Parramatta Eels veteran Junior Paulo has re-signed with the club for one more season, with the experienced prop now contracted until the end of 2027.
The Eels confirmed the one-year extension on Thursday morning in an official club statement, keeping the Toa Samoa captain at the club where he made his NRL debut in 2013.
“What Junior brings to our team goes far beyond his performances on the field. It is not only his leadership and experience, but he is also an outstanding role model, a family man, mentor to our younger players and someone who helps drive the standards and culture of our club every day,” Parramatta general manager of football Mark O’Neill said.
“He’s incredibly well respected throughout the game and, more importantly, he’s well-loved within our organisation. Keeping someone of Junior’s character and quality at the Eels is extremely important for our future and we’re delighted he’ll continue his journey with us.”
Paulo had been heavily linked with a move to the Perth Bears, where he was chasing a two-year deal, Zero Tackle reported. According to the site, his asking price, understood to be around $900,000 a season, was more than the Bears were able or willing to pay, while Parramatta offered a single season on a reduced wage. The Eels did not disclose the terms of the deal.
Read more: NRL: Spencer Leniu Set to Join Parramatta After Grand Final Win
A Parramatta stalwart
Paulo began his rugby league journey with the Cabramatta Two Blues and came through the Parramatta Eels Academy. The club said he is just the 14th player in its history to reach 200 games in the blue and gold, and he finished the 2026 season with 280 NRL appearances.
He has also represented New South Wales in State of Origin and captains Toa Samoa, whom he is leading at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, which starts this week.
Read more: NRL: Samoa World Cup Squad Named, Luai and To’o In, Haas Out
What’s next
Samoa open their World Cup campaign against France at CommBank Stadium on Friday. With only one more season locked in, Paulo will come off contract again at the end of 2027, and Zero Tackle noted his future beyond that may depend on Parramatta’s plans.
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