At just 22 years old, rising playmaker Jonah Pezet has triggered a contract clause that has set in motion a highly unusual two-club pathway. His current club, Melbourne Storm, reportedly allowed him to explore his options when halfback Jahrome Hughes re-signed long-term. (FOX SPORTS)
According to multiple sources, Pezet will sign a one-year deal with Parramatta Eels for the 2026 season before moving on to join the Brisbane Broncos in 2027 as their long-term halfback successor. (FOX SPORTS)
This article lays out exactly how the deal is structured, what each club and Pezet himself gain, and the major casualties of the move.
How the Deal Is Structured
The mechanics behind Pezet’s move involve both contractual clauses and staged team commitments.
1. The Contract Clause
- Pezet was under contract with Melbourne through at least 2029 after a four-year extension, yet his deal reportedly included a “get-out” clause if Hughes re-committed. (FOX SPORTS)
- Hughes’ long-term re-signing triggered that clause, freeing Pezet to pursue other clubs. (Zero Tackle)
- Thus Pezet gained the right to explore a move even though he remained contracted with Melbourne.
2. The One-Year Stop-Gap at Parramatta
- Under the deal, Pezet will spend the 2026 season at Parramatta, reportedly on a one-year contract. (News.com.au)
- During that year, he is expected to partner established halfback Mitchell Moses in the halves, offering Parramatta immediate uplift. (FOX SPORTS)
3. The Long-Term Move to Brisbane
- From 2027 onwards, Pezet is expected to join Brisbane and become the long-term No.7, taking over from veteran Adam Reynolds. (News.com.au)
- The timing aligns with Reynolds and co-halfback Ben Hunt both reaching later career phases. (FOX SPORTS)
Why This Sequence?
- Melbourne retains some rights for the immediate term but accepts that Pezet seeks playing opportunity elsewhere rather than remain behind Hughes and Cameron Munster. (7NEWS)
- Parramatta gain a high-calibre halfback for one season, boosting their 2026 outlook.
- Brisbane secure long-term halfback stability by pre-arranging Pezet’s arrival.
What Each Club Gains and What They Risk
Here’s a breakdown of the benefits and risks for each club involved:
| Club | What They Gain | What They Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne Storm | Frees salary-cap space by allowing Pezet to depart; addresses internal halfback log-jam; ability to retain Munster long-term without Pezet looming. (FOX SPORTS) | Losing a top young halfback developed through their system; may create perception of talent drain; needs to rebuild depth. |
| Parramatta Eels | Immediate upgrade in the halves for 2026; opportunity to make finals push with Moses-Pezet pairing; buy-time for their younger halves (e.g., Lorenzo Talataina, Lincoln Fletcher). (FOX SPORTS) | Only short-term gain—Pezet leaves after one year; blocks younger halfback pathways for 2026; if chemistry fails, one year investment may cost. |
| Brisbane Broncos | Secures long-term halfback of the future; fits into rebuild-window with young spine (including Ezra Mam and Reece Walsh); avoids chaotic search later. (News.com.au) | Delay in arrival (2027) means one more year of uncertainty in halves; may alienate local Brisbane talent (e.g., Coby Black) blocked by deal. |
The Biggest Casualty of the Move
The ripple effects are already visible in several clubs, but one player stands out as the major casualty.
- At Brisbane the deal impacts young halfback prospect Coby Black. Black, just 19, was seen as a potential future No.7 for the Broncos, but Pezet’s 2027 arrival pushes him down the pecking order. (News.com.au)
- Parramatta’s younger halves development is also affected: Joash Papali’i was earmarked for a No.6 role, but with Pezet occupying the spot in 2026, his immediate pathway is blocked. (FOX SPORTS)
- Melbourne lose Pezet’s talent investment and now must plan without him, likely focusing on Munster and alternate futures. (The Australian)
In short: Coby Black is the biggest direct casualty in this deal. Without relocation or contract change, his first-grade future is unclear.
Why This Deal Has Sparked Debate
This dual-club arrangement is rare in the NRL and raises several structural questions:
- It highlights the power of exit-clauses within long-term contracts. Pezet’s ability to trigger a clause because Hughes re-signed shows how clubs might build in future flexibility. (Zero Tackle)
- The timing creates complex stakeholder relationships: a player commits to one club for one year then to another for the long-term. Some analysts call it one of the most unusual deals in NRL history. (News.com.au)
- It impacts younger player pathways. When a club brings in a “stop-gap” for a season, it can stall the progress of emerging talent.
- The salary cap and contract-regulation implications are significant. If such deals become more common, governing bodies may need to address regulation and fairness.
Key Takeaways for Stakeholders
- For players: Having a clause that triggers on another’s contract actions (like Hughes’ extension) can open significant strategic advantage.
- For clubs: Securing a young talent early may require accepting a delayed start and managing internal messaging around development.
- For fans: Be aware that short-term and long-term club commitments can diverge—who a player reports to in 2026 might differ from 2027 onwards.
- For emerging players: Recognise that these deals can compress opportunity windows—if a club brings in a high-profile player even short-term, it may reduce your immediate chances.
Trending FAQ
Q: Is Pezet already under contract with Melbourne through 2029?
A: Yes. He signed an extension with Melbourne that runs until at least the end of 2029, but the exit-clause activated when Hughes re-signed. (FOX SPORTS)
Q: Does the deal mean Pezet plays for Parramatta for only one year then moves north?
A: Exactly. He will be at Parramatta in 2026 on a one-year deal before joining Brisbane in 2027. (News.com.au)
Q: Will this affect younger halves at each club?
A: Yes. At Parramatta it delays younger players’ elevation; at Brisbane it reduces the pathway for emerging halfbacks like Coby Black.
Q: What does Melbourne get out of it?
A: They gain salary-cap flexibility, clear their halves log-jam, and retain control in other spine positions without long-term Pezet commitment. (FOX SPORTS)
Q: Could we see more of these two-club deals?
A: Possibly. But the NRL may tighten rules around multi-stage contracts and “future club” commitments given the stakeholder complications.
This deal between Pezet, the Eels and the Broncos marks a strategic shift in player movement in the NRL. It rewards early talent, rewards planning, but also underscores risks for younger players and club development models.
