The Eels have secured a major coup in re-signing star prop Junior Paulo on a four-year extension to keep him at the club until the end of 2026.

It’s some much-needed news for Parramatta fans who have copped the brutal blow of losing Reed Mahoney, Marata Niukore and Isaiah Papali’i to rivals in 2023.

Paulo was one of the many big-name Eels players coming off contract at the end of next season. He had interest from rival clubs, including the Dolphins, however the 28-year-old has followed the suit of skipper Clint Gutherson and Reagan Campbell-Gillard to re-sign.

The club confirmed the deal on Thursday.

“Junior is not just a skilful front rower, he is an asset to the Club both on and off the field,” Parramatta’s general manager of football, Mark O’Neill said.

“His selection into the NSW Origin team is a testament to his ability and the hard work he puts into his game.”

Paulo has 177 NRL games to his name — 122 of those with the Eels. He made his State of Origin debut in 2020 and retained his spot in this year’s series.

DOLPHINS SIGN TRIO OF YOUNG GUNS

Wayne Bennett has added three young guns to his Dolphins roster ahead of their inaugural season in 2023.

Rugby Union gun Valynce Te Whare has signed an NRL contract, while Michael Roberts — brother of James — and Harrison Graham have inked development deals.

Roberts, who can play anywhere in the backline, is a product of the rugby league nursery Palm Beach-Currumbin High. The 17-year-old scored a thrilling match-winning try in this year’s Queensland final of the Schoolboys Cup.

20-year-old Graham, a hooker, has already represented Queensland at the under 18s level. He impressed enough in the Hastings Deerings Colts competition to earn his Intrust Super Cup debut for Wynnum Manly this year and feature in their premiership-winning team.

He’s currently with the Broncos on a six-week train-and-trial deal — his first NRL pre-season.

Meanwhile, Te Whare will join the Dolphins from New Zealand’s provincial rugby union championship.

Dolphins CEO Terry Reader stressed the three players are just as important to the club’s long-term vision as a top-line signing.

“Since the Dolphins’ recruitment team first came together to discuss players, we have always

been of the view that squad members 21 to 30 are just as important as players one to 10,” he said.

“These three young players have been recruited from different backgrounds and different

competitions — this underlines that we are doing extensive recruitment to build a balanced and talented roster for our entry to the 2023 NRL competition.

“It also adds to the work we are already doing with junior development to ensure the future of

the Dolphins, including a junior Dolphins NRL academy camp we held this week.