The Parramatta Eels have locked down junior talent Hayden Bell, keeping him at the club for another two seasons.
The Daily Telegraph is reporting the Eels Harold Matthews skipper has put pen to paper to progress through the Parramatta ranks and reach NRL stardom.
Bell will take part in the SG Ball side next season following two years in the Matts ranks, and will be fast-tracked into the Jersey Flegg system if he progresses swiftly.
He will have his work cut out for him in November this year when he trains in his first NRL preseason with coach Jason Ryles and the Eels squad.
“That's the long-term goal, for me, to play NRL pretty soon. That's my goal for the next two years,” Bell said to the News Corp publication.
“It's just about working hard now, and pushing through that.”
Bell can play across lock and hooker at a high level, showcasing direct ball running with a skilful passing game, and has already begun training with the Flegg side.
The 17-year-old rising talent represented Australian Schoolboys this year, among five other Eels juniors getting the call-up.
Bell joined Steven Nunn, Cyrus Bloomfield, Liam Martin, Jireh Trey Stewart, and Isabella Bell (Lisa Fiaola) as pathway products selected in the 2026 Australian men's and women's teams.
"We're proud to see six of our Academy players selected in the Australian Schoolboys and Schoolgirls teams. It's a well-deserved reward for their hard work, commitment and performances throughout the championships," said Eels Academy and Pathways officer James Shepherd in July.
The talented prospect will be alongside the likes of incoming star recruits Jaydn Su'A and Jarome Luai in preseason this year.
Su'A will make the move from Wollongong on a long-term deal, while Luai will make a brief 12-month stint in Parramatta before he departs to Port Moresby ahead of their entry into the NRL in 2028.
The Eels will wrap up their 2026 campaign with matches against the Sharks at home, then the Dragons in Wollongong.
