Three NRL clubs in three years: Eels stay no pit stop for Pezet

1 month ago 12

Parramatta recruit Jonah Pezet will play for three clubs, across three states, within three years.

It’s perhaps the most unusual journey anyone has undertaken in a bid to establish themselves as an NRL halfback, one that began in Melbourne and will culminate in him succeeding Adam Reynolds in Brisbane. For now, however, Pezet isn’t looking beyond his year at the Eels.

New Parramatta Eels halves signing Jonah Pezet.

“To be able to play for three big clubs in three years is pretty cool,” he said.

“That word ‘development’ is probably the key word in the contracts. The way it turned out, the Brisbane deal happened first, and then the Parramatta opportunity popped up.

“I would say it’s unique to our sport at the minute - that’s the landscape of Australian sport ... I’m just really excited to rip in for Parramatta this year, and I haven’t looked too much forward, if I do that it won’t be good for me or anyone.

“I see a lot of success at this club and the culture that [Eels coach Jason] Ryles is building here. I’m excited to be a part of it and earning the respect of the boys.”

Jonah Pezet with halves partner Mitchell Moses.

Had he played at any club other than the Storm, where he was stuck behind superstar halves Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes, Pezet’s tally of 18 first-grade games would be higher.

A clause in his long-term Melbourne contract, triggered when Hughes recently re-signed, gave the 23-year-old the opportunity to explore better opportunities.

A pre-existing relationship with Ryles from their time together at the Storm, coupled with the chance to play alongside Mitchell Moses, proved irresistible. Even if it’s only for 12 months.

“Having conversations with Jason and Mitchell as well, I thought this was the best place for me to come and develop my game, but also really contribute,” Pezet said.

‘For me to learn under him is unreal.’

Jonah Pezet on playing alongside Mitchell Moses at Parramatta

Few playmakers have had to wait as long for their opportunity. In last year’s qualifying final win against Canterbury, Pezet showed his class in setting up a try, scoring one, kicking a 40/20 and also booting goals. But as soon as the injured Hughes was fit the following week, Pezet was out.

“Some people would call it frustrating, but I don’t see it as a frustrating time in my life,” he said.

“I really enjoyed being at Melbourne and doing my apprenticeship, earning my stripes to take the opportunity and contract that’s in front of me.

“You see a lot of young halves come into the game too early or thrown into the deep end, but I haven’t been put into that situation because of the club that I was at and the apprenticeship put in place.

Jonah Pezet and Harry Grant at the Storm in 2025.

“I can’t be thankful enough to Jahrome and Cameron for the time and effort they put into me to help develop my game to where it is now.”

The blue and golds secured Pezet to partner Moses following the departure of Dylan Brown to Newcastle. Pezet is excited about the combination they will form.

“It’s what I said before about development, he is one of the top halfbacks in the game,” he said.

“For me to learn under him is unreal. To take the field with him and learn on the run will be even better.

Jonah Pezet is ready to become a permanent NRL playmaker.

“I think I’m ready for the opportunity that’s in front of me, I just have to take it now.”

Some Eels fans have questioned the wisdom of investing in a spine player, only to witness him join a rival 12 months later. However, Parramatta powerbrokers believe Pezet is the ideal bridging player until promising young playmakers Joash Papalii, Lincoln Fletcher, and Lorenzo Talataina are ready to step up.

“I guess that’s how the club must have seen it,” Pezet said.

“Seeing what some of those young kids have been doing - Joash has been outstanding at training since I’ve been back. He can play multiple positions so he’s been training unreal and he’s been good for me to learn off, he sees the game a bit differently.

“Young Lincoln Fletcher is only 18 years of age and being a young schoolboys star, he’s a really good young player. He’s got a steady head on his shoulders and hopefully he gets the opportunity that I had, to have a good apprenticeship. If he takes that, he will be a really good player as well.”

In joining Parramatta, Pezet follows in the footsteps of father Troy, who made nine appearances for the club in 1998.

“It’s cool for me having him as my old boy … he’s been the most influential person in my career so far, since I was a young fella,” Pezet said.

“He’s put a lot of confidence in me to just go out and be myself, to continue to develop my game. He’s never pushed me too hard, he’s been a good supporter and comes to all my games.

“He’s not a critic or anything like that, he’s just a good supporter of where I want to take my footy.”

As for replacing Reynolds at premiers Brisbane, Pezet said: “It’s a cool opportunity when it does come. For the club up there to see something in me is special, it’s a big club as well.

“My sole focus at the moment is putting my best foot forward each day at Parra training, and hopefully, we can get as many wins as possible this season.”