Off-contract Parramatta prop addresses NRL future
George Clarke |
Junior Paulo can’t see himself playing in the NRL for anyone other than Parramatta and has indicated he has little appetite to finish his career at a start-up franchise.
Paulo showed in the Eels’ dramatic 33-30 win over North Queensland last Friday that, at age 32, he is still fighting for every inch.
The Samoan international was able to get a finger to a 79th-minute field goal attempt from Jake Clifford that sent the ball into the post and the game to golden point.
The Samoan international slimmed down over the off-season to keep pace with the modern game and has been an ever-present for Jason Ryles’ side, who face Melbourne in Magic Round on Saturday.
Paulo is off contract at the end of this season and given his leadership qualities would be an obvious target for the Perth Bears, who enter the NRL next season, and the PNG Chiefs the year after.
But that isn’t on the radar for the Parramatta big man, who declared his intention is to see out his career in blue and gold.
“I’m hoping to stay but that’s something that’s out of my hands,” Paulo said.
“My manager will look after it with the club and I’m sure they’ll be in conversations sometime soon.
“This is home for me and this is exactly where I want to be.
“I feel if I’m still playing good enough footy and hopefully I get to keep on playing.
“I enjoy where I’m at and for me that’s trying to play some good footy and get back to the footy team that we know we’re capable of being.”
Paulo has been one of the few constants over the last 18 months under Ryles, who has overseen a roster overhaul in his short time at Parramatta.
While the Eels (4-6) missed the finals last year and sit 14th ahead of their clash with the Storm, Paulo can see the green shoots of Ryles’ investment in youth.
“I think it (the club) is in a great position, you look from top to bottom and see the progression of our juniors that have been coming through,” Paulo said.
“Rylesy and all the other staff have been doing a good job in developing these guys and making them ready for first grade.
“There’s a difference between being an NRL player and then someone who just plays NRL.
“We’re trying to create a culture here where we’re able to develop these guys and see them in the NRL soon.”
AAP