NRL 2021: Parramatta Eels make key signing hours after taking aim at media speculation

The Parramatta Eels vented their frustration with media speculation on Friday before making a huge signing announcement.

Campbell-Gillard has recommitted to the Eels. Picture: Mark Metcalfe / Getty Images

Hours after issuing a statement taking aim at media speculation around player contracts, the Parramatta Eels have re-signed Reagan Campbell-Gillard until the end of the 2025 season.

On Friday morning, the Eels termed the media coverage of “certain players” and their futures “disrespectful” and “unhelpful in building a team that is set up for success”.

Parramatta players Reed Mahoney, Clint Gutherson and Campbell-Gillard are among those who have received contract-related media attention in recent weeks.

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Mahoney and Campbell-Gillard have been linked with possible moves to the NRL’s 17th team, the Dolphins, for 2023.

Gutherson, meanwhile, made headlines when the Eels opened contract negotiations this season, before putting those talks on hold in the lead-up to the finals series.

“Our approach is not to engage publicly in speculation regarding player negotiations. It is disrespectful to the players involved, is unhelpful in building a team that is set up for success, and most importantly, goes against how we aim to operate as a club,” Parramatta said in its statement.

“To date, our discussions with players and their managers have been robust, professional and constructive.”

Hours after the club released the statement, it announced had Campbell-Gillard had inked a contract extension, despite reports the towering prop forward would reject his player option to remain with the club in 2023.

Campbell-Gillard has been in impressive form since joining the Eels from the Panthers in 2020. Picture: Matt Roberts / Getty Images

“Reagan has connected well with everyone at our club, is a vital member of our squad and adds a level of aggression needed to compete at NRL level,” said general manager of football Mark O’Neill.

“He is one of the best front-rowers in the NRL and loves playing in the big games.”

The Eels have also announced premiership-winning hooker Michael Ennis and former Dragons coach Paul McGregor will join their coaching staff as consultants from 2022.

“Both men bring a wealth of football knowledge and experience and will no doubt be valuable additions to our team,” the Eels said.