The Parramatta Eels have reportedly set their sights on one of the NRL’s most promising young playmakers, Jonah Pezet, with sources indicating that the club has initiated early discussions with his management team regarding a lucrative deal worth around $1.5 million. The potential move, which would begin beyond the 2026 season, signals Parramatta’s determination to strengthen their halves pairing and build a long-term foundation for success.
Pezet, currently with the Melbourne Storm, has been touted as one of the brightest young talents in Australian rugby league. Known for his game management, crisp passing, and mature decision-making, the 21-year-old has already shown glimpses of elite potential despite limited first-grade appearances. The Storm have high hopes for him, but with a crowded halves situation that includes Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes, opportunities for Pezet to establish himself as a full-time starter have been limited.
For Parramatta, this move is strategic and forward-thinking. After a few inconsistent seasons since their 2022 Grand Final appearance, the Eels are clearly looking to inject youth and creativity into their spine. Mitchell Moses remains the team’s premier playmaker, but with Dylan Brown’s contract featuring flexible terms and the club’s desire to future-proof their roster, Pezet’s potential arrival could mark a generational shift in the Eels’ attacking structure.
According to insiders, the Eels’ offer would span three years, reportedly valued at around $1.5 million. This would not only give Pezet financial security but also the opportunity to step into a leadership role as the team’s next long-term halfback. The idea of pairing Pezet with a seasoned playmaker like Moses or allowing him to learn under the New South Wales representative is an appealing prospect for Parramatta’s coaching staff.
The Melbourne Storm, however, are unlikely to let Pezet go without a fight. The club has invested heavily in his development, grooming him under coach Craig Bellamy’s renowned system. Sources close to the Storm suggest that they are preparing a counteroffer to extend Pezet’s contract, which currently runs through 2026. Melbourne sees him as a key part of their future, especially as Munster and Hughes move deeper into their careers.
Still, the lure of consistent first-grade opportunities and a central role in a rebuilding Eels side could prove too enticing for Pezet to ignore. Parramatta’s recruitment team, led by general manager Mark O’Neill, has been proactive in targeting emerging talent who can make an immediate impact while also fitting into the club’s long-term vision.
This potential signing also highlights a broader trend across the NRL — young playmakers commanding big contracts earlier in their careers as clubs race to lock down future stars. With the salary cap expected to continue rising, deals like Pezet’s proposed $1.5 million offer could become increasingly common.
For now, discussions are still in the early stages, but the Eels’ quiet approach has certainly caught the attention of rival clubs and league insiders. If negotiations progress, Jonah Pezet could soon find himself at the heart of Parramatta’s next big push for premiership glory — a move that could reshape the Eels’ future and test the Storm’s ability to retain their next generation of stars.
