Ryles continues reshaping Eels with Williams signing
Jason Ryles has received a boost in his mission to lift Parramatta up the NRL ladder, signing Cronulla workhorse Jack Williams to a three-year deal.
Williams joins highly-touted Penrith fullback Isaiah Iongi and South Sydney’s back-up halfback Dean Hawkins as new additions following the Eels’ 15th-placed finish in 2024.
The 28-year-old helps replenish Parramatta’s forward pack after Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Ofahiki Ogden and Makahesi Makatoa were cleared from the roster ahead of Ryles’ first season as coach.
“Jack is a player who has been on our radar for a while,” said Eels general manager of football Mark O’Neill.
“His experience and leadership qualities will be great for our culture and align with how we want to play going forward.”
The Sharks had made discussions with Williams a priority since before the finals series began, but have now lost both he and Royce Hunt from their forward pack for next season.
A Canberra junior, Williams has played his entire 124-game career to date with Cronulla, who once considered him a potential successor to club legend Paul Gallen at lock.
Williams had been a fixture of Craig Fitzgibbon’s bench in three seasons as finals mainstays and is able to play on an edge or through the middle.
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