New deal for Takairangi as Matterson weighs up multi-year offer

Parramatta utility Brad Takairangi is among five players re-signed by the NRL club for next season, with Marata Niukore extended until the end of 2022.

Takairangi joined David Gower, Ray Stone and Andrew Davey in being included in a 25-man squad released by the club on Monday.

Niukore was about to enter the final year of his contract before being handed another two seasons as the likely replacement for the departed Manu Ma'u.

Centre Michael Jennings isn't named but is widely tipped to also re-sign for a side coach Brad Arthur took to the semi-finals last season.

The club has also been heavily linked with released Wests Tigers forward Ryan Matterson.

NRL.com reports the Eels have tabled a three-year deal believed to be worth around $1.5 million.

"We're really happy to be in a position to retain our players," Arthur said.

"There's a lot of NRL experience amongst them which is valuable to our young group of players, and for the juniors coming through."

The list of Eels off-contract at the end of 2020 include Dylan Brown, Kane Evans, Shaun Lane, Reed Mahoney, and Jaeman Salmon.

Under NRL rules, each club must submit a squad of 24 players by November 1, which must be increased to 29 by March 1.

The final 30 is named at the end of June.