Parramatta announces significant player turnover
The Parramatta Eels have confirmed that 10 players will leave the club at the conclusion of the 2026 NRL season, signalling the beginning of a major reshaping of the squad ahead of next year.
The departures include several experienced campaigners and younger players who have featured at different stages of Parramatta’s season. The club is now preparing for a fresh chapter as it looks to strengthen its roster and build greater consistency following a disappointing campaign.
De Belin among headline departures
Leading the list of players departing the Eels are Jack de Belin, Dylan Walker, Kelma Tuilagi and Richard Penisini.
De Belin’s departure is particularly notable given his experience and reputation as a proven NRL forward. His exit, alongside Walker and Tuilagi, will leave Parramatta with several positions to address during the offseason.
Penisini, meanwhile, represents one of the younger players included in the club’s list of departures, making the announcement significant for both the present and future makeup of the squad.
Six more players set to leave
The Eels also confirmed that Jonah Pezet, Jake Tago, Ryan Matterson, Sean Russell, Apa Twidle and Toni Mataele will not remain at the club beyond the 2026 campaign.
The group has contributed in different ways throughout their time in Parramatta colours, but the club has opted to make substantial changes as it prepares for the next stage of its development.
Their departures will create additional roster space, potentially allowing Parramatta to target new recruits while also providing opportunities for emerging players within the organisation.
Matterson exit adds experience to the list
Among the additional departures, Ryan Matterson stands out as another experienced figure whose exit could have an impact on Parramatta’s forward pack.
Matterson has been an important contributor during his time with the Eels, and his departure means the club will need to consider how best to replace his experience and workload.
The exits of several established players suggest Parramatta is prepared to make bold decisions rather than simply relying on continuity heading into the 2027 season.
Cayless prepares for England move
Parramatta also farewelled club legend Nathan Cayless, who is set to leave the organisation after securing a head coaching opportunity with an English Super League club.
Cayless has a strong connection with the Eels and remains an important figure in the club’s history. His next challenge will take him into senior coaching in England, where he will look to make his mark in the Super League.
His departure represents another significant change behind the scenes for Parramatta as the club prepares for a new era both on and off the field.
A significant offseason awaits
With 10 players confirmed to be leaving, Parramatta faces an important recruitment period. The club will have to balance replacing departing experience with developing younger talent and ensuring its roster is capable of competing at a higher level in 2027.
The Eels have endured a difficult 2026 season, and the sweeping changes indicate that the club recognises the need for improvement.
The departures could ultimately provide Parramatta with greater flexibility in the player market. However, replacing the collective experience of the outgoing players will not be straightforward.
Eels look toward the future
For the departing players, the end of the season will mark the conclusion of their respective chapters at Parramatta, with several expected to attract opportunities elsewhere.
For the Eels, attention now turns toward rebuilding a squad capable of returning to finals contention. The club will hope its recruitment strategy can complement its existing core while giving emerging players a clearer pathway into first-grade football.
The confirmation of 10 departures makes it clear that Parramatta’s offseason will be one of considerable change. With new faces expected to arrive and established players moving on, the Eels are preparing for a significantly different-looking squad in 2027.