Overview

• Parramatta have allowed Bailey Simonsson to speak with and negotiate terms at other NRL clubs, a move widely seen as the end of his Eels tenure.
• Simonsson was granted a short leave of absence after a reported fallout with coach Jason Ryles and submitted multiple requests for an early release this season.
• After signing a two-year deal through 2027 under Ryles, Simonsson has made just six NRL appearances in 2025 and was overlooked for injured centre Sean Russell’s spot in favour of Dylan Brown.
• The Eels are now determining their top-30 roster and salary-cap allocations for 2026 as they await decisions on overseas options for Ryan Matterson at Warrington and Brendan Hands at Toulouse.
• Separately, hotelier Dr Jerry Schwartz has told the Sydney Morning Herald he might pursue Russell Crowe’s share of the South Sydney Rabbitohs if the price aligns with his expectations.