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.

You need to be a member of 1Eyed Eel to add comments!

Join 1Eyed Eel

Votes: 0
Email me when people reply –

Replies

  • My biggest problem with him is he just drops too much pill

    • Maybe he and lane can have a competition $2 for every dropped ball lol

  • Who's Josh papali'i 

    • I think it is Joash Papali'i, the NSW Cup Fullback.

      • I'm liking rylesy's signings hard workers that's exactly what we need

        • I am very interested how Papali'i fits. Could be a 14 type for us, like he was in U19's NSW team. It is different to how Parramatta used to field a team.

  • Great signing. Flaws in his game but is a goer and can play in middle or edge.

  • Very good signing, suited to the up tempo game. Josh Papali'i is highly rated amongst the dogs faithful.

    • Yeah nice comment Michael, great way of summarising it. He is great for our up tempo game. Not a fancy player, just tucks the ball and runs. 

  • Okay... Jack Williams. Can't say I've seen much of him. Can't see he's any good, I don't watch a lot of Sharks games. Please just for fuck sake don't be another Matt Doorey. 
    Is he any better than what we have? Or is he just depth? 

This reply was deleted.

More stuff to read

SuperEel 22 replied to ParramattaLurker's discussion Official Club Statement: Parramatta Eels commence legal proceedings against Zac Lomax
"Lomax has backed the RLPA into an unenvious position. They have previously stated to be against trade windows and jumped up and down whenever it's been suggested that players don't sign deals more than 12 months in advance. Their argument has been…"
8 minutes ago
LB replied to ParramattaLurker's discussion Official Club Statement: Parramatta Eels commence legal proceedings against Zac Lomax
"I know, i cannot believe it. Then you have the born with a silver spoon Storm fans who more likely never been told no in their lives, saying this is a desperate move by us. Pretty much saying Lomax was going to do this anyway and we just beat him to…"
31 minutes ago
Rabz S replied to ParramattaLurker's discussion Official Club Statement: Parramatta Eels commence legal proceedings against Zac Lomax
"I have never seen so many people backing PARRA, even mates that cannot stand PARRA are backing us. It feels weird being this backed, but I love it."
40 minutes ago
Randy Handlinger replied to ParramattaLurker's discussion Official Club Statement: Parramatta Eels commence legal proceedings against Zac Lomax
"Kudos to the club. Win or lose, the fact we chose to fight is a breath of fresh air and a signpost of our growth.
If Vlandys wasn't forcing the outcome why is it us going to court for enforcement and not Lomax going to seek relief.
 "
42 minutes ago
More…