Kelma Tuilagi signs with Parramatta Eels

The Parramatta Eels are please to announce the signing of Kelma Tuilagi who has agreed to a two-year contract which will see him become an Eel until the end of the 2025 season.

Kelma has played 44 NRL games after making his debut for the Wests Tigers in 2021 before moving to the Manly Sea Eagles in 2023.

He also played for Samoa in last year’s World Cup, making an appearance in the World Cup Final.

“We are delighted that Kelma has chosen to join the Club for the 2024 and 2025 seasons,” said General Manager of Football Mark O’Neil. At 24, we believe his greatest football is yet to come and that he will make a significant contribution to the group next season.”

When preseason training resumes next month, Kelma will join the NRL squad.

Eels called up for Test duty

Fourteen Eels have been named to their national teams ahead of the 2023 Test season.

Junior Paulo’s Test career will be extended after being selected for Samoa. Paulo, who guided Samoa to their first Rugby League World Cup Final last year, will join the Samoa squad after his boxing match on Saturday in Townsville.

Daejarn Asi is expected to join him in Samoa camp, with the utility likely to make his international debut. Asi appeared in 10 games for the Eels this season, playing five-eighth, halfback, and center.

Wiremu Greig has received his maiden Kiwis call-up after being included to New Zealand’s Pacific Championships team. The Eels’ Rookie of the Year will be joined in the Test squad by teammate Dylan Brown.

Will Penisini will accompany Tonga on their tri-series tour against England. Tonga’s centre played in the World Cup last year, scoring five tries in three games. After winning the NRL Coaches Award for the Eels in 2023, he will once again represent Mate Ma’a.

Kennedy Cherrington, NRLW Co-Captain, has been picked for the Jillaroos’ upcoming matches against the Kiwi Ferns. Last year, she helped Australia win the World Cup in England, scoring a try in the Final at Old Trafford.

She will face fellow Eel Capri Paekau, who has been called up for the first time by New Zealand.

Tonga Women’s team members include Cassey Tohi-Hiku, Jade Fonua, Amelia Mafi, and Shannon Muru, while Fetu Samoa has Pihuka Berryman-Duff, Lindsay Tui, and Tafao Asaua.

The Eels would want to congratulate their representatives on their upcoming Test series.