NRL 2022: Parramatta Eels future-proofing roster

The Eels are now making news for good reasons. They’ve re-signed five players and are now preparing to hit the market to land a back-rower.

Dylan Brown has extended his stay at the Eels.

Parramatta have rubbished suggestions their premiership window closes at the end of this year after re-signing five players in two days.

The Sunday Telegraph can reveal the Eels have locked in Wiremu Grieg (until 2023) Makahesi Makatoa, Ky Rodwell and Ofahiki Ogden (all until 2024) fresh from securing five-eighth Dylan Brown for at least another 12 months.

The Eels will now turn their attention to securing a top end back-rower for 2023 with the pre-Christmas player headlines now a distant memory.

“That is well and truly behind us,” said Parramatta’s head of football Mark O’Neill. “It was a bit of a whirlwind for a few clubs and we certainly had a fair bit of our share but things were never out of our control.”

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(L-R) Reed Mahoney and Brad Arthur have one more season together at the Eels. Picture: NRL PHOTOS

Parramatta dominated headlines in the off-season after Reed Mahoney (Bulldogs), Isaiah Papali‘i (Tigers), Ray Stone (Dolphins), Marata Niukore (Warriors) and Oregon Kaufusi (Sharks) opted to move on at the end of 2022.

In the midst of all that they have managed to secure key players including Mitchell Moses, Clint Gutherson, Junior Paulo and Reagan Campbell-Gillard on long-term deals. They have signed Josh Hodgson to be Mahoney’s replacement.

That led to O’Neill dismissing concerns the Eels’ premiership window was set to close at the end of this season.

“For rugby league and clubs every club it’s make or break every year,” O’Neill said. “It’s what defines you but obviously the ultimate success is holding the trophy up but that doesn’t mean there are 15 unsuccessful clubs this year. If you can get somewhere between first and fourth every year then it will give you the best possible chance to compete for a title year in and year out.

“Our only focus is this year. The key point which I’d like to remind all our fans and members is that despite the circus that was going on before Christmas we still have a squad for 2022. Let’s play the 2022 season before we play 2023. The coach‘s job is to make sure we’re successful in the short-term.

(L-R) Marata Niukore and Isaiah Papali'i will leave the Eels at the end of this season. Picture: Justin Lloyd

“Part of my job is to set us up for sustained success. This year is a good year for us but we’re hopeful next year when it comes will be good as well. Brad (Arthur) and his staff have a track record of making the players better.

“On the basis we’ve lost Isaiah and Marata (we will be on the look out for backrowers). We do have a few young ones in the system that will be ready but aren’t ready just yet.”

Ogden has been rewarded with a multi-year contract after being thrown a lifeline by the Eels.

The Eels threw Ofahiki Ogden a lifeline. Picture: David Swift

He was let go by Canterbury at the end of last season and then had drug charges dismissed which left his career in limbo. Ogden is on a development deal this year before stepping into the top squad next season.

“We had a chat with Ofa and his manager and they were open and honest with us,” O’Neill said. “We appreciated that and it’s a good way to start a relationship. Since he has come here, he has shown us that we can get more out of him. His best footy will be in the years ahead of him and we believe he will play his best footy in the environment here.”

The Eels have two roster spots open for the rest of the season.

EELS LOCK DOWN BROWN

Parramatta have locked in the final piece of their spine by securing Dylan Brown for at least another 12 months.

Fresh from re-signing Mitchell Moses, who has an option his way for 2024 and Clint Gutherson (2025) to long-term deal last season plus the addition of Josh Hodgson from 2023.

Brown has taken up his 12-month option before a ball has been kicked to ensure he remains at the Eels next year. Last year reports linked him to the Warriors but Brown rejected exploring the opening market to stay on at the Eels.

“When I am happy at a club like this you just enjoy your footy,” Brown said. “If you’re happy off the field, you’re happy on the field.

“My goals on the field will be owing my role a bit more. I’ve said that the last few years but it is about putting it into action and being confident in knowing what I can do.”

Dylan Brown will remain at the Eels for another season. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Brown is just 21 despite having been a top line player for the past three seasons having been part of Parramatta’s junior development season.

The Eels’ general manager of football Mark O’Neill praised Brown’s commitment to the club.

“We are pleased that Dylan has extended his stay with our club for the 2023 season,” O’Neill said. “At 21 years of age, and playing that many NRL games in such a key position, is truly remarkable. Having his contract sorted now allows Dylan to focus on the season ahead, which we are all excited about.

“He is a great contributor to our club both on and off the field and we look forward to him being an integral part of our organisation until at least 2023.”

After a headline-filled off-season, the Eels are pushing to keep their squad in tact.

They secured co-captains Gutherson and Junior Paulo as well as Hodgson to replace Reed Mahoney. They remain in the market for a backrower, with Isaiah Papali’i (Tigers) and Marata Niukore (Warriors) moving on at the end of the season.

Ryan Matterson remains as the high profile player off contact at the end of the year.

Originally published as NRL 2022: Parramatta Eels future-proofing roster