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.
Replies
Joash Papalii is a gun, need him in our stocks as future first grader.
Jacks a solid player with 2 dropped balls each game
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
Very good signing, again love how no whispers or media know who we are chasing
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....
They don't seem overly fussed on him.
I kind of get the feeling they hate Parra and Gutho in particular 🤣🤣
Papali'i ain't coming to start at Fullback anyway. Just a cheap deal to see what we get. Maybe a 14 type.
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
https://youtu.be/y5dIDnRDyHo
Williams highlights
He sure does look the goods.
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.
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