As the Parramatta Eels prepare for a rebuild under new coach Jason Ryles, two more players have been connected to a possible early departure from the team.
Ryles, who is expected to replace Trent Barrett as interim coach for the upcoming season, hopes to lead the Eels to the championship game for the first time since they faced the Penrith Panthers in the Grand Final in 2022.
There have been rumours, according to Fox Sports, that the Parramatta Eels are attempting to trade Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Maika Sivo before their contracts expire, but nothing is confirmed.
Maika Sivo is contracted until the end of 2027 (with a mutual option for 2026 and a club option for 2026) but has been linked with an exit from Parramatta as early as May this year after being dropped to the NSW Cup. On a deal believed to be worth around $550,000 per season, he was made available to the Super League earlier this year with reports indicating that the Eels were prepared to pay a significant portion of his wage, per League Express. On the other hand, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, a NSW Blues representative, remains contracted until the end of 2025 on a deal worth approximately $750,000 per season and previously looked at the Super League as an option, per Fox Sports.
Though he has a contract that expires at the end of the 2026 season, second-rower Ryan Matterson was given permission to contact with opposing teams and see if any offers were made for his services, which is when the rumours started.
Journalist Michael Chammas stated on 100% Footy on Monday, “Nothing’s happened as yet, but the conversation has occurred with his management to give him basically a little tap on the shoulder that, if there’s anything out there, it might be worth having a look around.”
After playing for the Sydney Roosters (2016–18) and Wests Tigers (2019–2020), where he achieved career-best form and played for the NSW Blues in the 2022 State of Origin series, Matterson—a 2018 premiership winner—joined the Eels in 2020.
More recently, he was mentioned as a possible first-season addition to The Dolphins, who extended a four-year contract offer to him, but he chose to stay at Parramatta.
The Parramatta Eels have also shut down rumours that $950,000 front-rower Junior Paulo would be granted an early exit and allowed to speak with rival teams just like his former NSW Blues teammate.
One of the club’s best forwards after re-joining the Parramatta Eels in 2019 – after a three-year stint with the Canberra Raiders – Paulo has unfortunately had a dip in form this season.
According to reports from The Sydney Morning Herald, the Parramatta Eels are furious at rumours and suggestions that they are looking to move on Junior Paulo before his contract expires.
Contracted until the end of the 2026 season on a salary of $950,000 per season, it is understood that the club has told him that he is not going anywhere and will see out the remainder of his deal.
