NRL 2022: Bailey Simonsson in Eels colours for first time and aiming to lock in wing spot

Their side may have been the disappointment of the 2021 season, but Raiders players still obviously hold plenty of recruitment appeal, if Parramatta’s plan for the next two seasons is any guide.

Parramatta recruit for 2022 NRL season Bailey Simonsson, formerly of Canberra Raiders. Picture: Louis Bockos

Despite the chatter in the background, Bailey Simonsson tried to remain focused on the Raiders.

The Eels’ newest recruit had been linked with a move to Parramatta for weeks, and while discussions seemed to cool, they were ignited again when the Raiders stepped up their pursuit of ex-Raider Nick Cotric.

In truth, Simonsson had wanted to become an Eel from the moment he chatted with Parramatta coach Brad Arthur in November.

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“The move has been on the cards for a little while,” Simonsson said. “A few weeks now it’s been spoken about between the clubs but it got more serious recently.

“I’d started pre-season with the Raiders and trained for about three weeks. It wasn’t distracting. In the back of my head I knew that there was potential to move.

Parramatta recruit for 2022 NRL season Bailey Simonsson, formerly of Canberra Raiders. Picture: Louis Bockos

“Personally I used that time to get my fitness, running and gym work and get my body right regardless of if I stayed at the Raiders or the move eventuated. I knew I had to be prepared to play.”

A desire to be with his Sydney-based partner sparked the move after three successful seasons at the Raiders, which included the 2019 grand final loss to the Roosters.

Simonsson, 23, inked a three-year deal and has been earmarked to fill one of the vacant wing spots left open by Blake Ferguson’s departure to rugby and Maika Sivo’s knee injury.

“Once the ball got rolling and I was happy with the move and the clubs were happy, it happened quickly,” Simonsson said. “I was glad I could get here before Christmas.

“Having a few chats with Brad, I thought it would be a good fit and I was keen on it. There was no guarantee of a spot, but he spoke about the different things he saw in my game and what I can improve to become the best player I can be.

“Parramatta play an attacking brand of footy and move the ball well. It was a system I thought I could flourish in.”

He linked up with his Eels teammates last week and jumped straight into ball work.

While Simonsson is looking forward to next season, he is already excited about reuniting with ex-Raider Josh Hodgson.

Bailey Simonsson has started training with the Eels. Picture: Louis Bockos

Hodgson will join the Eels in 2023 and Simonsson knows exactly what the English international will bring to the side.

“I was really excited when I heard Hodgo (Hodgson) would be coming to Sydney,” Simonsson said. “Everyone knows what he can do on the field but no one sees the leadership and mentoring he provides to the younger boys. I know when I joined the Raiders as a younger bloke, he took me under his wing and made me feel comfortable.

“He will be massive for the club in terms of leadership and guidance for the younger boys.”

Another ex-Raider Curtis Scott is still awaiting clearance from the NRL to join the Eels ahead of next season.

Bailey Simonsson clocks on for training with the Eels. Picture: Louis Bockos

NRL ROUND 1

Eels v Titans

Sunday, March 13, 4.05pm AEDT

Eels’ likely team

1 Clint Gutherson

2 Bailey Simonsson

3 Will Penisini

4 Waqa Blake

5 Haze Dunster

6 Dylan Brown

7 Mitchell Moses

8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard

9 Reed Mahoney

10 Junior Paulo

11 Isaiah Papali’i

12 Ryan Matterson

13 Nathan Brown

14 Marata Niukore

15 Oregon Kaufusi

16 Shaun Lane

17 Bryce Cartwright

Originally published as NRL 2022: Bailey Simonsson in Eels colours for first time and aiming to lock in wing spot