The Melbourne Storm may be preparing for the 2025 NRL Grand Final at the moment, but that hasn’t stopped a frontrunner emerging for the services of young playmaker Jonah Pezet.

Regarded as a future star of the game alongside Isaiya Katoa and Lachlan Galvin, Pezet has been touted as the future successor of the Storm’s halves, but he still sits behind QLD Maroons skipper Cameron Munster and 2024 Dally M Medal winner Jahrome Hughes.

Although he re-signed with the club less than 12 months ago until the end of 2029, he is technically a free agent due to a clause in his contract that allows him to make a move to another team if Hughes’ extended, which he did in July.

Linked with the Gold Coast Titans, Newcastle Knights, North Queensland Cowboys, Parramatta Eels and Perth Bears, multiple sources from in and outside the club have told Zero Tackle that the Canberra Raiders are the clear favourites to land the 22-year-old’s signature.

While there were rumours that the Raiders had decided to pull out of the race for Pezet’s signature, they are still on the lookout for a new playmaker following the departure of veteran Jamal Fogarty to the Manly Sea Eagles.

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One source says the deal is all but confirmed, but other sources told Zero Tackle that Pezet and his management are keeping options open at this stage especially in regard to a potential move to the Eels.

First reported by The Daily Telegraph, Zero Tackle understands that there is some interest from the Eels as they look for someone to partner Mitchell Moses and replace Dylan Brown in the halves.

However, this is dependent on Zac Lomax gaining a release from the remainder of his contract to join the rebel rugby union competition known as R360.

If Lomax is released, this will free up approximately $650,000 a season and around $1.95 million in total of their salary cap.

“As it stands right now, technically he is off contract. I had the clause in there with Jahrome… we have been looking for the one-year loan,” Pezet’s manager Braith Anasta said on NRL 360 recently.

“But we are not sure where this is going to land right now, it’s sort of up in the air. But technically, he is a free agent.

“Of course (his preference) is to stay, but he is also a smart kid. Jahrome is the No. 7, and he’s just re-signed.

“We saw the other night how he plays as a No. 7.”