In one of the most fascinating contract moves in recent NRL memory, 22-year-old Melbourne Storm playmaker Jonah Pezet — a player with only 18 first-grade games to his name — is on the verge of setting the entire rugby league market alight. Pezet’s reported unprecedented deal — a one-year stint with the Parramatta Eels in 2026 before linking up with the Brisbane Broncos from 2027 onward — is already sending shockwaves across the NRL.
Despite his limited experience, Pezet’s rare combination of poise, vision, and game management has made him one of the most in-demand young halves in the competition. His move is being described as a potential “domino effect” moment — one that could influence roster decisions at Melbourne, Brisbane, Parramatta, and even the ambitious Perth Bears expansion project.
For the Broncos, Pezet’s future arrival appears to be a pre-emptive strike to secure stability beyond veterans Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt, both of whom are expected to retire by the end of 2026. It’s a smart move from Brisbane, who seem determined not to repeat their “Tom Dearden mistake” — letting a promising young half slip away too early. The club’s current prodigy, Coby Black, could now face a slower pathway to the No.7 jersey, perhaps taking on a Ben Hunt-style utility role before eventually stepping into a starting position.
Meanwhile, Parramatta’s involvement in the deal has raised eyebrows. After coach Jason Ryles spent 2025 reshaping the Eels roster for long-term stability, fans are questioning why the club would sign a player who is already committed to leaving after one season. Ryles’ previous working relationship with Pezet — and with his agent Braith Anasta — likely played a role in this arrangement. Still, the Eels are betting that a year of Pezet alongside Mitchell Moses and Isaiah Iongi could sharpen their attack and bridge the gap until their next generation of halves — Joash Papali’i, Lincoln Fletcher, and others — are ready.
The Perth Bears also find themselves indirectly affected. Pezet’s exit from Melbourne likely secures Cameron Munster’s long-term future with the Storm, leaving Mal Meninga’s expansion project without the marquee signing it desperately sought.
Pezet’s decision is bold — and unprecedented. If successful, his short-term, long-term split deal could redefine how young stars navigate the NRL’s evolving player market. For now, the league watches as an 18-game halfback becomes the man whose next move might change everything.
