Parramatta coach Jason Ryles lands significant signing

New Parramatta coach Jason Ryles is on the verge of securing a significant signing after agreeing terms with Sharks forward Jack Williams from next season.

Ryles has been in negotiations with Williams for several weeks and on Tuesday managed to land his man, agreeing to a three-year deal that will see Williams join the Eels until at least the end of 2027.

Williams is expected to push for a starting position next year following the release of former prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard from the final year of his deal. His strengths suit the style of football Ryles wants the Eels to play in 2025.

The Sharks wanted to keep Williams but salary cap restraints, and a surfeit of forward talent at their disposal, restricted their spending capacity and limited his pathway.

The 28-year-old has played 124 games since debuting for the Sharks in 2018 and came off the bench in Cronulla’s preliminary final loss to Penrith last weekend.

The Eels have also signed South Sydney Dean Hawkins as a back-up play-making option and are in discussions with Bulldogs outside back Josh Papalii.

"This is going to be a shit fight. If we get him, what happens with Lorenzo. Metcalf has stated he wants to play 7. We have Moses, Saints have Reed, both clubs want him as a 6. Will Lorenzo stick around, what message will this send to our other…"

"Blue Eel, the thought that kept coming back to me about Dylbag$ was that I didn't think the player options were clearly and simply bad negotiator failures. I understand they were weaponized and so we can now say "bad idea" (same Luai!). But the club…"

Replies

Titan October 1, 2024 at 9:20pm

Joash Papalii is a gun, need him in our stocks as future first grader.

Jacks a solid player with 2 dropped balls each game
Jack October 1, 2024 at 9:21pm

yep iv always liked Williams. Like everyone said his tough, hard worker and mobile for the modern game. Interesting to see what wage he would be on. Grab a winger and keep pushing for Brailey as our hooker and I'm looking things
Make Parra Great Again October 1, 2024 at 9:31pm

Very good signing, again love how no whispers or media know who we are chasing
HH - Love You Iongi Time! October 1, 2024 at 9:39pm

If you want some insight into Joash and an entertaining take on dogs fans posts have a look at the below...

https://www.thekennel.net.au/forum/index.php?threads/joash-papalii....

The Kennel Forum

NRL Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs News and Discussion Forum, live scores and stats.
- BEM > HH - Love You Iongi Time! October 1, 2024 at 11:05pm
  
  They don't seem overly fussed on him.
  
  I kind of get the feeling they hate Parra and Gutho in particular 🤣🤣
  - LB > BEM October 1, 2024 at 11:47pm
    
    Papali'i ain't coming to start at Fullback anyway. Just a cheap deal to see what we get. Maybe a 14 type.
    - EA > LB October 2, 2024 at 5:37am
      
      he will be fighting with for reserve grade fullback spot with AMS. While papalii is rated well, he was dropped to the bench at the end of cup this year. Whether it was performances or the dogs knowing he is leaving the club I am not sure
Jack October 1, 2024 at 9:48pm

https://youtu.be/y5dIDnRDyHo

Williams highlights
- BEM > Jack October 1, 2024 at 10:54pm
  
  He sure does look the goods.
Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin🐐 - Mark O'neill's 🪓 October 1, 2024 at 10:26pm

Seems like Ryles like these workman type forwards, Josh King is a similar type at Melbourne. Never gets the accolades but is a cornerstone of the Melbourne pack.