Eels land more signings as training heats up
The NRL and NRLW squads announce new recruits while a big name returns
The Christmas season has continued to deliver for Eels fans with two new additions across the NRL and NRLW squads.
For the women’s team, Martha Mataele has signed from the Black Ferns. The outside back arrives in Parramatta following a rapid rise through the rugby union ranks, having debuted in the Super Rugby Aupiki inaugural season in 2023, to representing New Zealand against Australia.
She has signed until the end of 2026.
In the men’s side, former Roosters and Warriors half Ronald Volkman, is looking to resurrect his career in the Blue and Gold.
After a shoulder injury cruelled his 2024 season and scuppered a deal with the Dragons, Volkman is now in Blue and Gold and will be crucial cover in the halves alongside fellow new recruit Dean Hawkins.
Staying with signings, and backrower Kelma Tuilagi has extended his stay at the Eels, re-signing until the end of 2026.
In the lower grades, the Eels have apparently also secured Kurt Fisher from the Mackay Cutters in Queensland.
Fisher is a big-bodied centre, hailing from Gunnedah in NSW. He is the cousin of former Eels centre and back-rower Ben Smith.
Pre-season
The hard slog has continued with Mitchell Moses returning for perhaps the hottest week of the pre-season so far.
The Kangaroos halfback returned less than a month after leading Australia to the Pacific Championships.
Rookie Report
At 1 Eyed Eel, EA published his first of 3 planned blogs on the state of Parramatta’s squad, with a particular focus on the rookies heading into 2025.
It is a must-read for Eels fans wanting to know about the exciting youngsters coming through the grades and who might surprise next year.
Vale Peter Langmack
During the week the Eels confirmed the passing of Eel number 281, Peter Langmack at the age of 73 following a seven-year battle with dementia.
Peter played across 8 seasons in the NSWRL, running out on 36 occasions for the Blue and Gold in 2 separate stints, and playing 57 games for the Penrith Panthers.
He was the older brother of former Australian representative Paul Langmack.