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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Well lets see. Faster as well.
sure do have some experience in the squad.
Plenty of candidates for the veteran player allowance.
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.
In 1981 we had 3 players over 30. O'Reilly was 32, Cronin was 31 and Price was 30. They all played leading rolls in the win, as did Kevin Stevens at 28 and Hilditch at 27. Lets hope some of the current promising youngsters can rise to the occasion under Ryles to help lower our average age. KK would be a great start.
I am not prepared to make the same boast that Peter Peters made about walking backwards from Sydney to Wollongong in thongs if Parra won the comp with O'Reilly and Stevens in the side. He thought they were too old.I think it comes down to the quality of the Coach not necessarily the age of the player
Yep for 3500-400 grand a year be perfect
550 would be perfect, however you'd have to say Perth will offer 800k
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.
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
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