The Parramatta Eels have added proven NRL firepower to their backline with the signing of Brian Kelly, a seasoned centre and outside back whose blend of experience, strength, and leadership is set to make an immediate impact ahead of the 2026 NRL season.
Born on 20 May 1996 in Lismore, New South Wales, Kelly’s rugby league journey began in the heart of the Northern Rivers. Raised around the Ballina area, he honed his craft with Ballina Seagulls and Lennox Head Dolphins, where his natural athleticism and competitiveness quickly set him apart. Those early years laid the foundation for a professional career defined by resilience, growth, and consistency.
Kelly burst onto the NRL scene in Round 1, 2017, making his debut for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles—and announcing himself in style by scoring a try in his very first appearance. After two seasons at Manly, he took the next major step in his career by joining the Gold Coast Titans in 2019. There, Kelly evolved into a cornerstone of the Titans’ left edge, amassing over 140 games for the club and cementing his reputation as one of the competition’s most reliable centres.
Across nearly 200 NRL appearances, Kelly has crossed for approximately 66 tries, a testament to his powerful running game, strong offloading ability, and knack for finding space in heavy traffic. His physicality brings momentum out of yardage sets, while his experience adds calm and structure to attacking shapes—qualities Parramatta will value deeply in big moments.
On the representative stage, Kelly has proudly worn the colours of Country NSW and the Indigenous All Stars, embracing his Bundjalung heritage and standing as a cultural leader within the game. His contributions extend well beyond the field, with ongoing involvement in community initiatives, mentoring Indigenous youth, and supporting programs such as Down Syndrome Queensland and the Titans’ Leagueability initiatives.
Now, with a two-year deal secured at Parramatta, Kelly arrives ready to bring leadership, toughness, and proven NRL class to the Eels’ backline. As the Blue and Gold build toward 2026, “BK” represents both reliability and upside—a player eager for a new challenge and determined to help drive success.
Welcome to Parramatta, Brian Kelly.
#Eels4Life 💙💛
