The Parramatta Eels are ready to let Joash Papalii leave the club as they have decided to backflip on their original plans with Volkman and extend the former Warriors and Roosters half.
Before the Eels signed Jarome Luai on a 12-month deal after he was given permission to leave the Wests Tigers, Parramatta had decided not to retain the 24-year-old.
According to a report from CODE Sports, his form this season, particularly in recent weeks, has made the club eager to extend his contract beyond this season.
After failing to get consistent gametime in the NRL with the Sydney Roosters and the New Zealand Warriors, on top of injury issues, Volkman left New Zealand after 2023 without a contract.
He would head to Australia with hopes of signing with another club.
It was reported at the time that he had signed with the Red V, but then new details surfaced that the contract was not registered by the NRL and his medical assessment was not completed.
Volkman trained at the club before the Dragons staff noticed a shoulder injury that would rule him out of the 2024 season.
The Eels in 2024 were one of several clubs aggressively pursuing the young playmaker, despite his injury concerns and would sign him on a two-year deal.
Volkman has since shown he’s capable of playing in the NRL and been durable this season, playing 16 games this season and spending time in the halves alongside Eels star Mitch Moses.
Reports surfaced during the week that one of the Eels rivals are interested in Volkman’s services, with ESPN reporting that the playmaker will have a meeting with Bulldogs GM, Phil Gould.
Meanwhile, CODE Sports also understand that if Papalii was able to sign with another NRL club or head to the Super League, the Eels would not deny his exit.
Surprisingly, the Eels named Joash Papalii in their NSW Cup side the week after Isaiah Iongi sustained an ACL injury against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Instead, the Eels named Apa Twide at fullback, who is already one of two players from the club set to leave for the Perth Bears after this season.
This news also comes after the Eels announced that CEO Jim Sarantios would leave the club after this season.
The club have begun their search for a new CEO with a subcommittee comprised of four people, which is headed by Matt Beach, the club’s chairman
There have been attempts to lure Penrith Panthers boss Matt Cameron step into the CEO role, but Cameron has declined their offer.
Parramatta are looking for a CEO with strong football knowledge and intellect.
Taking advice from former players, the subcomittee intend to find a candidate that will enhance their football department.
Parramatta lost 34-16 on Friday night to the Dolphins, as they hope to finish the season on a strong note.
They play the Sharks in Round 26, their last home game of the season before Round 27, when they play the St George Illawarra Dragons on Father’s Day.
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