Parramatta open talks with Junior Paulo over extension

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.

https://www.zerotackle.com/nrl-club-opens-talks-with-paulo-as-samoan-skipper-outlines-future-plans-229341/

"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…"

"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."

"Add to that the long list of rookies at the club, many of which were thrown into NRL last season. It's not quite Dad's Army, but the club does need to ensure that we continue to have the right mix of experience and youth."

Replies

- - - - Perpetual Motion > Poupou Escobar December 2, 2025 at 1:19am
        
        Well lets see. Faster as well.
  - Blue Eel > LB December 1, 2025 at 11:48pm
    
    sure do have some experience in the squad.
  - Adam Magrath > LB December 2, 2025 at 7:31am
    
    Plenty of candidates for the veteran player allowance.
- Longfin Eel > Blue Eel December 2, 2025 at 10:13am
  
  Add to that the long list of rookies at the club, many of which were thrown into NRL last season. It's not quite Dad's Army, but the club does need to ensure that we continue to have the right mix of experience and youth.
Jack December 1, 2025 at 2:04pm

Yep for 3500-400 grand a year be perfect
Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 December 1, 2025 at 2:20pm

550 would be perfect, however you'd have to say Perth will offer 800k
- SuperEel 22 > Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 December 1, 2025 at 2:32pm
  
  If Parra table a deal of any significance, I can't see Junior leaving for Perth. He's well established in Sydney with family. It's one of the reasons he returned to the club.
RB December 1, 2025 at 3:03pm

Good to see parra making all the big market moves ahaa. Give him 350 tops. Otherwise bring in the young guns
- Randy Handlinger > RB December 1, 2025 at 4:04pm
  
  $350k...good stuff. I can tell you are a man with his finger on the pulse /s
  - Poppa > Randy Handlinger December 1, 2025 at 5:26pm
    
    But we have people on here that think we paid 700k for TDS.....hate to go shopping with you lot!