The Mole: The unusual deal that could return the Parramatta Eels to the golden days of the 80s

He's only hanging around for a year, but Jonah Pezet might just turn around Parramatta's fortunes in that time.

A brilliant player on his day, Pezet is making a pit stop at the Eels before heading to Brisbane in 2027.

And his combination with Mitchell Moses will give the Eels their most potent halfback combination since the golden days of Peter Sterling and Brett Kenny in the 1980s.

READ MORE: From dynasty to disaster: How Dees crumbled in four years

READ MORE: Storm 'shaking in their boots' at idea of grim three-peat

READ MORE: Dees 'kept in the dark' before shock May retirement

There was controversy when he signed the unusual deal - but the Eels have put that behind them and now really need to concentrate on cashing in on Pezet's class and skills.

Gone are two backline stars in Dylan Brown (Knights) and Zac Lomax (released) but the arrival of Pezet and the under-rated Brian Kelly (Titans) should more than cover their departures.

Veteran former Dragons prop Jack de Belin could prove an astute signing, bringing size and experience up front to a young pack.

The Eels have a good mix of youth and battle-hardened players and the talent is there to make a charge for the finals.

Fullback Isaiah Iongi was a revelation in his debut season with the club last year and should continue to improve.

Watch the 2026 NRL season live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Ditto hooker Ryley Smith, who has the skills and speed at dummyhalf to get the Eels going forward.

Tigers recruit Tallyn Da Silva - who joined the club midway through last season - should also make the 17, coming off the bench in a one-two punch with Smith.

Ryles needs a big year out of veteran prop Junior Paulo, who was a little inconsistent last year.

With his size and ball skills, Paulo can be a real handful when at his menacing best.

2026 gains

Jack de Belin (St George Illawarra Dragons, 2027), Brian Kelly (Gold Coast Titans, 2027), Jonah Pezet (Melbourne Storm, 2026)

2026 losses

Dylan Brown (Newcastle Knights), Bryce Cartwright (retired), Wiremu Greig (Townsville Blackhawk), Brendan Hands (Toulouse Olympique), Dean Hawkins (London Broncos), Matthew Hunter (Newcastle Knights), Shaun Lane (retired), Joe Ofahengaue (Leigh Leopards)

Best buy: The Eels would have loved Pezet on a five year deal but such is his class, they jumped when he was offered to them for just the one.

It's a big season for: J'maine Hopgood was great for the Eels a couple of seasons ago but seemed to fall into a hole in 2025. A clever forward with good ball skills, he's vital to their revival hopes.

Biggest question mark: Can the Moses/Pezet combination fire, given they are together for the first time and will only have the one season to turn the club around.

Finish last year (after 26 rounds): 11th

Predicted finish: 8th

Best 19 man squad

1. Isaiah Iongi

2. Brian Kelly

3. Sean Russell

4. Will Penisini

5. Josh Addo-Carr

6. Jonah Pezet

7. Mitchell Moses

8. J'maine Hopgood

9. Ryley Smith

10. Junior Paulo

11. Kitione Kautoga

12. Jack Williams

13. Jack de Belin

Interchange

14. Tallyn Da Silva

15. Sam Tuivaiti

16. Dylan Walker

17. Charlie Guymer

18. Matt Doorey

19. Luca Moretti

Odds to win comp: $21