Paulo standoff with Eels

Parramatta Eels front-rower Junior Paulo continues a contract standoff with the Parramatta Eels after losing the Perth Bears deal.Contract talks collapsed between Paulo and the Bears in August after his management asked for a two-year deal at $900,000 per season.

This led the Western Australian-based club to pursue Corey Horsburgh from the Canberra Raiders after he had a falling out with Ricky Stuart.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that a deal has been offered to extend with the Parramatta Eels.

Parramatta have offered Junior Paulo $650,000 per season, which still doesn't meet his expectations.

Paulo missed most of the season after having minor knee surgery.

There had been whispers that Super League clubs believed Paulo was available for the 2027 season, according to The Daily Telegraph.

"Junior is super important for us in terms of experience in the middle third of the field; we are quite young there," Jason Ryles said at the end of the season about closing Paulo on a new deal.

If Paulo stays at Parramatta, he will join his co-captain at international level, Jarome Luai, who is heading to the Eels in a 12-month stopgap deal for 2027.

Another Samoan star, Jaydn Su'A, will also arrive at the club on a three-year deal from the St George Illawarra Dragons.

It is likely that at this stage, Paulo will remain at Parramatta; however, money is a major factor for the 32-year-old in his next year.

"Holbrook far and away the coach of the year. Recruited smartly and has the Knights playing to their strengths. Always said Holbrook should have replaced the Bush coach in 2018 then 2023. The bushie along with O'neill are why we now have a lowly…"

"I thought both teams got harsh calls, particularlly warriors getting some very soft penalties that weren't awarded for knights re: clips slightly above the shoulder. Still thought knights were the better team"

"Warriors had there chances and didn't take them.
They didn't score enough points in the first half when they had more of the pill.
They did it too themselves and imo weren't carrying enough momentum coming into the finals series.
Losing in straight…"

Replies

LB September 20, 2026 at 7:04pm

Well Paulo has on SL to go to. So up to him. Not like other clubs are going to give him money he wants. I reckon it's more about the 2nd year more than anything. We seem to only be offering Club Option and he wants guaranteed 2028.
xxRustyxx_69 September 20, 2026 at 7:11pm

Pass on Paulo. Time to move on?
- Coryn Hughes > xxRustyxx_69 September 20, 2026 at 7:29pm
  
  Kolomatangi and Barnett chose elsewhere.
  
  What now.
Archie September 20, 2026 at 7:16pm

Another year older and slower.. hold firm, Paulo either wants to contribute to the rebuild or line his pockets further.
- Eli Stephens > Archie September 20, 2026 at 7:21pm
  
  Agree 650k is plenty for him at this stage of his career,
Gucci September 20, 2026 at 7:18pm

He is only worth it for one year or a second year on around $300-400k if the rumors are true and Spence is a 4 year deal then we need space for these juniors to take the reins in the starting squad.
shane September 20, 2026 at 7:52pm

should of been moved on years ago

This reply was deleted.

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