NRL 2024 transfer news: Bidding war begins for Eels star Bailey Simonsson | Market Watch

The Parramatta Eels are facing a four-way battle to retain one of their breakout stars of 2024, with a Queensland rival entering the race for the outside back.

Parramatta are facing a battle to retain Bailey Simonsson, with three NRL rivals in the race for the outside back. Picture: Getty Images

Parramatta are facing a battle to retain Bailey Simonsson with Queensland NRL rivals the Cowboys eyeing off the powerful utility back.

This masthead understands Simonsson’s management are set to meet with the Cowboys as the Eels face a four-way battle to keep the 26-year-old in blue-and-gold next season.

Simonsson is off-contract at season’s end and has attracted interest from three NRL rivals, including the Cowboys, Roosters and Dragons.

It is understood Simonsson’s preference is to remain at Parramatta, but the Cowboys are poised for a poaching raid after an aggressive recruitment drive that has netted Harrison Edwards, Braidon Burns and Karl Lawton.

Parramatta are facing a battle to retain Bailey Simonsson, with three NRL rivals in the race for the outside back. Picture: Getty Images

The hard-running Simonsson has amassed 50 games for the Eels since his arrival from Canberra in 2022, but Parramatta’s free agents are awaiting a decision on the club’s next coach following the sacking of Brad Arthur.

The Eels have signed newly-minted NSW Origin winger Zac Lomax for next season, leaving Simonsson on uncertain ground at Parramatta.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten is understood to be a fan of Simonsson, who has scored 32 tries from 95 NRL games and is capable of playing fullback, wing and centre.

North Queensland could face stiff competition from the Dragons and Roosters, with the Bondi glamour club on the hunt for outside backs as they prepare to farewell rugby-bound stars Joseph Suaalii and Joey Manu.

Simonsson has been a mainstay for Parramatta this season, scoring four tries from 10 games, and told this masthead in March he was hoping to secure a new deal with the Eels.

Simonsson’s preference is to stay at Parramatta, but with Zac Lomax coming to the club in 2025 his future at the club has become clouded. Picture: Getty Images

“I’m off-contract,” he said.

“I love being at Parra. I’ve enjoyed my time here so I’d like to stay here. Those things aren’t always in your control so we’ve got to see what happens.

“Every year you’re trying to play your best, but when you’re off contract, it’s always a bit of a challenging time so you try to play good footy to secure your future.

“Nothing really changes. I’ll just keep doing my best every week, and that’s all you can do.”

Asked if Lomax’s arrival at Parramatta could force him out of the Eels, Simonsson said: “That’s footy. People change rosters and clubs go in a different direction.

“Until someone speaks to me, we can take it from there.

“He’s obviously a great player but it’s out of my control.

“At the moment I’m doing a job on the wing, but if I get moved back to centre then I’ll do my best there.

“Hopefully I can secure a spot.

“All you can do is your best, and the rest is in the club’s control with people higher up than me. No point stressing out over things you can’t control.”