The Parramatta Eels have reaffirmed their commitment to developing elite talent through their Pathways system, announcing the contract extensions of back-rowers William Latu and Jezaiah Funa-luta.
Both players have signed upgraded deals that will see them remain at the club through the end of the 2027 season. Currently on development contracts until 2026, Latu and Funa-luta will be elevated to the club’s Top 30 NRL squad in 2027—an important milestone in their professional careers and a testament to the Eels’ thriving junior development system.
Funa-luta has enjoyed a standout 2025 season so far, playing a key role in the Eels’ SG Ball Cup campaign and helping guide the side to the Grand Final earlier this year. His performances earned him a call-up to the Jersey Flegg team.
William Latu has taken the next step in his development, playing regularly in the NSW Cup team this season. The powerful back-rower has been part of the Parramatta system for several years and, like Funa-luta, his journey through the club’s junior ranks underscores the strength of the Parramatta Eels’ development pathways
Parramatta Eels GM Football Mark O'Neill said, "Both William and Jezaiah have shown exceptional growth in their game and commitment to the club. They represent the best of what our development system aims to achieve—young players who come through our club, earn their stripes, and are rewarded with opportunities to take the next step to NRL or NRLW level."
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I believe Jezaiah's future is in the middle. I recon he should look how Kolomantangi has transitioned into the middle. Leg speed and a good motor through the middle. He has put on size the last couple years which has made him lose a bit of atheletcism which is why I do not think he is a backrower in the future.
Latu everyone is familar with by now.
EA, has Funa-Iuta been coming off the bench in the middle for Flegg or going between middle and edge?
Alternating between middle and edge.
That coud be handy once he finally is ready for FG, being that bench player that can alternate. Maybe 13 could be in his future. Having a middle of Tuivaiti, Talagi and Funa-Iuta. Latu on an edge and much later in the future Polley on an edge too haha.
Exciting times for our future forwards where if we lose one another could come in.
Saw highlights of Polley the other day. He looks so exciting.
Polley is the next Cameron Murray. If you remember a blog I put earlier in the year about mid season junior report. I am very high on him.
Have a look at Hayden Bell captain of city u16's this year a lot of talk about him at lock also sg ball lock fwd max popo both these players very good ball players .
Yep Bell played hooker to start the year in HM. But looked better at lock. He killed it last year too. Will still be in HM again next year too.
Big fan of Popo. He is currently injured from the SG ball grand final. Will make JF once he returns. He is your real athletic and mobile forward with a motor that goes all day.
Polley could be the best out of all of them.
Also while it is not official, apparently Dunster has also taken time away from the game to consider his future in the NRL. Bloke cannot string more than 2 games together without getting injured unfortunately.
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