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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Hi EA, gratified with that news of the re-signing, sorry to hear of Haze weighing.
Dunster with injury after injury stuck at it longer than most kids would have and I have so much respect for him.
Whats the employment status of Lorenzo, Twidle and Teancum Brown?
I notice there's 2 Twidles ...are they both good?
Pretter sure Twiddle is on a development deal next year. No idea about Brown and Lorenzo.
I think i'm too cynical. It feels without fail, that when the Recruitment and retention committee fail to land a big name signing that they were all in on, within the following week they name the re-signing of some juniors.
Is this me being too pissed with management or is it their way of attempting to quell the fans so to speak.
Hope both re siginings turn into regular first graders for us.
I have noticed that too BE. From a PR perspective it makes sense to draw the eye away from a failure and move it to a success.
Do you think we were in the hunt with Kai Pearce-Paul? Today he was announced as going to the Tigers in 2026.
Good he no.good we need better then him
I don't think so.
What big name signing, ? And how do you know we were all in? Don't believe everything the media are saying
Galvin last week / 10 days etc
Lets see how our pursuit for Sandor goes. Starting to heat up with us and the cowboys .
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