Eels lock down young trio, Broncos target Bulldogs utility Hayze Perham, Kaeo Weekes signs Canberra Raiders contract extension | NRL Market Watch
The Parramatta Eels have moved to stem the exodus of their junior rep stars by locking down three of their brightest prospects on new deals. Latest NRL market news.
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Parramatta have moved to stem the exodus of junior representative stars, locking in three rising prospects as part of the club’s roster rebuild under new coach Jason Ryles.
Forwards Charlie Guymer, Saxon Pryke and centre Richard Penisini, the younger brother of Eels star centre Will, have all agreed to remain at the Eels until the end of 2026.
Guymer, who made his NRL debut in Round 18, was the subject of headlines last month after it was revealed his management had approached the club to request permission to talk to rivals.
Parramatta swiftly knocked back that request.
Guymer and Penisini will remain on a development contract next year before being promoted into the top-30 roster in 2026.
“Charlie has wonderful leadership qualities and the characteristics you want in a player both on and off the field. We have no doubt he will thrive during pre-season training and be ready to play more NRL games next year,” Eels general manager Mark O’Neill said.
Penisini, a highly rated centre, missed the entire 2024 season after suffering an ACL injury during pre-season training last December but will train with the top squad over the summer.
“Richard is a talented young player, he has worked hard on his rehab journey and is now fully fit and ready to tackle the new year head on during pre-season training,” O’Neill said.
The latest development comes after boom back Blaize Talagi, arguably Parramatta’s best local prospect in years, walked out on the Eels to join neighbouring rival Penrith on a three-year deal from 2025.
His defection came only two months after rising playmaker Ethan Sanders signed a two-year deal from 2025 with the Canberra Raiders. The son of axed coach Brad Arthur, Matt, promising hooker, has also been granted permission to find a new home in 2025 and is expected to link-up with the Newcastle Knights.
All three were part of Parramatta’s SG Ball (under-19s) premiership-winning side, alongside Guymer, Penisini and Pryke, in 2023.
Pryke, primarily a lock, was crowned as the Jersey Flegg Cup (under-21s) player of the year in 2024.
“Saxon has been a standout player in the Jersey Flegg team and has earned a spot in the Development squad in 2025,” O’Neill said.
“It’s wonderful to see our players coming through the pathways program and being rewarded for their hard work and talent. We look forward to watching them progress in the NRL under the guidance of Head Coach Jason Ryles.”
-Fatima Kdouh
BRONCOS TARGET BULLDOGS UTILITY
The Broncos are targeting Canterbury utility Hayze Perham as an understudy to superstar Brisbane fullback Reece Walsh next season.
Brisbane are on the hunt for backline insurance in 2025 with Walsh’s back-up Tristan Sailor having severed ties with the club to join Super League club St Helens.
That has opened the door for the Broncos to make a play for Perham, who finished the 2024 campaign at the Bulldogs still off-contract and with no guarantees to remain at Belmore.
The 25-year-old Waikato product has played 35 games for the Warriors, Parramatta and Canterbury since his NRL debut in 2019 and is capable of playing fullback, wing and centre.
Perham played 19 games for the Bulldogs in 2023 but was unable to break into the top grade this season.
He languished in the NSW Cup following the arrival of Connor Tracey, Stephen Crichton and Bronson Xerri, who helped the Bulldogs to the finals and moved Perham further down the pecking order.
The Maori All Stars flyer was linked with English club Hull FC earlier this season, but the Broncos are eyeing off Perham to add some depth to the backline in the event of an injury to Walsh.
It is understood Perham has not signed with the Broncos at this stage but could be placed on a development deal for the 2025 season.
Sailor did a fine job as a deputy to Walsh and Perham shapes as a contingency option for the Broncos should their first-choice fullback be unavailable due to injury or representative duties next season.
The 184cm, 93kg Perham has scored eight NRL tries and made his representative debut for the Maori All Stars in 2023.
The Broncos’ play for Perham comes just days after it was revealed Queensland Origin star Walsh had agreed terms on a four-year extension until the end of 2029.
The Broncos have some room to move in their salary cap with veteran winger Corey Oates still off-contract and fighting for his future at Red Hill.
-Peter Badel
RAIDERS LOCK DOWN PLAYMAKER
Canberra have rewarded Kaeo Weekes for a promising first season at the club by signing him to a new deal that will keep him in the nation’s capital until the end of 2027.
Weekes, who joined the Raiders from Manly, played 17 matches for Canberra in the halves and at fullback.
He was among their most consistent performers as they narrowly missed out on the top eight, winning the coaches’ award at their presentation night last week.
Weekes said he came to Canberra looking for the chance to build into his career.
“I want to thank the club for giving me the opportunity to come down to Canberra,” Weekes said.
“It was a big step to move down here away from my partner and family to chase my dream, but I’m so grateful I came.
“It’s been a really enjoyable first year for me, I love this club and what they’re building for the future and I’m looking forward to building on what I’ve started over the next few years.”
Raiders recruitment manager Joel Carbone said the club was looking forward to Weekes’ continued development.
“Kaeo has had a terrific first season with the club and proven that he’s not only an NRL Player, but a player who will continue to improve in the years ahead,” Carbone said.
“Kaeo has wonderful skill and genuine pace, with the ability to play multiple positions in the backline.
“He’s also a fantastic young man with a great work ethic and attitude and we look forward to seeing the best of him in the years ahead.”
-Brent Read
Originally published as Eels lock down young trio, Broncos target Bulldogs utility Hayze Perham, Kaeo Weekes signs Canberra Raiders contract extension | NRL Market Watch
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