Parramatta fans won’t have much longer to appreciate plays like Dylan Walker’s ridiculous flick pass on the weekend with confirmation the star utility will leave the club at the end of this year.

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Walker has been one of the Eels’ rare shining lights in another disappointing season and was open to extending his stay at Parramatta for another year but was unable to get a new deal.

Instead, he will join former Eels coach Brad Arthur overseas after signing a three-year deal with Leeds Rhinos.

Speaking to AAP after Parramatta’s win over Manly on Sunday, Walker admitted it was “disappointing” not to get a new deal done with the Eels.

“It’s disappointing to not get one here, but I’ve got to make a grown-up decision and they (the Eels) have got to make a decision, it’s a business,” he said.

“I had conversations (with Perth), but they weren’t keen, and a lot of people weren’t keen, to be fair.

“It’s a young man’s game now. I think everyone’s waiting for the next best young thing, which I get, and you get a few no’s and you know you’re meant to be where you’re meant to be and I’m excited.”

Walker has added an extra element to Parramatta’s attack as a ball-playing option through the middle, with his 226 general play passes easily outranking the next closest forward in Isaah Yeo (166).

He is also incredibly versatile and has the kind of experience, both in club land and in two State of Origin appearances for the Blues, which will make him a valuable addition at Leeds.

“Dylan is a great professional and will be a good addition to our current group,” Arthur said.

“We are obviously losing some experience from our pack next season with Cameron, Mik and James moving on but I am pleased we have been able to add Dylan to our group as well as Morgan Gannon returning to the club too.”

Dylan Walker is leaving the Eels. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

WARRIORS ANNOUNCE TWO KEY EXTENSIONS

Earlier, the Warriors announced a double signing boost, with five-eighth Te Maire Martin and cult hero Dallin Watene-Zelezniak extending their stay across the ditch.

Martin is staying put for another year until the end of the 2027 season, while Watene-Zelezniak will remain at the Warriors through to at least the 2028 campaign.

Martin has battled injuries throughout his career and had his start to the 2026 disrupted by a broken leg but has made the most of his opportunity since filling in for Tanah Boyd.

Boyd, of course, will return from his torn ACL next year to partner Chanel Harris-Tavita, but even if he is no longer in the starting side Martin will have a key role to play as the club’s primary back-up half with Luke Metcalf and Luke Hanson out of the picture.

Metcalf is making a high-profile move to the Dragons while the Titans confirmed earlier this month that they have snapped up young Hanson on a two-year deal from next season.

Martin, like Harris-Tavita, is one of the better defensive halves in the competition and will be a perfect utility for coach Andrew Webster on the bench.

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“I’ve got so much confidence in and respect for Te Maire. He’s such a team-first player,” Webster said.

“He had a late start to the season after breaking his leg but when we lost Tanah he stepped in seamlessly at halfback. No matter what is asked of him he’s always happy to help. He’s a true footy player just loves the game.”

Elsewhere, Watene-Zelezniak remains locked into one of the starting wing spots for the Warriors having joined the club in 2021 and will remain a key leader in a squad that is pushing for a top-two finish this year.

“Dallin is a rugby league identity and a Warriors identity,” Webster said.

“We’re so grateful to have him here … the person he is, most importantly a family man, but also what he brings on the weekends to the team with his energy and his fearlessness.”