Parramatta Eels management has decided to eliminate player options from future contracts amid concerns over the future of key players Dylan Brown and Mitchell Moses. Brown is facing a deadline until round 10 to finalise his decision about remaining with the Eels until 2031 or exploring other opportunities. Meanwhile, Moses has a similar player option that allows him to leave or stay until the end of 2028, with his decision due by October 31.
In light of these contract issues, Parramatta officials have faced criticism, prompting a commitment to amend their approach. CEO Jim Sarantinos assured fans during an Eels members forum that the club is working diligently with player management to resolve these matters swiftly. New chairman Matthew Beach underscored the significance of this issue, explaining that the club has not included player options in recent contracts—last doing so in May 2023—and has managed to sign or retain 22 to 24 players without such clauses.
Beach confirmed the club’s decision to move forward without player options, indicating a strategic shift in contract negotiations aimed at securing the futures of key players and stabilising the roster for the upcoming seasons.