Isaiah Iongi is locked in at Parramatta – there’s just one piece left in Jason Ryles’ Eels puzzle

Isaiah Iongi has become the latest spine player to commit to the Eels, meaning there’s just one more key position that Jason Ryles needs to fill – and Zac Lomax’s exit has left him cash to splash.

Jason Ryles has locked in boom fullback Isaiah Iongi until at least the end of the 2030 season but the Parramatta coach is yet to solve the final piece of the Eels’ spine puzzle – the long-term five-eighth.

On Wednesday, the Eels staved off the threat of rival outfits by securing Iongi on a three-year extension – 12 months before the youngster was to become a free agent.

Iongi, who was already contracted until 2027, agreed to the extension becoming the latest in Ryles’ spine member to commit to the club.

The major roster move comes only weeks after the early exit of Zac Lomax from the final three-years of his deal which freed up around $750,000 a season in the salary cap and paved the way for Iongi’s upgrade.

Iongi has established himself as one of the NRL’s hottest up-and-coming prospects since joining the Eels from Penrith, where he was stuck behind NSW Blues fullback Dylan Edwards, in 2025.

“This past year has been surreal, I came to Parramatta for an opportunity and now it’s become home. I’ve built a great connection with Jason Ryles, the coaching staff, my teammates, and everyone at the club, and I’m grateful for the faith they’ve shown in me,“ Iongi said.

The Eels have locked down Isaiah Iongi until 2030. Picture: Phil Walter/Getty Images

Ryles put his faith in Iongi, preferring the youngster over then skipper Clint Gutherson in the No.1 jumper.

The decisive call was met with raised eyebrows at the time but has proven an astute decision with Iongi proving his worth as an NRL calibre fullback.

Earlier this year, star halfback and skipper Mitchell Moses agreed to remove early exit clauses in his contract, a show of faith in Ryles, keeping at the club for at least another four seasons.

The future of the hooking position was secured by the signature of the highly-touted Tallyn Da Silva until the end of the 2029 season.

Moses and Iongi are both committed to the Eels. Picture: Phil Walter/Getty Images

It leaves Ryles with the final piece of his spine puzzle to solve – a viable long-term option at five-eighth after Dylan Brown defected to rivals Newcastle on a rich 10-year deal worth $13 million.

As a stop-gap, Ryles will turn to Jonah Pezet as Moses’ halves partner next season, before the former Melbourne playmaker heads north to join premiers Brisbane from 2027.

The temporary nature of the deal raised eyebrows given Ryles’ own directive to nurture young talent from within – which included trialling rising playmaker Joash Papali’i in the halves last season.

Joash Papalii is a rising halves option at the Eels as well. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

Ryles insists Papali’i, who is signed until the end of 2026, is still a five-eighth option long-term, but that Pezet’s signature was crucial to bolster halves stocks – which also include Ronald Volkman – after the departure of Dean Hawkins.

Ryles’ priority is to promote from within but the premature, and unexpected exit of Lomax, has opened the door for the club to go to market in search of a five-eighth.

But there are slim pickings on the market for 2027 with the exception of Cowboys youngster Jaxon Purdue, and the likes of versatile Jake Averillo and Warriors playmaker Chanel Harris-Tavita.

While Canterbury five-eighth Matt Burton and young Tigers half Latu Fainu are not available until the 2028 season.

Lorenzo Talataina. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

Lincoln Fletcher. Picture: Sean Teuma

Any decision on Moses’ long-term halves partner will be made with Parramatta’s promising pathways talent in mind.

Lorenzo Talataina and Lincoln Fletcher, both 18, headline the club’s crop of rising halves prospects – which also included livewire teen and cross code talent Talen Risati.

Fletcher and Talataina, who helped guide the Eels to an SG Ball (under-19s) grand final in 2025, have also received a taste of an NRL pre-season training with the top-30 roster for the first time this summer.

Talataina was elevated to NSW Cup this year, playing eight games, as he rockets through the ranks.

The Eels’ SG Ball player of the year, Talataina is regarded as one of the best up-and-coming prospects at the club.

Originally published as Isaiah Iongi is locked in at Parramatta – there’s just one piece left in Jason Ryles’ Eels puzzle