There has been an intense reaction to Jonah Pezet’s move to sign with two NRL clubs, with plenty of the vitriol pointed directly at the Parramatta Eels.
Highly sought after Storm playmaker Pezet will move to the Eels next season.
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Yet in a wild twist it’s only a 12-month rental in Sydney, with the 22-year-old also agreeing to terms with the Brisbane Broncos on a longer-term deal from 2027 onwards, as first reported by CODE Sports.
Pezet is signed with the Storm until the end of 2029, but a clause in his contract allows him to explore his options given halfback Jahrome Hughes recommitted to the club through 2030 earlier this year.
Pezet, who impressed filling in for an injured Hughes in this year’s qualifying final, will partner Mitchell Moses in the halves at the Eels and play under coach Jason Ryles.
But in a major boost for the Broncos, Pezet is set to be Brisbane’s next long-term halfback, with Adam Reynolds expected to retire at the end of next season.
The Broncos also have 19-year-old half Coby Black in their ranks, but Pezet is more advanced in his career.
The moves have shaken the foundation of the NRL and brought strong reactions in the social media world.
Scott Pryde, sports editor at Zero Digital Media, didn’t hold back, tweeting: “I’ve had a lot of respect for what Jason Ryles has done at Parra.
“His way or the highway. You’re either on board or you’re not, doesn’t matter how much money you’re on.
“If this Pezet thing proves to be correct, he has just bombed a fair bit of that respect.”
Sports commentator Zane Bojack wrote on X: “I am a Coby Black believer.. but Broncos HQ have been luke warm on him for a while.. must be honest I didn’t see this coming.. knew Pezet was going to Parra.. didn’t see Brisbane getting him in 27.. I know Perth Bears were very keen on Jonah too.. more keen on him than Munster.”
The CODE NRL account posted: “It could be the most bizarre contract situation in NRL history, with Storm playmaker Jonah Pezet set to sign for the Eels AND the Broncos.”
The League Scene podcast offered: “Absolute carnage in the player market with Jonah Pezet set to sign with Parramatta for 2026 before moving on a longer-term deal to Brisbane in 2027 to succeed Adam Reynolds.
“This leaves highly touted Coby Black in a precarious position.”
X account Parra Eels Facts wrote: “Unless you think Pezet gets you a premiership in 26, signing him for just 1 year is madness.”
There were similar reactions among footy fans.
Junior footy coach Chris Ryan tweeted: “Jonah Pezet signing with 2 clubs at once is a complete farce. This should be the nail in the coffin for the @NRL allowing players to sign a year-plus in advance and playing for one club whilst already signed elsewhere. Time for change.”
Marnus Magoulias said: “Terrific work Broncos, Anasta and the Pezet camp if the reports are correct. Can’t wait to see young Jonah and Coby battle it out for the 7 jersey.
“On the other hand, I must say this is an absolute indictment on the Parramatta football club. What on earth are they thinking…”
Another footy fan wrote: “I refuse to believe this Pezet deal is happening because I’m incapable of imagining why something so dumb would happen in real life.”
It’s one of the stranger contract situations in recent memory and will leave Pezet in an interesting position from the day he first wears Parramatta blue and gold.
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