NRL 2024: Parramatta Eels release prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard as Broncos circle

The Parramatta Eels have officially released Origin enforcer Reagan Campbell-Gillard and the Brisbane Broncos are poised to swoop.

It’s official. Reagan Campbell-Gillard is leaving the Eels.

Parramatta have on Tuesday confirmed the former Test prop has been granted a release from the final year of his contract, freeing him to sign with another NRL club for the 2025 season.

Campbell-Gillard is expected to finalise his next move in the coming days with the veteran bookend having been linked with the Broncos after his expected signing with the Dragons fell through on Monday night.

“Reagan is a quality player and has consistently demonstrated his impact on the field, reaching the impressive milestone of 200 NRL games earlier this year,” Eels general manager Mark O’Neill said.

“While these decisions are never easy, we also wanted to ensure that Reagan had the opportunity to secure his future beyond the 2025 season.

“We thank Reagan for his dedicated service to the Eels and wish him, his partner Alira and their young family all the very best for the future.”

The Broncos are chasing Reagan Campbell-Gillard's signature. Picture: NRL Imagery

Campbell-Gillard made his debut for the Eels in 2020 after his shift from Penrith and said he leaves with no ill-feeling towards the club.

“I’m so thankful for the opportunity to come to a great Club which helped me get my football back on track,” said Campbell-Gillard.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Parramatta, I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and for the lifelong friendships I’ve made.

“I also want to thank the passionate Eels fanbase, it’s been a pleasure playing in front of them and I’ve appreciated all their support over the years.”

The Broncos emerged as a shock contender for his signature after the Dragons withdrew from the race to sign the former NSW Origin enforcer.

It is uncertain if Dragons coach Shane Flanagan will have a change of heart after walking away from negotiations.

The Parramatta prop’s move to the Dragons was regarded as a fait accompli, but in a stunning twist on Monday night, St George Illawarra failed to finalise a transfer for Campbell-Gillard.

The 31-year-old is seeking a three-year deal from a prospective club but the Dragons were only willing to come to the party with a two-year offer.

That has opened the door for the Broncos, who are on the hunt for an experienced forward to provide some leadership and partner with star prop Payne Haas following Brisbane’s lowly 12th-placed finish.

The Broncos have also been linked with Storm veteran Christian Welch and Brisbane coach Kevin Walters is understood to be interested in snaring the signature of RCG.

The Broncos will discuss ramping-up a formal play for Campbell-Gillard and a recruitment-and-retention meeting on Wednesday.

The Broncos would have a formidable front row with Payne Haas (L) and Reagan Campbell-Gillard. Picture: NRL Imagery

But any move to Red Hill is contingent about salary-cap restrictions and whether the Broncos can afford Campbell-Gillard, who is on a lucrative deal with the Eels.

Just turned 31, Campbell-Gillard is contracted to the Eels until the end of next season, but Parramatta have given the bookend permission to negotiate with rival clubs.

Campbell-Gillard’s exit from Parramatta seemed a certainty given the prop had a shot at goal in his side’s 60-26 rout of the Tigers last Friday night in the strongest sign yet he was saying goodbye to the Eels.

Commentators even suggested Dragons fans should get ready for the arrival of Campbell-Gillard, but the collapse of the Red V deal could trigger a left-field poaching strike from the Broncos.

Queensland Origin 2023 debutant Corey Horsburgh rejected a possible move to the Broncos on Monday, honouring his Canberra deal after talks with Raiders coach Ricky Stuart.

The Broncos have given forward Kobe Hetherington permission to negotiate with rival clubs and he would be allowed to leave in 2025 – on the proviso Brisbane receive a player of equal value.

That player could be Campbell-Gillard, a veteran of 221 NRL games who could take the pressure off Haas with his representative experience and go forward.

Campbell-Gillard and Haas know each other well _ they were starting front-rowers in the opening game of the 2022 State of Origin series.

Walters has vowed to put Brisbane’s roster under the microscope with the Broncos having sorely missed the front-row intimidation of Dolphins defector Tom Flegler this season.

The Broncos still have one spot left on their 30-man full-time roster, putting RCG and Welch in the frame if Brisbane can strike the right deal.