NRL Sigings News: Luai Joins Eels, as Lomax Rumours Heat Up

Photo: Parramatta Eels X

The NRL market has exploded into life again this week, with several major deals confirmed and more big-name moves potentially on the way.

Here is the latest from around the NRL transfer market.

Jarome Luai Joins Parramatta for 2027

The biggest confirmed move is Jarome Luai’s switch from the Wests Tigers to the Parramatta Eels for the 2027 season.

The four-time premiership winner will leave the Tigers one year earlier than originally contracted after the two parties mutually agreed to a release from the final season of his deal, costing the Tigers a reported $500,000.

Luai had already activated a clause allowing him to depart the Tigers at the end of 2027 and had agreed to become an inaugural signing for the PNG Chiefs.

Instead, he will now spend the 2027 season at Parramatta before his expected move to PNG in 2028.

The deal creates one of the most exciting potential halves combinations in the competition, with Luai set to partner Mitchell Moses.

Bronson Xerri Signs Three-Year Storm Deal

Melbourne have strengthened their backline by signing Bulldogs centre Bronson Xerri on a three-year deal beginning in 2027.

Xerri will remain at Canterbury for the rest of the 2026 season before joining the Storm for pre-season.

The former Sharks centre has rebuilt his NRL career since joining the Bulldogs in 2024 and has now secured a long-term opportunity with one of the competition’s most successful clubs.

Xerri was also linked with the Eels, and this signing is particularly interesting given the uncertainty surrounding Jack Howarth’s future in Melbourne, and his links to the Eels.

Toni Mataele Joins Manly

The Sea Eagles have confirmed the signing of Parramatta forward Toni Mataele on a two-year deal beginning next season.

Mataele gives the Sea Eagles another young middle forward as they continue reshaping their roster for 2027.

For Parramatta, his departure is another piece of a rapidly changing roster that will welcome Luai and Jaydn Su’A next season.

Jack Howarth Could Leave Melbourne

Parramatta are reportedly making a major play for Storm star Jack Howarth.

Howarth remains contracted to Melbourne through 2027, but reports suggest the Storm have allowed him to explore his options for next season.

The Eels appear to be one of the clubs showing the strongest interest, although incoming expansion clubs have also reportedly been linked with him.

Howarth’s name has been connected to Parramatta for months, with the Eels previously identifying him as one of the players they wanted in return when Melbourne attempted to bring Zac Lomax back to the NRL. That proposed deal failed to materialise, but Parramatta’s interest in Howarth has clearly not disappeared.

The Zac Lomax Saga Takes Another Twist

Zac Lomax’s future continues to be one of the most complicated stories in the NRL market.

Lomax left Parramatta to join rugby union and is currently contracted to the Western Force, but Melbourne have repeatedly been linked with a move to bring him back to rugby league.

The latest reported twist is that Parramatta were prepared to give permission for Lomax to join the Storm as part of a scenario that could have helped clear the way for Jack Howarth to move to the Eels.

However, the move reportedly fell apart because Lomax intends to honour his Western Force contract and remain in rugby union.

That means the extraordinary transfer triangle involving Parramatta, Melbourne, Lomax and Howarth appears to have stalled again.

The situation could still change in the future. The PNG Chiefs have also reportedly shown interest in Lomax as they continue building their inaugural roster. Given Lomax's track record of going for paydays, a tax-free move to PNG could be on the cards.

Corey Horsburgh’s Future Under the Spotlight

Corey Horsburgh is another name generating speculation in the player market.

The Canberra forward remains contracted beyond the current season, meaning any move would require the Raiders to agree to a release.

Horsburgh’s future will be one to monitor as clubs continue reshaping their forward packs ahead of 2027 and the arrival of the competition’s new franchises.

At this stage, any potential departure remains unconfirmed, but he is another established NRL player whose name could feature prominently as the market develops.

Ronald Volkman on Bears Radar

Eels half Ronald Volkman is set to leave at the conclusion of the 2026 season. Volkman has enjoyed a starting role this season due to the Eels injury crisis and should be on a number of teams radars for 2027.

2027 newcomers the Perth Bears could make a play for Volkman, with Super League sides also interested, Volkman's priority is to remain in the NRL.

Toby Rudolf Turns Down England Move

Sharks forward Toby Rudolf has passed an opportunity to sign with Super League side Catalans Dragons, in favour of an extension with the Sharks.

Rudolf has been rumoured with several teams in recent months, with all that speculation set to cease with this new contract.

Mitch Kenny Extends With Penrith, Crunch Time For Their Roster

Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny has resigned in a 4-year deal. The Panthers are currently in a salary cap pinch with many players potentially to move on. There are ongoing talks with the likes of Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, and Nathan Cleary over their futures.

Moses Leota is a player who looks set to leave at the end of the 2026 season, and his name is on the shortlist of numerous NRL sides.

The Panthers are also interested in a 1-year deal for Dolphins cult hero Ray Stone for 2027. Stone is off contract at the end of 2026.

Ashton Ward Locked In Until 2028

South Sydney have secured promising halfback Ashton Ward through the end of the 2028 season.

The 22-year-old has also been upgraded to the Rabbitohs’ Top 30 roster for the remainder of 2026.

Ward made his NRL debut against Cronulla in Round 21 last season and has been a regular name on the team sheet since.

The Rabbitohs clearly see him as an important part of their future, with Head of Recruitment and Retention Mark Ellison praising his pace, attacking ability and bravery in defence.

With several clubs searching for quality young playmakers, locking Ward into a long-term deal could prove to be an important piece of business for South Sydney.

Gabriel Satrick Extends with Melbourne

Melbourne have also secured emerging hooker Gabriel Satrick through the end of 2028.

The 21-year-old made his NRL debut against the Bulldogs in Round 12 after progressing through the Storm’s development system.

Originally from Yarrabah in North Queensland, Satrick played for Ipswich State High School and the Ipswich Jets before joining Melbourne in 2023.

A Queensland Under-19 representative, he was also part of the Storm’s 2025 Jersey Flegg premiership-winning side. With Harry Grant established as Melbourne’s starting hooker, Satrick will continue developing as a potential long-term option for the club.