Joash Papalii misses Parramatta Eels training as club nears Ronald Volkman deal

Parramatta Eels utility Joash Papalii has reportedly ceased attending team training sessions following a social media post that suggested his tenure at the club is ending. Sources confirm the 22-year-old is not injured and is expected to depart the Parramatta roster after being excluded from recent NRL and NSW Cup selections. Meanwhile, the Eels are finalizing a two-year contract extension for Ronald Volkman. The club secured the deal despite interest from the Canterbury Bulldogs, who sought to add the half to their roster to address ongoing spine struggles. Volkman remains part of the Parramatta depth chart for next year, where he is slated to work behind Mitchell Moses and Jarome Luai. Head coach Jason Ryles continues to manage these personnel changes amidst a difficult 2026 season for the team.

• 3:29 AMZero Tackle NRL — Eels spine player vanishes from training after cryptic message, another set to re-sign