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.

"He's a physical specimen (as in he's in great shape and I can't recall him ever being out for an extended period due to injury). As you say disciplined. Plus I reckon he's got a smidge of psycho about him which will come in handy."

"I also am very hopefuly that JDB is a good pick up. I can understand the Saints letting him go - their exciting crop of young forwards are probably 1-2 seasons advanced on where our young forwards are, plus they've had exposure to NRL and don't look…"

Replies

Rise of an empire October 1, 2024 at 6:33pm

My biggest problem with him is he just drops too much pill
- KENDOZA > Rise of an empire October 1, 2024 at 8:25pm
  
  Maybe he and lane can have a competition $2 for every dropped ball lol
Parraboy October 1, 2024 at 6:36pm

Who's Josh papali'i
- LB > Parraboy October 1, 2024 at 6:37pm
  
  I think it is Joash Papali'i, the NSW Cup Fullback.
  - KENDOZA > LB October 1, 2024 at 8:26pm
    
    I'm liking rylesy's signings hard workers that's exactly what we need
    - LB > KENDOZA October 2, 2024 at 9:30am
      
      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.
LB October 1, 2024 at 6:36pm

Great signing. Flaws in his game but is a goer and can play in middle or edge.
Michael W. October 1, 2024 at 6:37pm

Very good signing, suited to the up tempo game. Josh Papali'i is highly rated amongst the dogs faithful.
- LB > Michael W. October 1, 2024 at 6:46pm
  
  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.
Jack Eelson October 1, 2024 at 6:41pm

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?