Parramatta Eels are set to extend Prop Forward and Vice-Captain Junior Paulo past 2026. The 32 year old has played 263 NRL games, 208 for Parramatta. A new deal in 2027 can lead him to passing 300 NRL games.
I am surprised but also in hindsight it makes sense. Paulo had a great year, though statistically it was nowhere near his best, his influence was evident. His leadership and the resepect he garners is imperative to this squad. If it is one year he will 34 a the end of the deal. His is slowing down but it could be, if we add Keaon Koloamatangi especially, is move Paulo into that impact bench role. He can play a part in that role for sure.
I went into 2025 thinking like some, I understand why Paulo stayed over RCG, though he might give it a miss this year or next. But mid way through this year i saw that Paulo was playing well enough to keep going.
I just wonder how it all fits with the likes of Paulo, KK, Hopgood, De Belin, Tuivaiti, Walker and Moretti to fit them all in. Particularly since Ryles likes to play two Hookers, though also Ryles seemed wanting to get younger but have Paulo and de Belin possibly in 2027 being 33 and 36 in the middle.
Anyway i do not see him going anywhere, other than SL, so a deal should be able to be done reletively easily.
Replies
Good to see parra making all the big market moves ahaa. Give him 350 tops. Otherwise bring in the young guns
$350k...good stuff. I can tell you are a man with his finger on the pulse /s
But we have people on here that think we paid 700k for TDS.....hate to go shopping with you lot!
It's about supply and demand. TDS is young and expected to get better every year, at a key spine position. There was huge demand for him. How many clubs would expect Paulo to still be NRL material at the end of 2026? He is 33 next year.
One of them ain't going to stick around Pou, I would swap him for a fast young winger with heaps of potential ahead of a young hooker, he will go as soon as the opportunity arrises, assuming that Riley will hold the dominant position.
We have young hookers everywhere, but no eqivalent outside backs. I still reckon he is on no more than 400k, Christ Tigers had a hatfull of young hookers to take his place, they would have being paying shit!
Yeah and travel was a reason for Lomax leaving.
Makes sense , Dubai is so much more convenient now Albion Park Airport has a new commuters carpark...
And we have dopes here who think Moses is only on 1.1 million, hey Ploppa...
Well Bluey made some long comments (with stats) in this thread about ageing players in the NRL and there is plenty of pathways talk. If you think ypou are the only one commenting on these "worries" you either need to refresh your browser or get new glasses RB
Wizzy, we have dopes on here, no argument there but I think I said 1.1 to 1.3, surely I can have a little "Hyperbole" or maybe I was working out his time on the field and not including his match payments?
I never thought you were a literal man Wiz, more like an illiteral one, not that there is anything wrong with that.
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
-
6
of 9 Next