‘Earned this opportunity’: Volkman signs new Eels deal

Parramatta has re-signed Ronald Volkman, who turned down Canterbury to jostle with incoming recruit Jarome Luai for the No.6 jersey next season.

Volkman has signed a two-year contract extension after a sparkling run of form alongside captain and halfback Mitchell Moses. The former Warriors playmaker is one of the most improved players in the NRL this season, piquing the interest of the Bulldogs.

It appeared the impending arrival of PNG-bound Tigers star Luai at the Eels for a one-year stopover in 2027 would result in Volkman leaving the blue and golds. However, the parties have come back to the negotiating table to ensure the 24-year-old stays put until at least the end of 2028.

Luai is currently on a deal worth $1.2 million at the Tigers, while Volkman is playing well above his annual pay cheque of just $150,000. The latter has earned an increase in his new deal, but still represents great value for money for the rebuilding Eels.

“The positive environment which [coach] Jason Ryles has created at the club has provided some stability for Ronald where he is playing his best football of his career,” said Parramatta general manager of football Mark O’Neill.

“He has earned this opportunity with some wonderful individual and team performances, and he will only continue to improve.”

Elsewhere, Perth has confirmed the signing of Bulldogs winger Jonathan Sua on a three-year deal.

“This is a massive opportunity for me, and I can’t wait to get started,” Sua said. “Being part of a brand-new club, building something from the very first day, isn’t something a lot of players get the chance to do. I want to make the most of it and show what I can do on a bigger stage.

“I’ve worked really hard over the last few seasons to get to this point, and I feel like my footy is in a really good place right now. I know there’s still so much more improvement in my game. I’m ready to put in the work to become the best winger I can be.”

Las Vegas combine winner Marcus D’Acre has left Newcastle to sign with Israel Folau’s former team in Japanese rugby as the Knights close in on a new long-term deal for prolific winger Dominic Young.

Newcastle are about to embark on their fifth finals series in seven years, rebounding from the wooden spoon last season under new coach Justin Holbrook.

Young, who has scored 20 tries in 23 appearances, has starred in his second season back in the Hunter and the parties are close to finalising a deal that will keep him in Newcastle until at least the end of 2030

While the 25-year-old is going nowhere, D’Acre has quietly departed after being granted a release.

A Hong Kong and Canada rugby representative at under-age level, he arrived at the Knights on a two-year contract after impressing talent scouts during the NRL’s week-long exhibition in the United States in 2025.