Here’s how I see it playing out. I’ve always felt Footy Dean was on the outer at Parramatta. If you remember the final four games of the 2025 season, Dean dropped out of the side completely when Iongi returned from injury, pushing Joash Papali’i into the five-eighth role.
What stood out to me was that Dean didn’t even feature in reserve grade — he was nowhere to be seen for the final rounds or the finals. That seemed strange at the time and hinted that he may have already been out of the club’s long-term plans.
Now, with Pezet’s arrival and Dean reportedly heading to the Super League, it makes sense that Pezet has been brought in as a reliable backup to Mitchell Moses, allowing Joash to retain his starting position at No.6. Given Moses’s recent run of injuries, this looks like a smart move by Ryles — having a quality half ready to step in if needed.
To start the season, we’ll likely see Moses at halfback (7) and Joash at five-eighth (6). That said, Joash is still very young in his career, and there’s always a chance Pezet could slot in at six during the season if Ryles feels Joash needs a breather or a fresh perspective.
Overall, this looks like a well-balanced outcome for the club — exactly what Ryles probably intended. With a capable backup secured and Joash keeping his place, the team’s chemistry remains intact. It avoids the disruption of bringing in a short-term “stop-gap” player, something many feared would happen.
Replies
He said the eels wanted a long term deal so that blows the bs about only wanting him for 1 year out of the water.
It's all fucking bullshit, we are the cuckolds of the nrl.
Other reports state that we didn't want him long term, only for the year, but who knows, these journos will say anything to sell a story.
Anasta is his manager you would think he would know.
yeah, because a player manager wouldn't lie...
Jody Gordon told me that Braith was a lying piece of shit
Thats the thing, I dont care that we didnt sign him long term, its all the BS and cover up that makes us the laughing stock of the NRL
Cover up lol. Can you identify the person at the club that actually said we didn't want Pezet long term PM, or do you just believe every single thing a reporter rumour.says. jesh
Do you think the Eels will go on the market come November to sign another 6 or will they stick with what they have in 2027? The Eels did lie and say they wanted him for just the year originally, that they like what's coming through but now it seems they wanted him long term. Who knows what they want, everything seems complicated with them? Maybe they should just sign a versatile player that can play 6 and be moved around later.
It's definitely too difficult to tell, the nrl contract situation is very fluid and nothing is ever set in stone. Just take it year by year
Who knows, I can't see how they would promote a junior, if they aren't ready now, which they ain't, how will they be ready in one more season without getting any first grade experience.
The juniors are more likely two seasons away than one. A season in reserve grade then another season getting first grade exposure gradually.
They don't have an answer for 2027 and are hoping someone falls in their lap.
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