Parramatta Eels Offer $1.5M Deal: Club in Talks with Jonah Pezet for Post-2026 Move
The Parramatta Eels are making waves in the NRL transfer market, with sources revealing that the club has entered early discussions with Jonah Pezet’s management team regarding a potential long-term move beginning in 2026. Reports indicate that the Eels are preparing to table a $1.5 million offer, signaling their intent to secure one of the league’s most promising young halves for the future.
Pezet, currently developing under the Melbourne Storm system, has been touted as a rising star in Australian rugby league. Known for his precise kicking game, composure under pressure, and natural leadership instincts, the 21-year-old playmaker has caught the attention of several clubs — but Parramatta appears determined to get ahead of the competition.
According to sources close to both clubs, the Eels initiated quiet contact with Pezet’s representatives in recent weeks. While no formal agreement has been reached, talks are said to be “positive” and focused on long-term development, role clarity, and Pezet’s potential fit within Parramatta’s evolving spine.
If the move materializes, it could reshape the Eels’ playmaking future. The club has been searching for a young half who can complement their current attacking structure and eventually lead the team into the next generation of NRL contention. With key veterans nearing the twilight of their careers, Parramatta’s recruitment team has been strategic about targeting emerging talent that can anchor the side beyond 2026.
An insider close to the situation described the Eels’ pitch as “vision-driven, not just money-driven,” emphasizing the club’s plan to build around Pezet’s skill set and leadership qualities. “They see him as a long-term investment — someone who can grow with the squad, not just fill a spot,” the source said.
For Melbourne Storm, the potential loss of Pezet would be significant. The club has been grooming him as a future cornerstone of their playmaking unit, particularly as Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes enter the later stages of their prime. Storm coach Craig Bellamy has publicly praised Pezet’s maturity and professionalism, calling him “one of the most composed young halves I’ve ever worked with.”
The Eels’ pursuit reflects both ambition and urgency. Following an up-and-down campaign, Parramatta’s management has prioritized stability in key positions. With young stars like Dylan Brown and Clint Gutherson forming the core, Pezet’s arrival could be the missing link that reignites the club’s push for consistent finals appearances.
Fans have reacted with cautious optimism. Many see Pezet as a potential game-changer, while others question whether the Eels can successfully lure him away from Melbourne’s renowned development system. Still, the reported $1.5 million offer — spread across multiple seasons — signals how serious Parramatta is about bringing him on board.
As the Eels continue to rebuild toward a stronger 2026 and beyond, this move could mark a defining step in their long-term vision. While both sides remain tight-lipped about ongoing talks, one thing is clear: Parramatta is planning for the future — and Jonah Pezet might just be at the heart of it.
If the deal goes through, fans could be witnessing the early stages of one of the most strategic signings in recent club history.
