The Parramatta Eels can confirm that Shaun Lane has made the decision to retire from the NRL marking the end of an outstanding playing career and the beginning of a new chapter within the club.
While Lane remains contracted for the remainder of the 2025 season, he has accepted a new role within the club’s Elite Pathways and NRLW programs, focusing on mental skills and athlete wellness.
Lane’s decision reflects a natural transition into life beyond the game, where he will continue to make a positive impact on the next generation of Eels players.
Eels General Manager of Football Mark O’Neill praised Shaun’s contributions to the club, both on and off the field.
“Shaun has been a wonderful ambassador for the Parramatta Eels. He carries himself with humility, integrity, and professionalism, and he’s been an exceptional role model for younger players,” O’Neill said. “We’re proud to see him step into this important new role, where his leadership and passion for player welfare will continue to make a difference.”
Shaun joined the Eels in 2019 and quickly established himself as a vital member of the team. His on-field leadership and consistency were pivotal to the club’s success, including being a key contributor in the Eels' 2022 NRL Grand Final side.
“I’ve absolutely loved my time playing for the Eels,” Lane said. “This club means a lot to me, and I’m incredibly grateful for the experiences I’ve had and the relationships I’ve built here. I’m really thankful to the fans for their unwavering support throughout my career—it’s meant the world to me.
“I’m now looking forward to continuing my career at Parramatta in a different capacity, helping our young athletes thrive on and off the field.”
While playing NRL, Lane had already reached significant educational milestones, completing a Bachelor of Health Sciences, a Graduate Diploma in Psychology, and is currently working towards a Master’s in Positive Psychology.
The Parramatta Eels thank Shaun for his continued service to the club and look forward to supporting him in his transition from player to mentor.
Replies
All it takes is one move and domino effect appears. Tino moves onto someone other than Perth and that club gets rid of space to get him so those players are available. Particularly with Perth set to be in the market, clubs will be trying to keep their stars and others fall through the cracks. We are waiting to see who pops up.
2022 memories won't be forgotten!
That left edge combo of him, Brown and Sivo!
Good luck to you Shaun, been a good player and hope you thrive in your new roll. On another note it looks like according to zero tackle we are interested in Siliva Havilli ! what are peoples thought on the 32 yr old.
Showed some interest, who knows maybe that was before Da Silva was available and we signed him instead. St. Helens are the favourites.
Good on him.
Club is in such great spot now.
Hands isn't an issue, he will find a club. I'm worried Matterson won't sign with anyone though, he seems to be pretty unique. Hopefully not though.
We have such a great top 30 and healthy group of young players pushing through.
Isaiah Iongi
Zac Lomax
3 __________
Will Penisini
JAC
6 __________
Moses
Hopgood
Ryley Smith
Jack Williams
11 __________
David Fifita
Jack De Belin
14 __________
Dylan Walker
Junior Paulo
Luca Moretti
Charlie Guymer
Papalii
Richard Penisini
Da Silva
Sean Russell
Dean Hawkins
Ronald Volkman
Matt Doorey
Sam Tuivaiti
Kelma Tuilagi
Toni Mataele
Jordan Samrani
Will Latu
Hoping we end up with the following guys on Dev deals: JFI, Lorenzo, Koina, Bamblett, Petrus, Polley, Hudson, Twiddle.
CORRECTION:
11 __________
Kitione Kautoga**
3 (Outside Back, ideally a Centre could cover 6, experienced)
6 (Half, can cover 7, Young)
11 (Backrow/Lock, need a focal point of attack, danger man out wide, impact)
14 (more Spine cover than 9 cover, Walker and Hopgood can cover 9 if there is emergencies)
Options:
1. Daine Laurie, must sign, cheap, covers all our positional needs except Backrow. Worse case scenario he is a 14 or back up Outside back.
2. David Fifita, snap him up, trust Ryles to get the best out of him, perfect player to add a threat to our edge.
3. Jonah Pezet unproven and expensive, it's a risk but atleast it'd give us a player in seat we can build around, can cover 7, if Lorenzo develops into a Mam type explosive 6, we can do with a game manager with a kicking game. Ryles connection makes it seem likely to me.
4. AKP, I'll never forgive us if we let this opportunity pass us by, wingers are paid to score tries and make big plays, he has stood up in front of the whole league and made it abundantly clear he is that guy. He isn't a horrendous defender but needs work, all our outside backs are excelling under Ryles new system, AKP is a perfect signing.
5. Blore, might get squeezed out down in Melbourne and will likely want to return to Western Sydney. Hard working Backrow/Lock, definitely worth consideration. He could also cover Prop.
6. Blake Wilson, great option to play all the backline positions, could slot in at 14. Similar to Daine Laurie but without the experience. Played at the Falcons in the Storm feeder system for years.
7. NAS, high risk high reward, would get around it if it happened but don't love the idea, seems like a bit of trouble and a big price tag.
8. Sandon Smith, I'd rather Sandon over Pezet, completely baffled as to why we are not interested, seems like a good competitive kid, covers 6 and 7, bit of 9 too. Wouldn't cost too much. There must be something we don't know. Same age as Pezet.
Notable mentions:
Caleb Navale not getting a start at Manly, Kurt Donoghue pay him good money to get him out early, Riki brothers for the right $, Jake Averillo similar to Kurt Donoghue we'd have to pay extra but the versatility is worth it.
Add Shibaski from the Broncos, currently on $85k. Looking for a new club.
I feel like the most likely outcome is that Shibasaki will return to the form that he has displayed most of his career. One Sunny day doesn't make a summer
86k for an origin player! That will do me LMAO. I would take fifita for the same price and akp for speed. Averillo and riki very quick for a big guy. All depends on bang for your buck. I wouldn't pay overs. Other players will become available. The rest I personally wouldn't bother with.
If I'm honest the only free agent name in that whole list that excites me is Kurt Donohue all the rest don't really do much for me at all.
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