NRL Market Watch: Joe Ofahengaue joins Parramatta after Wests Tigers release

Parramatta was one minute from being left hanging by Wests Tigers again as the squabble over Joe Ofahengaue reached comical levels.

Joe Ofahengaue.

The Eels have rushed fresh recruit Joe Ofahengaue straight into their starting front-row after he was formally released by the Wests Tigers.

The protracted release was finalised at 3.59pm - one minute prior to the NRL’s official cut-off for team selections on Tuesday.

Parramatta were seething by the delay in the process after Ofahengaue agreed to terms on a two-and-a-half year deal with the Eels last Wednesday.

Parramatta had intended to play Ofahengaue last weekend.

Joe Ofahengaue is finally an Eel.

However, Ofahengaue was told by Tigers officials he wasn’t allowed to leave until playing one final game, against the Cowboys last Saturday night.

The deal went through just in time for Eels coach Brad Arthur to select Ofahengaue in the front-row, coincidentally, against the Cowboys at CommBank Stadium on Friday night.

Joe is a timely addition to the Eels’ squad, considering the injury status of some of our key forwards,’’ Eels Head of Football Mark O’Neill said.

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur. NRL Imagery

“His power game will suit our style of football, his NRL and Origin experience will be valuable for some of our emerging forwards and his character will be great for the overall culture of the club.

“We all look forward to welcoming him and his family to the club.”

The Tigers intend to use money saved from releasing Ofahengaue to target key recruits. The club has been linked to Knights forward Tyson Frizell, while re-signing Luke Brooks has also been discussed.