Done deals
Sam Tuivaiti, Will Penisini, Toni Mataele and Ronald Volkman have all extended their stay at Parramatta
Done Deals: Sam Tuivaiti, Will Penisini, Toni Mataele and Ronald Volkman Commit Long-Term Futures to Parramatta Eels
In a major boost for the club’s future, the Parramatta Eels have secured the services of four rising stars and established talents with new contract extensions for Sam Tuivaiti, Will Penisini, Toni Mataele, and Ronald Volkman. The moves underscore Parramatta’s long-term vision and commitment to building a competitive and sustainable roster, particularly as the club looks to return to the NRL’s upper echelon after a turbulent stretch.
The extensions, confirmed by the club early this week, signal a renewed sense of direction and belief in the young core being assembled under head coach Brad Arthur and football boss Mark O’Neill.
Club Statement: “A Foundation for the Future”
In a joint statement released by the Eels, General Manager of Football Mark O’Neill emphasized the importance of continuity and talent retention.
“We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Sam, Will, Toni, and Ronald have all recommitted to the club,” O’Neill said. “Each of them brings a unique skill set and professional attitude that aligns perfectly with where we are heading. This is not just about the present — it’s about building a strong foundation for years to come.”
The statement added that all four contracts extend through at least the 2027 season, with some players committing to 2028.
Will Penisini: The Pillar of Parramatta’s Backline
Among the quartet, Will Penisini stands as the highest-profile name. The 22-year-old Tongan international has been one of Parramatta’s most consistent performers since debuting in 2021. Known for his powerful running, sharp defensive reads, and calm leadership, Penisini has already established himself as one of the premier centres in the NRL.
His new deal — believed to be a multi-year extension through 2028 — was seen as a top priority for the Eels, especially amid growing interest from rival clubs.
“I’ve always wanted to stay here,” Penisini said in a video shared by the club. “Parramatta is home. I believe in what we’re building, and I want to be part of bringing success back to the blue and gold.”
Head coach Brad Arthur was effusive in his praise. “Will’s work ethic, professionalism, and consistency are elite. He’s already a leader in our group and he’s only getting better. Locking him in long-term is a huge win.”
Sam Tuivaiti: The Enforcer in the Middle
Sam Tuivaiti might not be a household name yet, but those inside the club see him as a future cornerstone of the Eels’ forward pack. The 21-year-old prop has impressed in limited minutes, showing toughness, mobility, and a relentless motor. He has been described by teammates as “fearless” and “a real throwback.”
Tuivaiti’s new contract — reportedly running through 2027 — reflects Parramatta’s confidence in his development trajectory.
“I’m grateful to the club for backing me,” Tuivaiti said. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be. I just want to keep working hard and repay that faith on the field.”
The Eels believe Tuivaiti could follow in the footsteps of recent breakout forwards like Junior Paulo and Reagan Campbell-Gillard, and help usher in a new generation of forward dominance.
Toni Mataele: Dynamic, Versatile, and Rising Fast
Another key re-signing is 20-year-old Toni Mataele, a versatile back-rower capable of covering multiple positions. Mataele has already drawn comparisons to players like Viliame Kikau due to his physicality and footwork. A product of the Eels’ junior system, Mataele has been earmarked as a future mainstay in the starting 13.
Injuries have limited his NRL appearances so far, but coaches and scouts alike rave about his upside.
“Toni is an X-factor player,” said assistant coach Steve Murphy. “When he’s fully healthy, he’s a game-changer — plain and simple.”
His new contract runs through 2028 and includes performance-based incentives.
“This club gave me my shot,” Mataele said. “They stuck with me through rehab, through development, and now I want to give them everything I’ve got.”
Ronald Volkman: The X-Factor Playmaker
Perhaps the most intriguing extension is that of Ronald Volkman. Once touted as one of the brightest young halves in the NRL while coming through the Roosters’ system, Volkman made the switch to the Warriors before joining Parramatta in 2024 in search of regular game time.
Still only 22, Volkman has flashed elite vision, a strong short-kicking game, and an ability to control tempo — all attributes that the Eels believe will make him a long-term playmaker in their system. His new deal — which locks him in through 2027 — gives Parramatta vital depth in the halves as they look to the post-Mitchell Moses era.
“I’m just grateful for the opportunity Parramatta has given me,” Volkman said. “It’s a great group of boys, a great culture, and I’m excited about where we’re heading.”
Fans and Club Legends React
News of the re-signings was met with celebration among the Parramatta faithful. Social media exploded with praise for the club’s proactive approach, with fans expressing excitement about the young core being retained.
“This is the most optimistic I’ve felt in years,” one supporter wrote on Facebook. “Not just talent — but character. These boys WANT to be here. That matters.”
Former Eels captain Nathan Hindmarsh also weighed in on Fox League.
“It’s smart business from Parra,” Hindmarsh said. “You’ve got to lock in your young talent before other clubs come sniffing around. This shows the club is learning from past mistakes and planning for the long haul.”
A New Era of Development Strategy
The re-signings reflect a shift in the Eels’ overall approach to roster management. For years, the club has faced criticism for failing to retain key juniors and failing to plan for succession in key positions.
That criticism intensified after the exits of Reed Mahoney, Isaiah Papali’i, and Marata Niukore in recent years. But this current strategy, spearheaded by a more unified football department and a rejuvenated recruitment and retention committee, appears focused on continuity and cultural alignment.
“These deals were months in the making,” said a club insider. “There’s a clear vision now — keep the core, invest in development, and build the kind of stability that wins premierships.”
Looking Ahead: Finals Footy and Beyond
While the Eels remain outside the top four mix this season, the long-term future is suddenly looking far more secure. With Penisini anchoring the backs, Mataele and Tuivaiti growing in the forwards, and Volkman emerging as a playmaker of the future, Parramatta is positioning itself to compete at a high level for years to come.
Coach Brad Arthur, who has often faced scrutiny over his tenure, now has the pieces to engineer a sustained run. More importantly, he appears to have the full buy-in of a young, hungry playing group.
“The key word here is trust,” Arthur said. “The players trust the program, and we trust them. It’s mutual, and that’s how you build something special.”
Final Thoughts: Stability, Culture, and Belief
In a league where short-term fixes often dominate decision-making, Parramatta’s commitment to locking in homegrown and high-upside talent is both refreshing and strategic. The extensions of Sam Tuivaiti, Will Penisini, Toni Mataele, and Ronald Volkman aren’t just football moves — they’re cultural statements.
They signal belief — in the players, in the system, and in the club’s long-term potential. For a fan base starved of silverware but rich in loyalty, that belief might just be the most important signing of all.
—
Leave a Reply