As the new head coach of Parramatta, Jason Ryles has signed Sharks forward Jack Williams to a three-year contract, making him his first major acquisition.
The 28-year-old has played 124 first-grade games for the Cronulla club over his more than five years in the system.
Williams’ contract expired at the end of this year, and the Eels reportedly pounced to sign the middle forward, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
According to reports, Ryles and Williams have been in negotiations for a few weeks. Ryles’ deal with the blue and gold would keep him with the team through at least the end of 2027.
Williams will provide a wealth of experience to the Eels’ engine room, where he might compete for a starting position, having participated in numerous finals games.
Williams’ hiring was announced just a few weeks after the team fired front-row player Reagan Campbell-Gillard, even though he had won player of the year.
Ryles has said it was “nothing personal” as the Eels look to start a rebuild under the new coach, who will be tasked with snapping a lengthy premiership drought.
Williams will join the likes of Zac Lomax and Isaiah Iongi at the club for the 2025 campaign, while rookies Ethan Sanders and Blaize Talagi will move away from the Eels.
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