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.
Replies
Not with 6 agains, and rules in place to speed the game up.
Perhaps the hits are less punishing due to fatigue.
Well in our best 17 we will have 6 over 30
Moses
JAC
Williams
Walker
De Belin
Paulo
Williams turning 30 mid year. That's a lot. Then add in NAS maybe that's 7.
Again I don't mind Paulo staying for an extra year but we are adding to our average age up and up.
We are only extending Jnr because it's an easy layup for MON. He needs some wins
He can't go signing any new players now, can he...
Feels that way at times.
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.
I really didn't think we needed De Belin, no matter how cheap we got him for. We lack big mobile metre eaters with leg speed and Junior isnt going to be one. I would be happy if we didn't extend his contract TBH.
Yeah seems to be a bit of an odd signing in hindsight. We signed him before Hopgood moved to Prop i believe and that was a relevalation. I feel we have a few experienced forwards, Paulo, Walker, Williams, even Hopgood is getting there now.
De Belin helps in defence as his effeciency is high, but Hopgood's is just as good. If we get KK, where do they all fit? Where do the likes of Tuivaiti fit in when they are the future? Are we building for 2027 or are we preparing for 2028? or are these older signings to try and make a tilt or due to our talent maybe not being as good as thought and they hold the fort til others come through. I like the idea of Tuivaiti playing half and half with Cup and NRL as he is a big body and getting stronger in Cup would do wonders but by 2027 he should be a consistent player.
8. Hopgood
9. Smith
10. Koloamatangi (if signed)
11. Williams
12. Kautoga
13. de Belin
14. TDS
15. Walker
16. Moretti/Guymer/Tuivaiti/Talagi
17. Moretti/Guymer/Tuivaiti/Talagi
Teancum Brown too could be in the mix also. Bit heavy there with ageing forwards.
JDB only signed for a year. The second year is a club option, so if we get Koloamatangi we likely won't extend JDB. In a similar way, JAC's CO was probably contingent on Drown not activating his PO.
Teancum will be pushing Tuivaiti for his spot next season. Bigger and fitter.
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