Origin forward signs Parramatta Eels extension

Joshua Mayne

Origin forward signs Parramatta Eels extension image

The Parramatta Eels have locked down a key member of their forward pack, with J'maine Hopgood inking a fresh contract.

Already signed for next season, Hopgood has extended his deal with the club for a further two years and will remain in blue and gold until the end of 2027.

The Queensland State of Origin representative was a bright spark for the Eels in the early stages of the current campaign, bringing consistency to a side enduring some nightmare results.

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However, the 25-year-old's season came to a premature end after struggling with a lower back injury.

His last NRL match was in Round 14 before he underwent a microdiscectomy.

J'maine Hopgood
(Getty Images)

Hopgood joins Brendan Hands and Bailey Simonsson as players to have signed contract extensions with Parramatta this season.

"I love this club and I appreciate the opportunities the Eels have given me. I can’t wait to put the jersey back on and represent the blue and gold," he said.
 
"I feel like I still have so much more to give, I'm committed to this team and to this club and I’m excited about the future."
 
Before his surgery, Hopgood averaged 121 run metres and 37 tackles per game in 2024.
 
"We all value J'maine as a player and as a person, he’s a popular team-mate and has been one of our most consistent players since joining the Eels last year," Eels general manager of football Mark O'Neill said.
 
"We are thrilled he has committed to our club, we know what he is capable of and look forward to seeing him reach new heights with us over the coming years."

Joshua Mayne

Joshua Mayne Photo

Joshua Mayne is a content producer for The Sporting News Australia based in Sydney, Australia. He has previously worked as a newsreader at 2SER and journalist at Ministry of Sport. While Joshua’s main passions are football, rugby league, basketball and F1, he will watch any sport that's on. He is still waiting for Arsenal to win the Premier League again.