NRL transfers: Why Dylan Walker left Warriors to sign with Parramatta Eels

Struggling to begin the 2025 season with an 0-3 record, the Eels jumped at the opportunity to sign Warriors star Dylan Walker. See why they signed the premiership winning utility.

Dylan Walker has been signed by the Eels to provide a two-pronged impact on the team.

Off-contract at the end of this season, the former Test and NSW State of Origin player was released by the Warriors on Wednesday morning to join Parramatta on compassionate grounds.

Walker and his young family wanted to be back around their extended family in Sydney.

Struggling to begin the 2025 season with an 0-3 record, the Eels jumped at the opportunity to sign the 223-gamer for the remainder of this season and also 2026.

Why the Eels signed the 30-year-old and how the Eels intend to use Walker, most likely against St George-Illawarra in round five, is multi-faceted.

Dylan Walker. Picture: NRL Imagery

Firstly, the Eels believe Walker gives them an elite utility who can play anywhere from centre, to the halves to lock. It’s anticipated his first appearance for the Eels will be in the No.14 jersey.

At his best, Walker can be one of the most dangerous No.14’s in the NRL.

When he does come onto the field, Walker’s ability as a ball-playing forward at lock will take immediate pressure off current halves Dylan Brown and Dean Hawkins.

Every Eels fan knows how much the current halves could benefit from some extra guidance.

In-turn, if Walker comes into the game from the bench at 13, it then gives coach Jason Ryles greater flexibility within his forward pack, by giving J’Maine Hopgood a breather, or by pushing him into the front-row.

Walker is being viewed as a player that will provide the Eels with good leg speed, a sharp footy brain and elite competitiveness.

It’s a clever signing for what the Eels desperately need right now.

Dylan Walker. Picture: NRL Imagery

DYLAN WALKER JOINS EELS AFTER IMMEDIATE RELEASE BY WARRIORS

Premiership-winner Dylan Walker has joined Parramatta, effective immediately, after being released from the Warriors.

The former Test and NSW State of Origin utility has been released on compassionate grounds by the Warriors.

The 30-year-old had the remainder of the 2025 season on-contract at the Warriors and the Eels have taken up the remainder of the deal in addition to a contract for 2026.

“We’re excited to have a player of Dylan’s caliber join the Eels. Dylan is such a tough competitor who will suit our style of football and he will provide class and experience to our team.” said Eels general manager of football Mark O’Neill.

Dylan Walker is joining the Eels.

Walker - who won the 2014 grand final with the Rabbitohs - has a young family and the former Mascot Jets junior will be back around family support by joining the Eels.

The former South Sydney, Manly and Warriors talent is a clever pick-up by the Eels during a period of which they are 0-3 to begin the season and will benefit from Walker’s 233-games of NRL experience.

The removal of Walker from the Warriors roster has opened up a top-30 spot, allowing them to promote or upgrade many of their rising stars into an NRL contract.