Reports have emerged suggesting the Parramatta Eels are in talks with powerhouse prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona, who was recently released from his contract with the Melbourne Storm.
According to multiple sources, new Eels head coach Jason Ryles has already held discussions with Asofa-Solomona about a potential deal for the 2026 NRL season. The pair share a strong history, having worked together during Ryles’ time as an assistant coach at the Storm, where he helped develop one of the league’s most dominant forward packs.
If the move eventuates, it would be a massive coup for the Eels, who are looking to rebuild their forward rotation after a disappointing 2025 campaign. Asofa-Solomona’s size, aggression, and offloading ability could provide the physical edge the club has been seeking.
“Jason knows how to get the best out of Nelson,” a source close to the Eels told NRL Newsline. “If he can keep him focused and channel that aggression the right way, he could be an absolute weapon for Parramatta.”
Standing at 200cm and weighing over 115kg, Asofa-Solomona has long been regarded as one of the NRL’s most damaging forwards. A potential move to Parramatta could see him play a key role off the bench or in a starting front-row rotation alongside Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Junior Paulo, giving the Eels one of the most intimidating packs in the competition.
No official announcement has been made, but insiders expect negotiations to progress in the coming weeks as the Eels look to lock down key targets before pre-season training begins in November.
