Reagan Campbell-Gillard will pursue an opportunity at another NRL club, after being granted a release by Parramatta from the final year of his contract.
It is unclear where the 31-year-old will end up with the Dragons and now the Broncos in the race for his signature.
He has played 221 NRL games with two clubs. After debuting for the Panthers he joined the Eels in 2020.
“I’m so thankful for the opportunity to come to a great Club which helped me get my football back on track,” Campbell-Gillard said.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Parramatta, I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and for the lifelong friendships I’ve made.
“I also want to thank the passionate Eels fanbase, it’s been a pleasure playing in front of them and I’ve appreciated all their support over the years.”
Parramatta Eels General Manager of Football Mark O’Neill paid tribute to the forward who has represented NSW in State of Origin and Australia in Test Matches.
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“Reagan is a quality player and has consistently demonstrated his impact on the field, reaching the impressive milestone of 200 NRL games earlier this year,” O’Neill said.
“While these decisions are never easy, we also wanted to ensure that Reagan had the opportunity to secure his future beyond the 2025 season.
“We thank Reagan for his dedicated service to the Eels and wish him, his partner Alira and their young family all the very best for the future.”
Meanwhile, St George Illawarra’s plan to lure Campbell-Gillard has hit a snag with Brisbane entering the race for the prop’s signature.
The international is now in Brisbane’s sights as they target a middle forward to back up Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan after telling Kobe Hetherington he was able to take up an offer elsewhere.
According to a NewsCorp report, RCG is on $650,000 next year and Brisbane will meet on Wednesday to decide whether they will negotiate with the former Eel.
The Dragons had also been in the hunt for Corey Horsburgh but the Raiders forward looks set to stay in the national capital while veteran utility Jack Bird has left to sign with Wests.
After their season ended with a disappointing loss to Canberra on Saturday, coach Shane Flanagan said the Dragons needed to continue to make changes to their roster.
The Dragons have already confirmed the addition of South Sydney hooker Damien Cook and winger Valentine Holmes, who won the premiership under Flanagan at Cronulla in 2016.
But star winger Zac Lomax is on the way to the Eels and youngster Savelio Tamale, who debuted against the Raiders, will join them next year.
“We’ve got to get some of those (hard-nosed) players in,” he said. “I know Damien is that type of player. I know Val has been that type of player, so I’ll get them in and add some more.
“We’re definitely trying to get two middles to add to our team,” Flanagan said when asked if he was interested in Campbell-Gillard.
“You know what the off-season’s like. There’s a bit of change, and some things you don’t see coming. But I’ll be looking to make sure that I recruit in that style of player: tough, resilient, winner.”
Souths blast Abdo over ‘confusing’ Latrell ban
South Sydney have refused to close the door on the Latrell Mitchell saga, saying they still have several questions regarding the NRL’s handling of his ban.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo declared the matter closed on Monday, indicating they would not be swayed on forcing Mitchell to serve his ban next year when fit.
But the Rabbitohs remain unhappy with the affair, which has now dragged on for more than a month after social media photos of Mitchell with a white powder.
Souths are insistent Mitchell should have been able to wipe the suspension against the Sydney Roosters last week, as he was fit to play.
The club submitted three doctor reports regarding Mitchell’s foot to the NRL, after he had not featured since being hurt on July 4.
Crucially though, Mitchell did not complete a fitness test on the eve of the match after it was requested by head office.
The Rabbitohs are also adamant that NRL rules dictate suspensions should be served immediately regardless of fitness, and that Mitchell should be able to play in round one next year.
“This has been an unprecedented and confusing process,” South Sydney CEO Blake Solly told AAP.
“The NRL hasn’t yet provided a response to a number of requests for clarification on the operation of the NRL rules and CBA (collective bargaining agreement).
“However Andrew has committed to meet with the club and the RLPA (Rugby League Players Association) urgently, and we look forward to that meeting taking place.”
It’s expected Souths will wait until the conclusion of any meetings before determining whether to pursue the matter further.
How that could be done is unclear, and whether an appeal could be launched regarding Mitchell’s fitness. “We were really clear about it. Latrell had to serve a one-match suspension,” Abdo said on Monday morning. “We wanted to make sure he was fit and available to play.
“We weren’t able to get the clarity we needed to come to that conclusion. That matter is now closed. We wish him well in the off-season, and I hope he comes back and has a great season next year. Because he is a terrific player.”
The RLPA confirmed to AAP on Monday evening that they expected to meet with Abdo over the integrity unit process. The main sticking point remains a clause in the NRL rules that states the suspension of player’s registration must take effect immediately.
However, the contrary view is that suspensions relate only to on-field matters, rather than a player’s registration.
Hayne on the verge of rugby league comeback for Fiji
Jarryd Hayne could be on the verge of a rugby league comeback with Fiji indicating their interest in playing him in the end-of-season Pacific Championships.
The 36-year-old was released from prison in June after winning an appeal against a rape conviction.
“The door is open for him if he wants to join,” Fiji coach Wise Kativerata told the Daily Telegraph. “He’s fit, but we’re just waiting on his decision if he’s interested, which will be a boost for the team.”
The former Eels and Titans star would still require approval from the ARL Commission to play, but the reports are the two-time Dally M Medal winner is still in good condition.
Jarryd Hayne during his time at the Eels. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
“Jarryd is an elite athlete,” Sydney sprint coach Roger Fabri said in the Daily Telegraph. “He is one guy you can never, ever disregard when he puts his mind to something.
“When Jarryd applies himself, he will never stray. He did the unthinkable by making an NFL roster.”
Fiji will be competing in the Pacific Bowl tournament and face Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands, with matches set in Fiji, Port Moresby and the finals in Parramatta.
Hayne may not be the only surprise selection for the Fijians, with the coach also approaching Mark Nawaqanitawase, who made his Roosters debut last weekend scoring a try in the first seven minutes.
with AAP