Gun Parramatta front-rower Reagan Campbell-Gillard has re-committed to the Eels just a week after it was revealed that he wanted to join the Dolphins.
Campbell-Gillard’s manager was last week very open about the front-rower’s desire to play under Wayne Bennett at the new expansion club, but he’s now signed a new deal that’s linked him with the Eels until the end of 2025.
The Kangaroos and NSW State of Origin representative had been set to opt against triggering an option in his contract to stay at the Eels.
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The news that the 28-year-old has penned a new deal comes just hours after the club released a bizarre statement regarding its roster.
“Our approach is not to engage publicly in speculation regarding player negotiations,” the statement reads.
“It is disrespectful to the players involved, is unhelpful in building a team that is set up for success and, most importantly, goes against how we aim to operate as a club.”
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Eels general manager of football Mark O’Neill said Campbell-Gillard was a great asset to the club.
“Reagan has connected well with everyone at our club, is a vital member of our squad and adds a level of aggression needed to compete at NRL level,” O’Neill said.
“He is one of the best front-rowers in the NRL and loves playing in the big games.”
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Campbell-Gillard has played 41 NRL games with the Eels since crossing from the Panthers ahead of season 2020.
He has played a total of 155 matches with Penrith and Parramatta since making his debut in the opening round of the 2015 season.