Heading into the 2025 season, the Parramatta Eels have made a series of significant roster decisions, blending youth, experience, and long-term planning under coach Jason Ryles.
Mitchell Moses Extension:
One of the biggest stories is Eels’ halfback and captain Mitchell Moses, who has committed his future to the club by signing a five-year contract that locks him in until the end of 2029.
This deal is pivotal: Moses remains the spine of the side, and with no “player-get-out” clauses, it also gives Parramatta stability in their key playmaking role.
Mid-Season Recruiting: Tallyn Da Silva:
Midway through the season, the Eels pulled off a coup by signing young hooker Tallyn Da Silva from the Wests Tigers.
Da Silva, just 20, has inked a long-term deal reportedly running through 2029, reflecting the Eels’ strategy to rejuvenate their spine with dynamic, long-term talent.
He made his club debut for Parramatta in Round 19 of 2025, giving the Eels a youthful, energetic option at No. 9.
Joash Papalii Re-Signing:
Another highlight is the re-signing of Joash Papalii, who has extended his contract with Parramatta through to the end of 2027.
Papalii, 21, has shown impressive versatility – appearing in various roles (fullback, five-eighth, and even hooker) and earning trust from Ryles.
His re-signing signals that the Eels see him as more than a squad depth player; rather, he’s very much part of the long-term core.
Back-Row Development:
On the development front, the club has extended two promising back-row forwards: William Latu and Jezaiah Funa-luta.
Both are locked in until the end of the 2027 season, with their development contracts upgraded. The Eels plan to elevate them into the Top 30 NRL squad by 2027, showing faith in their pathway system.
New Faces & Departures:
The Eels also brought in Josh Addo-Carr, the high-flying winger, on a two-year deal beginning in 2025.
Meanwhile, there’s been some turnover: star winger Zac Lomax, who signed for Parramatta ahead of 2025, has been released after just one season to pursue other opportunities.
Off-field, there’s significant context: their young playmaker Dylan Brown is set for a high-profile move, reportedly signing a 10-year deal with the Newcastle Knights that will begin in 2026.
That move may explain part of Parramatta’s aggressive signing and re-signing — they could be planning for life after Brown.
Other Notables:
Toni Mataele, a forward who came through Parramatta’s junior system, made his NRL debut for the Eels in 2025 and has re-signed through 2026.
Ryley Smith, meanwhile, has earned a contract upgrade: in mid-2025 he was formally added to the Eels’ Top 30 and extended into 2026.
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Analysis & Implications:
Parramatta’s 2025 signings show a clear strategy: they are balancing the short and long term. Keeping Moses locked in through 2029 ensures leadership and playmaking remain stable. At the same time, bringing in a young hooker like Da Silva and extending young talent like Papalii, Latu, and Funa-luta signals a rebuild around emerging talent.
Ryles seems to be structuring a spine that can transition after Brown’s departure, while re-investing in youth that aligns with his coaching vision. The Eels are betting on continuity and development rather than quick-fix signings. If these young players hit their potential, Parramatta could be well positioned for a sustained competitive window in the latter half of the decade.
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