Leading NRL reporter Brent Read has revealed he “wouldn’t be surprised” if Jonah Pezet stays at the Melbourne Storm despite lucrative offers from the Eels and Cowboys, and a rumoured late bid by the Brisbane Broncos. Pezet is one of the most in-demand players on the open market after he activated a clause in his contract that allows him to leave the Storm.
The 22-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance in 18 career games at NRL level, but has been stuck behind Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes in Melbourne. Pezet is contracted until the end of 2029, but has a clause in his deal that he can speak to rival clubs if Hughes extended his contract long-term – which he did earlier this year.
Michael Maguire (L) and the Brisbane Broncos have reportedly made a late play for Jonah Pezet from Craig Bellamy’s (R) Melbourne Storm. Image: Getty
The Cowboys and Eels are coming hardest for Pezet’s services, but the Storm are also keen to retain him. And it’s since emerged that Brisbane have entered the race in the final stages in the hope of securing their future for when Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt retire.
Speaking on Triple M radio on Monday, Read dismissed the notion that Pezet has decided to leave the Storm and actually believes they’re still one of the favourites to hold onto him. “I think Parra might have their noses in front, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he stays in Melbourne,” Read said.
Ryan Papenhuyzen (L) could hold the key to Jonah Pezet’s (centre) future in Melbourne. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)
Teammate’s departure could convince Jonah Pezet to stay
Read pointed out that the departure of one or both of Ryan Papenhuyzen and Cameron Munster could free up playing time for Pezet. There’s also uncertainty around whether Craig Bellamy will continue as coach as he reportedly weighs up a move to the Gold Coast.
“There’s been whispers about Brisbane potentially getting involved. Hunt and Reynolds – potentially this is their last year (in 2026),” Read said. “But it wouldn’t surprise me if he stays because there’s a lot going on in Melbourne and they’ve got a lot of moving parts at the moment.
“You’ve got the Papenhuyzen situation where he’s off contract at the end of next year. The club might decide to let him go early if he wants to go to R360. You’ve got the Munster situation with Perth hovering around.
“The Storm are juggling a lot of balls at the moment, and then you’ve got the coaching situation as well. I’m sure Jonah would love to know who the coach is going to be next year.”
Jonah Pezet could complete the puzzle at Parramatta
Fellow journalist Michael Carayannis said Parramatta makes a lot of sense for Pezet as he could complete one of the best young spines in the NRL. “They’ve got Mitch Moses locked in (at halfback), Isaiah Iongi (at fullback) who’s a gun – an absolute freak. And then they’ve got two good hookers (Ryley Smith and Tallyn Da Silva) where one will eventually become the permanent hooker,” he said.
“You look at that spine and if they sign Pezet, it’s probably the most settled 1, 6, 7 and 9 long-term going forward in the competition. So I can understand the attraction there.”
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Pezet’s father also played for the Eels in the 80s, providing a family connection for Parramatta to work with. Speaking last week, Pezet’s agent Braith Anasta confirmed a fourth club had entered the race for the young half (alongside the Storm, Eels and Cowboys), but didn’t name the Broncos specifically.
“There’s someone else that you’ll probably find out in the next few days that could surprise a few people,” Anasta said. “The one’s that have been reported – Parramatta, Cowboys and Melbourne – are right.”