Jason Ryles has received a boost in his mission to lift Parramatta up the NRL ladder, signing Cronulla workhorse Jack Williams to a three-year deal.
Williams joins highly-touted Penrith fullback Isaiah Iongi and South Sydney's back-up halfback Dean Hawkins as new additions following the Eels' 15th-placed finish in 2024.
The 28-year-old helps replenish Parramatta's forward pack after Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Ofahiki Ogden and Makahesi Makatoa were cleared from the roster ahead of Ryles' first season as coach.
"Jack is a player who has been on our radar for a while," said Eels general manager of football Mark O'Neill.
"His experience and leadership qualities will be great for our culture and align with how we want to play going forward."
SIGNED 💥— Parramatta Eels (@TheParraEels) Welcome to the Eels, Jack Williams! �Details �� https://t.co/FOD81nksl1#PARRAdise pic.twitter.com/9qTT8JPOBIOctober 3, 2024
The Sharks had made discussions with Williams a priority since before the finals series began, but have now lost both he and Royce Hunt from their forward pack for next season.
A Canberra junior, Williams has played his entire 124-game career to date with Cronulla, who once considered him a potential successor to club legend Paul Gallen at lock.
Williams had been a fixture of Craig Fitzgibbon's bench in three seasons as finals mainstays and is able to play on an edge or through the middle.