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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Good seeing you back Badger.
I had a lot of doubts over keeping Paulo this year but am happy to say he proved me wrong with his new slimmed down physique he had a great season. In saying that he should only be given a one year extension at max 500k.
I do wonder though is this the clubs way of trying to deflect at how inept our recruitment has been so far for next season? Makes me think we are about to miss out on KK so they are trying to deflect by looking like they are doing something (which is better than nothing?)
I think we are looking at another season finishing in the bottom half, sadly, given our current roster shortfalls and the fact that teams we are battling in the bottom half with have actually recruited players while we have had, I believe, with Lomax going, a net loss when it comes to recruitment. (Hope I am wrong)
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i was told by a source that junior took sam t under his wing and is the reason he extended
mongolian trotting duck These are the type of issues that you cannot put a value on, number of young forwards coming through and junior is the one they will be looking up to. Leadership is not always tangible in a monetary sense.
We also have Talagi and Teancum Brown now too. They could be the future pack.
Good for another year or 2 as long as he's up to it. Eels really need to concentrate on a replacement for Lomax more than anything else.
Well i am thinking we are content with what we have perhaps? Ryles may value cap space being used on positions other than Wingers? Some will say JAC is on high salary, i doubt it since when we got him he would have taken what given to play at Parramatta. 2027 maybe higher with test selection. But maybe Ryles in that sense rather pay top dollar to one Winger?
I do not think a starting Winger is top priority, more so a Winger in general who could either win a starting spot or Cup back-up.
A lot of people are for this, as long as it's for 1 year and or between $300k and $500k. What will we be thinking if it's $650k plus and or a 2 year term. The people in charge of our contracts and cap have improved from a couple of years ago, even if we are still missing targeted recruits that are in demand. But i'm not sure they have improved enough to get junior for $300k ish, have they ?
I am of the view Bluey, that the powers to be will work it out in a mutual discussion with Junior by asking him what he believes is appropriate. I would not like to be sitting down with him giving him ultimatum's. the respect we owe him is not appreciated by some on here. I thought his form was good for 2024 which differs from others. A lot of the individuals we like to criticise are dependant on the synergy of the team in a generalised sense. That particular year with BA's sacking etc was a non event with respect to team synergy........
Pops i like these comments, in all honesty i don't know how you price him considering his age, and the fact he is co captain and he is on a very high salary right now.
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