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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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.
He is already under contract for 2026 so one more year after that. His current contract is reportedly $900-$950k so he would have to take a pay cut to continue but the numbers some on here are tossing up like $300-$400k are laughable. Sure that's what you would like to pay him but it's more likely going to be at least $500-$600k.
HKF - sounds about right. I thought he'd command $650k minimum, considering he is on $900 -$950K for his last year, and a co captain.
Agreed. People need to remember there is no one on the market for 2027 anyways. Signing Junior on $650K when there isnt anyone else to get doesnt mean anything. We dont get bonuses for not using our cap space.
Its laughable that everyone needs to be on less than 300K and then we can sign Hass, Tino and Keaon as our starting pack.
Great point. Big money for one year is not a big deal with nothing else out there.
Moretti and tuavaiti are going to struggle to get into the 17 this year + 1 or 2 gun middle forwards coming through cup. But sure resign an old man on rediculous money, it's the parra way aha
That's probably spot on, $500-$600k is a bit of wishful thinking on my part.
If he signs for one cent less than $650 his agent should go get a job at Maccas
1 yr at the most and 400K max.Every year when his cantract is up for renewal he plays well, after signing a new 1 for2 or more yrs he doesn't perform until the yr before renewal. last contract signed for 4yrs at 950 K and took untill this yr to play, been a passenger the rest of the time and wasn't worth 200k.
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