Jason Ryles has landed his first key signing as Parramatta head coach, with Sharks forward Jack Williams agreeing to a three-year deal.
The 28-year-old has been part of the Cronulla system for more than half a decade, amassing 124 first grade games for the club.
Williams was off-contract at the end of this year and according to The Sydney Morning Herald, the Eels have swooped in and locked in the middle forward.
It’s believed Ryles has been in talks with Williams for a number of weeks, and his contract will see him join the blue and gold until at least the end of 2027.
Williams has played in a host of finals matches and will bring plenty of experience to the Eels’ engine room, where he could push for a starting spot.
The news of Williams’ signing comes just weeks after the club parted ways with front-rower Reagan Campbell-Gillard, despite winning their player of the year award.
Ryles has said it was “nothing personal” as the Eels look to start a rebuild under the new coach, who will be tasked with snapping a lengthy premiership drought.
Williams will join the likes of Zac Lomax and Isaiah Iongi at the club for the 2025 campaign, while rookies Ethan Sanders and Blaize Talagi will move away from the Eels.