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.
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lol
Why not, we can't sign new players so we resign current 30+ yr old players....fmd
Like it.
Theres plenty of benefits on and off the park signing Junior to an extension.
Good move this one.
Yep people so focused on just performances rather than how good of a role model he is for Polynesian boys which make up more percentage of nrl players each year
Fucken hope this gee up LB
Dont get me wrong i like Paulo but he getting to old now
Yeah if we didn't sign de Belin with the chance we keep him for 2027 i would feel much better. It all depends on how father time goes about it. Does he decline faster? Or is Ryles using him very well to the point he adds value in other areas? Having Paulo on the bench is better than what is on the market. Even if he gives you 25-30 off the bench his leadership alone is valuable.
I do not mind it but one year only. He should be from now on, on a rolling one year contract. He wont leave Parramatta, so it would be retire or SL i reckon. It is low risk.
He will have a job post playing too, considering how much Ryles prioritises the Polyneasain link at the club with Sam Moa. Paulo, not sure if coaching per say could be his go, but will be at the club in some capacity.
He will go down as one of the greats of the club and will be one that will have the collective coin, like Sterlo and Hindy the last two years in members packs.
Yep, I'd much rather Paulo on our side than in the opposition. He had one of his best seasons for many years this year and is still strong and skilful. As you say, I can see Junior in a mentoring role for the younger players.
Well i forgot who here said it but the report was he took Tuivaiti under his wing and that is why he stayed. I reckon he is doing the same to Talagi and Brown. They all talk how good Moa is with the Polyneasian boys but Paulo, added with the respect as a player, adds an extra element.
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