salary cap , so we will just give those already here huge bump ups. Good to tie him up, but unless I'm mistaken , didn't we have another 2 years to go on his existing contract…"

Replies

- Hell On Eels > Coryn Hughes December 10, 2025 at 10:40am
  
  You'd think there are ratchet clauses & what not that. Iongi has a great attitude & is talented. Good R&R work. Hopefully, Ryley Smith extends long-term too. He's been upgraded to an NRL contract this year (goes on our cap, not a free lunch).
  - Parra-all-the-way > Hell On Eels December 10, 2025 at 12:03pm
    
    yer, lock up rley why we are at it, the team looks a much better outfit with him at 9 imo. Be interesting to see how dasilva fits into the plan, i guess smith to 13 for a bit when talyn is on.
- Gucci > Coryn Hughes December 10, 2025 at 11:20am
  
  It would progressively be more as the years go on I would assume, with clauses in for an increase based on Origin/ Tests/ Finals games.
Axel December 10, 2025 at 11:14am

Bravo!
MattL December 10, 2025 at 11:19am

Great news and proactive early retention.
Keen to see how he goes in his second season with a bit more attention on him.
Mannah-Brow December 10, 2025 at 11:33am

Great news.

I am guessing this means we have missed out on KK. It gives our recruitment team something to cheer about to soften the blow of missing out..
The Badger December 10, 2025 at 11:56am

Good news and all for the longevity of the contract. I guess upgrades will be available as it progresses.
ParraPride December 10, 2025 at 12:42pm

Great news to wake up to!
Wizardssleeves official receipts December 10, 2025 at 12:53pm

Like some suspected , we are unable to use our millions we have in the salary cap , so we will just give those already here huge bump ups. Good to tie him up, but unless I'm mistaken , didn't we have another 2 years to go on his existing contract which would've been quite conservative ?

Why the fuck give the kid a big bump up now unless you've panicked about needing to spend your cap ? Yeah I'm fucking negitive , doesn't mean I'm wrong.
Mathew Clarke December 10, 2025 at 12:54pm

Love this. Iongi is the player type the Eels need, young, talented, keen to learn and improve and wants to committ to the club.

Well done Eels.