Spencer Leniu Signs Four-Year Deal With Parramatta Eels

Spencer Leniu has signed a four-year contract with the Parramatta Eels starting in 2027, the club confirmed on Thursday 8 October. The deal comes only days after the prop won his fourth premiership in his final game for the Sydney Roosters.

Parramatta announced the signing at 1pm on Thursday, three hours after the Roosters confirmed they had agreed to a request from Leniu’s management to release the 26-year-old from the final year of his contract.

Sporting News reported the four-year contract is worth in excess of $850,000 a season.

What the Eels said

Parramatta general manager of football Mark O’Neill said securing a player of Leniu’s calibre was a major boost for the club’s future.

“We’re thrilled to have Spencer join the Parramatta Eels and become part of what we’re building at this Club. He’s one of the elite middle forwards in the game and has consistently performed on the biggest stages throughout his career,” O’Neill said in the club’s statement.

“We’re excited to welcome Spencer and his family into the Eels community. We know he’ll make a tremendous contribution both on and off the field, and we can’t wait to see him in Blue and Gold.”

The Eels described Leniu as one of the competition’s “premier enforcers” and pointed to his four NRL premierships, State of Origin honours for New South Wales and international football for Samoa. He will join the squad for pre-season training later this year.

A premiership farewell at Bondi

Leniu joined the Roosters from Penrith ahead of the 2024 season and leaves after three seasons, having come off the bench in the 19-18 grand final win over Newcastle on Sunday 4 October.

“To finish my time here as a Premiership winner is really special. Winning a Premiership with this group and sharing that with the boys, our families and everyone at the Club is something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life,” Leniu said in the Roosters’ statement.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson praised the forward’s influence on the playing group.

“Spenny has a strong moral compass. He knows what he stands for, he cares deeply about his teammates and the people around him, and he’s never afraid to speak up for what he believes in,” Robinson said.

Leniu is one of eight players leaving the Roosters after the premiership, a group that includes the retiring Daniel Tupou.

World Cup first, then Parramatta

Before he links up with Jason Ryles’ side, Leniu is in camp with Samoa ahead of the Rugby League World Cup, Sporting News reported. He was named in Samoa’s World Cup squad earlier this week.

At Parramatta he will reunite with former Penrith teammate and fellow Samoa international Jarome Luai, as Fox Sports and 7NEWS noted.

The move had been widely expected, as TSB reported on Monday 5 October, with the two clubs reportedly agreeing to wait until after the season to make it official.

More News