Author: Don Pizzy
In a stunning and unexpected move, Parramatta Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos has announced that the club has granted an immediate release to rising star Zac Lomax, a decision that has sent shockwaves through the club and across the NRL. What many expected to be a long-term partnership has instead ended abruptly, leaving fans and analysts reeling. According to official confirmation from the Eels, Lomax — who still had three years remaining on his four-year deal — is being allowed to depart the club to “pursue opportunities outside the NRL.” (ABC) The news comes amidst swirling speculation that the centre/winger is…
In a candid and heartfelt interview, young Eels hooker Ryley Smith opened up about the pivotal role that coach Jason Ryles has played in his journey — crediting Ryles’ unwavering belief in him for helping unlock his best performances at Parramatta. Smith, just 22, reflected on a transformative couple of years since joining the Blue & Gold. He revealed that much of his growth came when Ryles and the Parramatta coaching staff “put faith in me, which has been something that I feel I’ve needed for a few years.” (Parramatta Eels) After spending most of 2024 in the Jersey Flegg…
In a moment that has lit up the Penrith Panthers faithful, head coach Ivan Cleary has made a deeply emotional and historic announcement: his son, Nathan Cleary, will step into the role of co-captain for the Panthers, a decision that underscores both his importance to the club and the strength of their family bond. This isn’t just any captaincy — for many, it is the next chapter in what feels like a legacy story between father and son, one that has become woven deeply into the identity of the Panthers. The news has been met with an eruption of joy…
The Parramatta rugby league community is in deep mourning following the heartbreaking passing of **Kathleen Wharton** on **21 April 2024**. Though not an Eels player herself, Wharton’s influence, spirit, and connection to the wider NRL family made her a respected and cherished figure across all clubs — including Parramatta, where many players and supporters held her in high regard. Known widely as a “Warrior” for her fearless approach to the game and her unwavering commitment to women’s rugby league, Kathleen embodied everything the Parramatta region celebrates: resilience, heart, family, and unity. Her dedication to uplifting young players and supporting the…
The Canberra Raiders have announced the emotional return of club legend Elliott Whitehead, who has officially transitioned into a coaching role following his retirement from professional rugby league. The news marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of the Green Machine’s most respected modern-era figures, a player whose toughness, consistency, and leadership made him a fan favourite for nearly a decade. Whitehead, who represented England 27 times and Great Britain on four occasions, enjoyed a remarkable nine-season stint with the Raiders between 2016 and 2024. During that period, the Bradford-born back-rower became an integral part of Canberra’s identity, earning a reputation for…
In a stirring moment that has reignited hope and joy across Parramatta, Josh Addo-Carr has reaffirmed his commitment to the Eels — a seemingly perfect match rekindled, and a homecoming that feels more like destiny than business. On 22 November 2025, the Parramatta Eels officially announced that Addo-Carr has signed a one-year extension, locking him in until the end of the 2027 NRL season. Parramatta Eels+2AAP News+2 Once again donning the Blue & Gold, the speedster winger declared that Parramatta has become more than just a club — it has become home. “I absolutely love this club,” Addo-Carr said in the announcement. “Everyone…
Some athletes bring power. Some bring leadership. Some bring heart. But when a club finds all three in one person, you hold on tight. And today, the Parramatta Eels are holding on to a treasure named Elsie Albert. In a move that has sent a wave of excitement through the NRLW community, the Eels have officially re-signed their inspirational forward through the 2027 season. Albert, who has grown into one of the most respected figures in the women’s game, has become the spine of Parramatta’s forward pack since joining the club. Her re-signing signals not only loyalty but also…
The rugby league world is buzzing today after a sensational showdown that saw three Papua New Guinea Kumuls players ignite the field with a performance that felt less like a match and more like a declaration. Their display of grit, flair, and controlled ferocity has reportedly prompted a sudden wave of interest from the Parramatta Eels, whose scouts were seen taking notes with the urgency of people who knew they were witnessing something rare. The game itself had all the drama of a story being written in real time. The Kumuls arrived with their trademark fire, but these three players…
ESPN analysts Paul Finebaum and Heather Dinich have both elevated Alabama to the top of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) following the Crimson Tide’s emphatic 37–20 victory over No. 11 Tennessee on Saturday night. The win not only solidified Alabama’s status as a national title contender but also reaffirmed head coach Kalen DeBoer’s steady hand in guiding the Tide back to dominance. During an appearance on SportsCenter Sunday morning, Finebaum declared Alabama the best team in the SEC, stating that the Tide had “separated themselves” from the rest of the conference amid a season filled with “confusion and conflict.” “They are…
In his latest Heisman Trophy watch, ESPN analyst David Hale placed three SEC signal-callers among his top-five contenders through Week 8 of the 2025 college football season. At the top of Hale’s list is Fernando Mendoza of Indiana Hoosiers, putting the conference strength aside. Mendoza threw for 332 yards and four touchdowns in a dominant 38-13 win over Michigan State in Week 8. The first SEC quarterback in Hale’s ballot is Ty Simpson of the Alabama Crimson Tide, who comes in at No.2. Simpson has compiled 1,931 passing yards and 18 touchdowns with only 1 interception, while leading Alabama to six straight wins after an opening…