NRL transfer news: Parramatta forward Oregon Kaufusi to sign $1.2m deal with Cronulla Sharks

Parramatta’s loss is Cronulla’s gain after the Sharks handed out a bumper contract to one of the NRL’s rising young forwards.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - October 10: Oregon Kaufusi of the Parramatta Eels arriving at Bankwest Stadium ahead of tonightÕs semi final between the Parramatta Eels and the South Sydney Rabbitohs (Photo by James Gourley/The Sunday Telegraph)

Parramatta is on the cusp of another shattering recruitment setback with young gun prop Oregon Kaufusi expected to link with the Cronulla Sharks.

It is understood Kaufusi will announce he will join the Sharks on a three-year deal worth around $1.2 million from 2023, to continue the club’s rebuild under new NRL coach Craig Fitzgibbon.

But for the Eels, the loss of local junior Kaufusi, at just 22, is a significant blow, and comes on the back of fellow rising prop Stefano Utoikamanu leaving to join Wests Tigers just 12 months ago.

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Parramatta is set to lose local junior Oregon Kaufusi. Picture: Phil Hillyard

It also follows gun hooker Reed Mahoney’s recent decision to sign with Canterbury, Isaiah Papali’i heading to the Tigers, Marata Niukore to the Warriors, and Ray Stone to the Dolphins — all in 2023.

News Corp understands that as well as salary cap constraints at Parramatta, Kaufusi was also keen to establish himself as a starting prop.

With regular starters Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Junior Paulo re-signing until the end of 2025 and 2026 respectively, Kaufusi’s opportunity at the Eels had diminished.

But there is no denying the club had put a lot of work into his development, after he came through the junior system playing alongside the likes of Mahoney and Dylan Brown.

Kaufusi has represented NSW in under 16s, 18s and 20s, while also playing Australian Schoolboys.

He has so far played 44 top grade games since debuting in 2018 and had stepped up into a more significant role in the forwards rotation off the bench.

Cushioning the blow somewhat will be the emergence of young forwards David Hollis, Jock Brazel and Larry Muagututia, with Hollis, 20, expected to push to make his NRL debut in 2022.

Rising young Eel Larry Muagututia, 18, is climbing the ranks. Picture: Toby Zerna

The Eels on Monday also announced the re-signing of young stars Jake Arthur and Sean Russell, as well as late-blooming forward Makahesi Makatoa, until the end of 2023.

Exciting young outside back Haze Dunster last week also joined captain Clint Gutherson in committing to the club for the next four years.

Canberra’s Bailey Simonsson has linked up with Parramatta immediately, and his former Raiders teammate Josh Hodgson has agreed to join him for the 2023 season.

Parramatta Eels General Manager of Football Mark O’Neill said: “Since arriving at the Eels, Makahesi has impressed us with his great attitude and toughness, but it was his determination and incredible resilience which earned him his NRL debut and made him become an important member of our NRL squad.

“Both Jake and Sean have come through our Junior Pathways system and earned their top 30 positions. Jake is one of our most committed players, earning himself a debut this year in one of the most difficult positions. Sean was equally impressive in his debut performance on the wing, both players have an exciting future ahead of them.

“We’re incredibly proud of all three players, not just for their hard work and dedication, but also their wonderful character off the field.”

Why Bennett won’t throw millions at off-contract stars

- Chris Honnery and Dean Ritchie

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has assured fans the club “will get it right” when it comes to fielding a team in 2023, even after missing out on several key signatures in recent months.

Junior Paulo has become the latest missed opportunity for the Dolphins after the Parramatta prop re-signed with the Eels on Thursday. He will remain at the club until 2026.

The Dolphins have secured the signatures of Maroons star Felise Kaufusi and Parramatta’s Ray Stone, with the addition of three young rising stars this week.

Michael Roberts, the brother of NRL flyer James Roberts, and Harrison Graham have been handed development list contracts, while Valynce Te Whare has been added to the senior squad.

Bennett was at the iconic XXXX Brewery in Brisbane, just around the corner from the hallowed turf of Suncorp Stadium, on Thursday to help announce the new partnership between the Dolphins and XXXX.

Coach Wayne Bennett holding the first Dolphins jersey. Picture: Liam Kidston.

And while the sponsors are getting on board, the playing squad is still being finalised and the supercoach is confident he “will get it right”.

“We just want the right people,” Bennett said

“I’m happy with what we’re doing and how we’re going about it.

“It’ll fall into place by this time next year.

“We’re interested in anyone playing rugby league at a high level and we want the best players we can get here. Junior (Paulo) is in that category but I don’t think that will be happening.”

However, Bennett conceded his best side might not be on the field until the 2024 season as he was prepared to wait for the best players to join the Dolphins.

“We’re prepared to wait for players if we have to, to get the right player at the club,” he said.

“No one is looking for a quick fix here. No one is looking to win a premiership in year one.

Wayne Bennett confirmed Kalyn Ponga is on the Dolphins’ radar. Picture: Knights Digital

“What we are looking for is that we build a club that’s very strong and has a future through the decades. If we get it wrong at the beginning, it will take us 10 years to get it right so we can’t afford to get it wrong.”

The Dolphins have been linked with Newcastle and Maroons star Kalyn Ponga, who Bennett has confirmed is on his radar.

“I’ve had one conversation with him,” he said.

“I’d never met Kalyn before so I wanted to talk to him.

“We’re a long way from making a deal.

“I think he (sounded interested) but he’s committed to Newcastle.”

Signing coup: Eels hit back in player transfer market

— Dean Ritchie

Eels prop Junior Paulo has targeted that elusive premiership after spurning Queensland interest by signing a new four-year contract extension with Parramatta.

In a massive boost to the under-pressure Eels, Paulo will now remain playing in Sydney’s west until the end of 2026. He will be 33 when the deal concludes.

It was a welcomed and desired signing given after the Eels lost four forwards Isaiah Papali’i (Wests Tigers), Reed Mahoney (Bulldogs), Marata Niukore (Warriors) and Ray Stone (Dolphins) in recent weeks.

And with his long-term future settled, Paulo can now set his goals — and snapping Parramatta’s excruciating 35-year premiership wait tops the list.

“Obviously wanting to win a premiership with the Eels, wanting to create our bit of history. It is something everyone is just hanging for and we’d like to deliver that,” Paulo said.

Parramatta Eels prop Junior Paulo. Picture: NRL Photos

“We have been building for the last couple of years although we have fallen short in recent seasons. We believe in each other and we certainly have the belief we can win a comp.

“When you play together with the same group of boys, we’re able to build that trust and belief. The club is everything that I pretty much live for. It’s my second family.

“Part of the decision was to remain at the club and see off my career there. I love the club — it’s been part of me, especially being a junior (Cabramatta) as well.

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Paulo, 28, had been a target of new NRL club, the Dolphins, who must lament another target slipping by.

“It was definitely a move I was considering,” Paulo said. “Being a new club, it was a question that had to be asked: ‘Could I see myself up there?’ At one stage, I did.

“But I had to do what was best for my family, not disrupting my kids and being around my parents as well. My family is in the south-west area (of Sydney) – that makes it a lot easier for the kids.”

Eels fans would have been irate had another forward walked out.

“Junior is not just a skilful front rower, he is an asset to the club both on and off the field,” said Parramatta general manager of football, Mark O’Neill.

“His selection into the NSW Origin team is a testament to his ability and the hard work he puts into his game.”

Having made his State of Origin debut in 2020, Paulo is now regarded among the elite front-rowers in rugby league.

With Paulo, Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Clint Gutherson retained, and Parramatta can now focus on re-signing forward Ryan Matterson.

An Eels statement read: “A popular player amongst teammates, staff and fans, Junior also dedicates his time helping inspire the next generation through his role as the club’s ambassador for PCYC.

“The club is delighted that Junior, (wife) Mele and their children will continue to be part of our blue and gold family.”