3 weeks ago
7
Melbourne Storm young gun Jonah Pezet will decide on his future in the next week as he weighs up lucrative offers from the Parramatta Eels, North Queensland Cowboys, and his incumbent club.
Pezet, 22, is considered the hottest halves prospect on the market and has attractedinterest from rival clubs.
He has narrowed his decision to three clubs as he heads off for a family holiday and some thinking time.
Several other clubs, including the Perth Bears and St George Illawarra, have expressed a desire to sign Pezet.
Sources with knowledge of the situation, talking on the condition of anonymity due to confidentiality, said Pezet is happy at Melbourne and would be keen to remain at the club if they can accommodate him in the halves next season.
However, uncertainty around the future of Ryan Papenhuyzen means Pezet may have to make a decision before knowing what his role will be at the Storm in 2026.
Jonah Pezet in action for the Storm.Credit: Getty Images
He recently decided against taking up a contract option to stay at the Storm and doesn’t have a deal beyond the end of this month.
The Eels have held discussions with Pezet about a long-term deal to partner Mitchell Moses in the halves. Parramatta chased Lachlan Galvin and were close to securing his signature before he decided to join the Bulldogs.
The Cowboys have also expressed a desire for Pezet to partner with Tom Dearden at their club. The money being offered is similar at all three clubs.
Loading
Pezet is also considering signing a one-year deal at a rival club, which would allow him to potentially return to the Storm in 2027 once the situation surrounding Papenhuyzen and Cameron Munster clears up.
As it stands, some at the Storm are open to Papenhuyzen exploring alternative options for 2026. He has met with Rugby 360, but the NRL’s 10-year ban policy could deter him from chasing that option.
Papenhuyzen’s potential departure would allow for Munster to shift to fullback and accommodate a Pezet-Jahrome Hughes halves combination. Munster is also expected to attract interest from the Perth Bears, leaving his future up in the air.
Eels coach Jason Ryles has a close relationship with Pezet from their time together at the Storm, where Ryles previously worked as an assistant coach under Craig Bellamy.
The Eels have the salary cap space to secure his services in 2026 despite Ryan Matterson returning to the club after a stint in the Super League.
He is on a deal worth around $600,000 in 2026, but the Eels are willing to contribute around $300,000 of his salary if he finds a new home. The Gold Coast Titans held a discussion with Matterson in recent weeks, but have decided against pursuing his signature.
Most Viewed in Sport
Loading
