Kelma Tuilagi signed with the Parramatta Eels after leaving the Manly Sea Eagles.
Following a dismal season, Parramatta has strengthened its backrow stocks by signing Kelma Tuilagi on a two-year contract.
The Samoan international was granted a release from his Manly contract to take up the offer, which appears to pre-empt Josh Schuster’s return to the Sea Eagles’ edge.
Kelma Tuilagi has left the Sea Eagles to join the Parramatta Eels.
Tuilagi had only completed one season of his three-year contract with Manly after leaving the Wests Tigers at the end of 2021 to join them.
He appeared in 17 games for Anthony Seibold’s side, although after a promising start to his career on the Northern Beaches, his playing time was dramatically reduced towards the conclusion of the season.
The 24-year-old was injured against Cronulla in Round 11 and missed the rest of the season. He returned in Round 18 and only started one of Manly’s last four games.
Tuilagi scored one try, averaged 73 metres per game, and tackled with 89% effectiveness in 17 matches.
Tuilagi’s arrival at Parramatta is Brad Arthur’s first move in response to his team’s poor season, in which they went from being grand champions in 2022 to missing the finals entirely this year.
Tuilagi will battle for a berth in the Eels’ backrow alongside Shaun Lane, Bryce Cartwright, and Andrew Davey.
“We are delighted that Kelma has decided to join the Club for the 2024 and 2025 seasons,” stated Eels football manager Mark O’Neil.
“At 24, we think his best football will be ahead of him and will provide a strong contribution to the squad next season.”
