💙💛 Once an Eel, always an Eel! Departed forwards have both signed new life changing deals close to moses Eels current annual earnings ahead of the 2026 season — continuing their rugby league journeys with fresh opportunities. 🏉✨
DEPARTED EELS FORWARDS DAN KEIR AND WIREMU GREIG SIGN NEW DEALS AHEAD OF 2026 SEASON
In a significant development for two familiar faces of the Parramatta Eels, forwards Dan Keir and Wiremu Greig have both secured new contracts that will see them continue their rugby league careers beyond their time in blue and gold.
While their exits mark the end of one chapter, the pair’s fresh deals signal a promising continuation in their respective professional journeys — proof that perseverance, hard work, and resilience continue to pay off in the NRL landscape.
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A Farewell and a Fresh Start
Both Keir and Greig were among the departures confirmed by the Parramatta Eels following the conclusion of the 2025 season. While their time at the club may have come to a close, their contributions were far from unnoticed.
Wiremu Greig, the powerhouse New Zealand-born prop, joined Parramatta from the North Queensland Cowboys system and quickly earned a reputation for his impact off the bench. Known for his strong carries, heavy contact in defence, and relentless attitude, Greig developed into a cult favourite among Eels fans.
His performances, particularly through the 2023 and 2024 seasons, showcased glimpses of his enormous potential, even amidst the club’s fluctuating form.
Dan Keir, on the other hand, has been a developing talent within the Eels’ system, having risen through the club’s NSW Cup ranks.
A tireless worker and a player with versatility across the forward pack, Keir’s consistent performances in reserve grade earned him recognition from coaching staff and teammates alike. Though first-grade opportunities were limited, his professionalism and attitude made him a respected figure within the Eels camp.
Where They’re Headed Next
While official club announcements are expected soon, reliable sources within the rugby league community have revealed that Wiremu Greig is set to join a Super League club in the UK, a move that will expand his career internationally.
This opportunity not only offers Greig the chance to play consistent top-flight football but also to become a key leader in a new environment.
Playing abroad has been a successful path for several former NRL forwards in recent years, and Greig’s blend of size, aggression, and work rate is expected to translate well in the physically demanding British competition.
Many within the game believe this move could reignite his form and allow him to reach the peak of his abilities, away from the crowded forward rotations of the NRL.
Meanwhile, Dan Keir is understood to have signed a deal with a Queensland Cup side, aiming to rebuild and reignite his NRL aspirations through consistent game time.
The second-tier competition has proven a fertile ground for player development, and Keir’s move could mirror the paths of many players who eventually fought their way back into first-grade contention.
For Keir, this next step represents both a challenge and an opportunity — to showcase his grit and value to potential suitors across the league.
Reflections from Parramatta
Within Parramatta’s inner circle, both departures are viewed with mixed emotions — a combination of pride in seeing the players continue their journeys and sadness at losing two respected teammates.
Head Coach Brad Arthur, who has overseen the development of both players during their time at the club, was full of praise for their attitude and commitment.
> “Both Wiremu and Dan are great blokes to have around the team,” Arthur said in a statement. “They gave their best every time they pulled on the Eels jersey. While we’re disappointed to see them go, we’re proud to see them continue their rugby league careers and take the next step. They’ll always be part of the Eels family.”
The Eels, who are undergoing another period of squad restructuring heading into 2026, have seen several roster changes as part of their plan to return to premiership contention.
While some fans may see the exits as part of the club’s ongoing rebuild, others recognize it as a chance for emerging talent to step up and for players like Greig and Keir to find greater opportunity elsewhere.
Fan Reaction and Legacy
Among Eels supporters, the reaction to the news has been one of gratitude and goodwill. Wiremu Greig, in particular, was known for his fan engagement and passion on the field. His thunderous runs and no-nonsense attitude embodied the type of forward Parramatta fans love — fearless, physical, and proud.
Social media posts from fans flooded in following reports of his signing, with many wishing him success overseas and thanking him for his contribution. One fan wrote, “Wiremu always gave 100% when he ran out there. Can’t wait to see him tear it up in the Super League.”
Dan Keir’s move, while quieter in headlines, also drew support from the Eels faithful who admired his perseverance. Many see his journey as a reminder of the depth and commitment found throughout the club’s developmental ranks.
A Broader Reflection on Rugby League Pathways
The moves of Keir and Greig underscore a broader truth about modern rugby league — that the game offers multiple pathways for players to continue their professional growth, whether domestically or abroad.
The NRL, Super League, and state competitions like the NSW and QLD Cups have become deeply interconnected ecosystems, allowing talent to flow between them based on opportunity and form.
For many players, particularly forwards, consistent playing time is essential for development. Rather than sitting on extended benches or development lists, moving to another competition often provides the platform to refine skills, mature physically, and regain confidence.
Wiremu Greig’s transition to the UK game mirrors that of other NRL forwards such as Luke Thompson, Zane Tetevano, and Sam Kasiano, who found revitalized form in the Super League. Dan Keir’s decision to take a more domestic route shows a different but equally ambitious plan — to stay within Australia’s competitive structure and keep his NRL dream alive through hard work and visibility.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026 season approaches, both players will enter their new environments with renewed purpose. Greig, still in his mid-twenties, has plenty of football left in him and could yet return to the NRL with more experience under his belt. His size, power, and maturity will make him an asset overseas — and potentially, a future target for Australian clubs once again.
Keir’s journey, meanwhile, could become a classic rugby league story of persistence. A strong season in the Queensland Cup could open the door for another shot at first grade, especially given the constant demand for depth and reliability across NRL forward packs.
Conclusion
While the departure of Dan Keir and Wiremu Greig marks the end of their time in Parramatta colours, it is far from the end of their rugby league stories. Both men leave with the respect of their peers and supporters, taking forward the lessons and experiences earned in one of the NRL’s most passionate clubs.
Their new deals are not just contracts — they are new beginnings, filled with opportunity, growth, and the promise of what’s to come.
For Parramatta, it’s another reminder that rugby league is a constantly evolving landscape — one where change often paves the way for both fresh talent and new beginnings.
As the 2026 season looms, fans across the rugby league world will be watching closely to see how the next chapters of Dan Keir and Wiremu Greig unfold — both abroad and at home.
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