Eels’ bumper $500k boost as rising star makes final contract call; Knights lock down star flyer

The Eels have locked down emerging playmaker Ronald Volkman, unveiling his fresh contract after an impressive end to his 2026 campaign.

The 24-year-old has forged a strong halves partnership with Mitchell Moses this year, playing 18 games after featuring only twice in 2025.

Volkman previously spent time at the Warriors, landing at the Eels after a failing a medical ahead of a move to the Dragons, which saw them tear up his contract in 2024.

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Now, after a dominant display in his side’s 38-18 win over the Sharks, Parramatta have announced his time at the club will be extended until the end of the 2028 season.

“The positive environment which Jason Ryles has created at the club has provided some stability for Ronald where he is playing his best football of his career,” Parramatta general manager of football Mark O’Neill said.

“He has earned this opportunity with some wonderful individual and team performances, and he will only continue to improve.”

9News’ Danny Weidler revealed in a video on Instagram that Volkman’s contract could be worth “around the $500,000 mark”.

“The Eels have been linked to a high profile players after November 1, but the immediate problem on their doorstep has been Ronald Volkman,” he said.

With the arrival of Jarome Luai next season, Volkman will likely slide down the pecking order, potentially finding a spot as a bench utility.

He will also be the club’s first-choice halves replacement, with Moses likely to miss games due to Origin commitments, while injuries have also plagued the veteran halfback.

Speaking on NRL360, The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio also revealed Volkman’s price tag was only “going up” with each strong performance.

The Bulldogs were also reportedly sniffing around to poach the rising star, who Fox League’s Paul Crawley believed had tough Nicho Hynes a lesson in Round 26.

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“(Hynes) got towelled up on the weekend by a bloke who doesn’t even have a club for next year,” he said.

“If you knew nothing about rugby league and you’re watching your first game and you’re thinking ‘who is on the big bucks here?’.

“You’re thinking that bloke in the Parramatta jersey, he’s the one.”

Elsewhere, the Eels are also in the midst of extending captain Junior Paulo’s stay at the club after his potential move to the Bears collapsed.

“They are also in negotiations with their inspiration skipper Junior Paulo... talks have been taking place over the last 48 hours,” Weidler revealed.

KNIGHTS SET TO HAND WINGER FRESH DEAL

The Knights are reportedly edging close to extending Dominic Young’s contract, having once again delivered in the red and blue jersey.

Young has scored 20 tries in 23 games during his second season back in Newcastle, having moved back to the Hunter mid-season after a patchy stint at the Roosters.

According to the SMH, Young is set to put pen to paper on a fresh contract that will see him remain at the club until the end of the 2030 season.

The English international will now join the likes of Kalyn Ponga, Dylan Lucas, Jermaine McEwen and Francis Manuleleua who have all committed to the club long-term.

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