In one of the most talked-about signings of the NRL off-season, the Parramatta Eels have officially confirmed the capture of Jonah Pezet, the promising young halfback from the Melbourne Storm. Pezet, 21, has agreed to a four-year deal that will see him don the blue and gold through at least the 2029 season, as the Eels look to rebuild their playmaking core and secure a long-term successor in the halves.
The deal, reportedly structured as a three-year guaranteed contract with a club option for a fourth, marks a significant investment by Parramatta in one of the leagueβs most gifted emerging talents. Pezetβs move comes at a pivotal time for both clubs β for Melbourne, it signals a changing of the guard behind Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes; for Parramatta, itβs a statement of intent as they look to reignite their attack and return to the NRLβs upper echelon.
Pezet, who made his NRL debut with the Storm in 2023, quickly gained a reputation as a poised and creative half. Known for his game management, crisp passing, and accurate short kicking, he has often been compared to some of the leagueβs most composed playmakers. Despite limited first-grade appearances in Melbourneβs stacked roster, Pezet impressed in the Queensland Cup and earned rave reviews for his ability to control tempo and link seamlessly with his forwards.
For Parramatta, this signing is about more than just potential β itβs about direction. The Eels have struggled in recent seasons to find consistency in the halves since Mitchell Mosesβ injury-plagued campaigns and the departure of backup options. Head coach Brad Arthur and the clubβs recruitment team have long been searching for a young general to complement their spine anchored by Clint Gutherson, Dylan Brown, and Reed Mahoneyβs replacement at hooker. Pezet fits that need perfectly β a level-headed organizer with the football IQ to steer a side brimming with attacking weapons.
Club CEO Jim Sarantinos hailed the signing as a key step toward the Eelsβ future success. βJonah is one of the brightest young halves in the game. We believe his best years are ahead of him, and weβre excited that those years will be spent in blue and gold,β Sarantinos said. βHe brings a great attitude, professionalism, and the kind of leadership we want to build our team around.β
For Pezet, the move represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Leaving the Stormβs finely tuned system will test his ability to lead from the front, but it also gives him the platform to establish himself as a starting NRL halfback. In a short statement, Pezet expressed excitement about the next chapter: βIβve learned so much at Melbourne, and Iβm grateful for that. But Iβm ready to take the next step β Parramatta is a massive club with a proud fan base, and I canβt wait to get started.β
Fans across Parramatta have already reacted with enthusiasm, seeing Pezet as the type of young player who could usher in a new era of stability and success. With his composure, tactical awareness, and competitive drive, the Eels may have found the missing piece in their quest to return to the NRL Grand Final stage.
As the 2026 season approaches, one thing is certain: Jonah Pezetβs arrival in Western Sydney adds a spark of excitement and renewed hope that Parramattaβs next great halfback era is about to begin.
