Dylan Walker has expressed his disappointment after failing to secure a contract extension with Parramatta, prompting the veteran utility to accept a three-year deal with Leeds in the Super League. The 31-year-old, who has played 14 NRL seasons, showcased his enduring skill with a no-look flick pass that set up Kelma Tuilagi in Parramatta's 23-14 victory over Manly on Sunday. The play went viral on social media.
Walker's Decision to Move Abroad
Walker, a four-time Australian international, revealed he was open to remaining with the Eels but was unable to land a new deal for 2027. He also explored opportunities with the Perth Bears, but those discussions did not progress. "My kids will stay here with their mother, and that will be the hardest part," Walker told AAP. "Parra's been a good club, a good stop point for myself, and it would've been nice to get one more year, but you've got to make the best decision for yourself."
Walker acknowledged the business nature of rugby league, stating, "It's disappointing to not get one here, but I've got to make a grown-up decision and they (the Eels) have got to make a decision, it's a business." He added, "I had conversations (with Perth), but they weren't keen, and a lot of people weren't keen, to be fair. It's a young man's game now. I think everyone's waiting for the next best young thing, which I get, and you get a few no's and you know you're meant to be where you're meant to be and I'm excited."
Pezet Also Departing Parramatta
Jonah Pezet, who scored an opportunistic try and a late field goal in the same match, will also leave the Eels at season's end. The halfback has been hampered by recurring hamstring injuries during his time at Parramatta. Pezet joined the Eels as a stop-gap and has agreed to move to Brisbane for 2027. "I just need to keep being consistent and keep playing footy wherever it is and keep putting my best foot forward and helping the team win games," Pezet said. "It's no secret that we haven't won enough footy games this year, and we want to finish the year strong and I want to finish the year strong individually."
Upcoming Match Against Roosters
Parramatta face the Sydney Roosters on Saturday and hope to have captain Mitchell Moses available, provided the NSW five-eighth emerges unscathed from Wednesday night's State of Origin decider.
