The Parramatta Eels are pleased to announce the signing of experienced forward Jack de Belin for the 2026 NRL season, with an option in the Club’s favour for the 2027 season.
Parramatta Eels Head Coach Jason Ryles said de Belin will be a valuable addition to the team, bringing experience to a young roster.
De Belin has played 244 NRL games since his debut in 2011. He has represented New South Wales in State of Origin and made six appearances for Papua New Guinea, where his grandmother was born, playing a pivotal role in their victory in the inaugural Pacific Bowl Final.
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Well done, it's not only who he's buying it's the why. We need experience and starch in defence, he can play front row, second row, edge and lock. Couple that with DaSilva, guile and speed around the ruck, Ryles is addressing both sides of the coin
I'd play him at prop which would allow Jack Williams to shift into the backrow. With Kiti's development and having Jack available we'd have 2 pretty decent attacking threats in the backrow who could play 80. Then run with a bench of Walker, Moretti, Tuivaiti and TDS.
Athletes on the edge.
Kautoga and Williams the first mentioned especially is making leaps and bounds.
Yep looks like the 6 spot is the only uncertain position for next year
Joash is fine at 6 once he gets a pre season in and definitely need Moses their to organise the group. His defence has held up ok from what I've seen but he obviously needs a good full offseason training for the role. Signing a TMM or Douhieh/pezet isn't a bad idea either
Just like the club ...you are hoping that Joash is going to be OK. I can't see it , yet.
Marie Martin is potentially a disaster....too many failure's not withstanding how good he WAS.
Agree - a great 6 and we are off and running..
Yep, that's looking like a better pack already, and those players who came into the squad this year will have a season under their belts. Of course you hardly ever play your top 17, so we'll need handy back-ups who can slot in to play a particular role. Ryles seems to be onto this, so expect additional signings in that space or development of junior players.
Is it possible that JDB actually plays lock and Hopgood switches to prop?
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