Parramatta Eels forward Junior Paulo has yet to ink a deal for 2027, but the club has made progress on getting a contract ready for the Samoan international.

Things are heading in the right direction for a fresh deal after Paulo and the Perth Bears failed to come to terms on a deal which would have seen him make the switch to Western Australia under Mal Meninga's inaugural team, according to fresh reports from News Corp.

Paulo is still playing at a high-quality rate despite missing a sizeable chunk of the season following minor knee surgery, and at 32-years-old, his presence is still heavily felt when he enters the field.

Eels coach Jason Ryles provided the latest on Paulo's future at the club ahead of his side's final match of the season against the Dragons.

“We're working through Junior's deal now. That's in progress,” Ryles said to Fox League on Sunday.

“We'll know a little more in the coming weeks. Junior is super important for us in terms of experience in the middle third of the field; we are quite young there.

Junior Paulo Eels Dragons
March 22, 2026: Junior Paulo looks on during the NRL Round 3 game between the Parramatta Eels and the St George Illawarra Dragons. (Photo credit: Josh Davis/Zero Tackle).

“Having him on the field more often than not certainly helps us.”

The Eels were defeated by a two-point field goal from departing Dragon Tyrell Sloan, completing the fairytale finish before he heads to England to continue his career.

Eels skipper Mitchell Moses provided a scathing review of his side's efforts that ended their season on a sour note.

“We got what we deserved. Came with a shit attitude and thought we'd get it dished up,” Moses said following full-time.

If Paulo extends his time at Parramatta, he will join his co-captain at international level, Jarome Luai, who is heading to the Eels in a stopover deal for 2027.

The Samoan Test stars continue, with Jaydn Su'A also arriving at the club on a three-year deal from the Dragons.

Following his 12-month stint in Western Sydney, Luai will then pack his bags for Port Moresby after signing a historic contract as the PNG Chiefs' first-ever signing ahead of their entry into the NRL in 2028.

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