BREAKING Live: Reuben Garrick official Set to Join Parramatta Eels in 2026 — A Major Blow for 2 NRL giant rivals” as He Rules Out Re-Signing…
In a bombshell development in the NRL’s shifting transfer sands, Manly Sea Eagles’ star back Reuben Garrick has reportedly decided to turn his back on a contract extension, with strong indications that he will sign with the Parramatta Eels for the 2026 season. The news sent shockwaves through the Manly faithful and immediately sparked conversations across the league about the balance of power in the coming years.
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A Fractured Relationship
Garrick has been a stalwart of the Sea Eagles’ backline for several seasons now — prolific, dependable, and a key attacking weapon. But the cracks began to show over contract negotiations. Talks between Garrick and Manly reportedly collapsed after the club offered him a two-year extension, which would have kept him until the end of 2028. While the Sea Eagles’ offer was rumored to be worth over A$1 million across those two years, the sides couldn’t reach common ground.
With negotiations stalling, Garrick is set to hit the open market on November 1, free to explore offers from rival clubs. Rumors have since swirled about Parramatta being Garrick’s preferred destination.
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Why the Eels? A Strategic Fit
Parramatta is coming off a mixed 2025 campaign, and the addition of Garrick would represent a serious statement of intent. Here’s why the move makes sense:
Offensive firepower: Garrick is not just a winger or centre; he’s a goal-kicker, a consistent try scorer, and one of the most dangerous attacking backs in the league.
Experience and leadership: As a veteran, his presence would benefit younger Eels backs and boost Parramatta’s spine with proven quality.
Market appeal: Garrick’s signing would send a louder signal than almost any other conceivable acquisition — it would be a coup, showing the Eels are serious about competing.
From Parramatta’s perspective, landing such a high-calibre player off the free agent board would be a coup and instantly shift expectations and balance of power.
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The Blow to Manly
Manly faces a brutal double whammy. Not only do they stand to lose one of their most consistent performers, but the way in which the separation is unfolding deepens the wound.
Talent drain: Losing Garrick would rob Manly of a premier attacking weapon.
Message to stayers: Other stars, current and future, may perceive instability or contractual risk within the club.
Fan and brand impact: Garrick is a face of the club. His departure — especially via open market — is a PR blow.
The very fact that Manly’s extension offer couldn’t retain him speaks volumes about either their valuation, budget constraints, or perhaps internal strategy.
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Possible Alternatives and Other Suitors
Before Parramatta emerged as the frontrunner, multiple clubs were linked to Garrick. Some of the names floated include the Warriors, Sharks, Roosters, Titans, and even expansion sides like Perth.
A prominent analysis enumerates six potential landing spots for Garrick, underscoring that his versatility and reputation make him highly desirable.
Parramatta has, however, quietly built some traction. The Eels have already managed other signings and extensions (like Mitch Moses and Richard Pisini) to shore up parts of their squad, signaling their desire to be active players in the market.
If Garrick’s agent leverages multiple offers, Parramatta’s ability (financially and structurally) to strike a compelling deal will be critical.
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Risks and Rewards — For Garrick, For the Eels
This transition is far from simple. There are high stakes.
Possible rewards:
Garrick would cement himself as a marquee signing, likely commanding better remuneration and a starring role.
A new environment may reinvigorate him, offering fresh challenges and ambitions.
The Eels would gain a potent attacking difference-maker at the heart of their game plan.
Possible risks:
Transitioning clubs always bring adaptation strains — chemistry, structure, coaching philosophies.
Expectations will be sky-high; pressure to perform immediately could weigh heavily.
The salary load and cap management will be a challenge for Parramatta, especially if they parallel other contract commitments.
It’s also possible that late in the game, Manly could return with a superior counteroffer — if they are willing, or financially able, to up the ante.
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What Now? What to Watch
Over the coming weeks and months, several developments will provide clarity:
1. Formal contract announcements — Keep an eye on official statements from Parramatta, Manly, or the NRL.
2. Backup plans — If Garrick is off the table, what are Manly’s recruiting priorities?
3. Who else gets activated? — Other clubs may pivot to alternative stars if Garrick goes to the Eels.
4. Cap outcomes — How Parramatta handles salary cap maneuvering with this kind of major signing.
5. On-field alignment — How quickly Garrick syncs with Eels systems, teammates, coaching.
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Final Word
If confirmed, Reuben Garrick’s move to Parramatta for 2026 is nothing short of a blockbuster. The Sea Eagles will feel the sting of losing a foundational attacker and team stalwart. For the Eels, it’s a chance to establish themselves as a serious threat in the coming seasons.
This isn’t just another transfer — it’s a statement. And if Garrick has truly ruled out re-signing with Manly and chosen Parramatta, it will go down as one of the biggest shocks in recent NRL history.
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