Michael Caryannis mentioned that Parramatta are not happy Paulo is playing in the WC, preferring he rests his knee over the off-season. He has a chronic knee problem, which more likely could lead to him having another knee arthroscopy or other related surgeries that could have him missing time during the year. Samoa are expected to qualify for the finals. Doing so means Paulo is playing til November. Once WC is done, those players wouldn't return until after New Years, Paulo more likely will be longer in rehab. Now does he need a proper pre-season? No, he has played 280 NRL games and this upcoming season will be his 15th season in the NRL, though it would be good to have Paulo working with the squad leading into what will already be a shortened pre-season, not only due to the WC but also Vegas.
But Caryannis also mentioned that current contract negotiations with Paulo are on hold until after the WC to see how Paulo pulls up. Now what if Paulo either a) gets hurt or b) comes back with his knee needing work further? Obviously Parra are either lowing the contract value or pulling it all together. Now let's say it is the former, well Paulo has no other options. The fact he has a chronic knee issue, most clubs wouldn't want to touch him unless it is for one year only.
If it is the latter, where does that leave the squad heading into 2027? Well currently our middles include:
Spencer Leniu
Sam Tuivaiti
J'Maine Hopgood
Jack Williams
Teancum Brown
Luca Moretti
Matt Doorey
Saxon Pryke
Ryda Talagi
Jackson Koina
Harrison Edwards
and back rowers that can fill in the middle
Charlie Guymer
Jezaiah Funa
With that list, does adding Paulo to that make it stronger? Yes and no. Experience wise it does. As though we have a lot of good juniors coming through in the middles, they are only now starting to come through. Meaning some might need 2-3 years before they are regular first graders. Does Paulo help with their development? Yes, 280 NRL games, he has been there and done that. He is able to lead the young forwards; Talagi, Koina, Popo, Funa, Pryke, Nunn etc.
Though on the other end, though some kids need some time, some also could be ready sooner, Paulo is only going to be here for one more year anyway. Does his value off the field translate still on field? His 2026 season was better than 2025. He is showing his age, though Ryles' has hinted in moving him to the bench full-time. Could that prolong his career? Perhaps. Though also these kids getting game time in NRL is necessary, as well the likes of Doorey, Brown and Moretti can also do their job needed until these kids are ready. Are they as valuable in leadership and aura as Paulo? No, but will they offer similar input on field? Maybe not entirely but they can offer similar, particularly in the run game.
It is Paulo's influence on the polyneasian players that is mentioned as his biggest impact. Now Junior can do that behind the scenes without actually playing, though having that player that is respected next to you on the field fills confidence for certain players. Our focus is bringing through the likes of Sam Tuivaiti, Teancum Brown, Ryda Talagi and the rest in order to take over from the likes of Paulo.
However, there is a new element. Naufahu Whyte credited Leniu with being a big influence in how he improved as a player. If that is the case, could it be that Paulo as that squad member maybe is not needed? I know Paulo gives you 280 games of experience in your squad with a lot of young middles. If he leaves, Spencer would be the only middle, unless Williams plays in the middle too, in the squad with over 100 NRL games. Though we also brought in Jaydn Su'A, who brings 162 NRL games to the club and i mentioned before Williams who has 169 games of experience . Hopgood, though only 71 games, is still experienced somewhat to lead a group of young middles. Is Su'A, Leniu, Williams enough to lead these young forwards along into the future where they are able to meet their potential? Or is having Paulo just that little bit more needed?
For that i would say as mentioned before he is experienced in big games, still has an offload and freakish play. He does what our other middles cannot. Against him though is his knee, how much does he decline and how bad can it get.
Kids like Tuivaiti and Brown got valuable game time in 2026. Tuivaiti is just shy of 30 games. Not a lot but is getting there with experience. So we have one that is heading in the direction of being able to grow on their own. Is Williams, Su'A, Leniu and Hopgood enough? I think it could be. Also Moretti and Doorey both are 50 game players and Kautoga gives Williams the chance to move into the middle if needed.
Paulo’s big-game experience and skill set are hard to replicate, but between Leniu, Su’A, Williams, and Hopgood, the Eels finally have enough senior muscle to guide the emerging pack forward. Given his medical history and contract uncertainty, Parramatta might be better off reallocating that salary cap space elsewhere and letting the new era take full control.
I know on this site, the views on Paulo are literally stuck in the middle. Some love him and want him signed, others do not like him as of now and feel we should move on.
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