Corey Norman's drugs drama is unlikely to cost him a contract extension, with Parramatta poised to re-sign the star playmaker and a host of his teammates to new deals.
The Eels have snared Manly prop Siosaia Vave on a two-year deal and also brought back grand final halfback Jeff Robson just before the June 30 transfer window shut. However, the club's main focus is on retention and up to half a dozen players are in the process of being upgraded or extended.
Kenny Edwards, Brad Takairangi, Isaac De Gois and Danny Wicks have either agreed to terms or are in the process of doing so, giving the embattled club some much-needed stability on the field. However, the biggest name off contract is Norman, one of the top contenders for the Dally M medal after a strong start to the year.
Norman's management initially rejected a $1.8 million, three-year offer to remain with the blue and golds, although the negotiating landscape changed after he was allegedly caught with MDMA – also known as ecstasy – capsules and muscle relaxants at The Star casino in May.
That incident, coupled with the consorting notice that resulted from the infamous evening, resulted in negotiations being put on hold. While there is still some legwork to be done – the Eels are unsure how much money they'll have to spend until the NRL finalises its salary cap sanctions – the club wants to retain Norman and he wants to stay.
The dramas have scared off most of Norman's potential suitors and also reined in his asking price at the Eels. However, both parties have few options and a deal is expected to be signed after his court proceedings.
Strike back-rower Kenny Edwards, who has filled in at five-eighth in the absence of troubled former skipper Kieran Foran, has had his deal extended until the end of 2018. Edwards has had a colourful past, but has proven to be a handful for opposition defences in his most consistent season yet. The 26-year-old was already signed until the end of next year, but has now had his deal upgraded and extended.
Likewise, Takairangi, has proven himself a useful addition to the team since making the switch from the Gold Coast two season ago. The rangy centre is on the cusp of Kiwis selection and will also extend his stay from 2017 to 2018.
De Gois, now the starting hooker after Nathan Peats was released to the Titans, has re-signed for two more seasons, while prop Wicks is also staying put after an impressive second stint in the NRL. Earlier this year, the Eels extended forwards Kaysa Pritchard, Daniel Alvaro and Alex Twal.
Robson is the last halfback to guide the Eels to a decider, whether they lost to a Melbourne side that was subsequently stripped of the title for salary cap rorting. Robson will turn 34 in August and this year may be his last, but there were several clubs keen to sign him up before June 30 due to his poise and experience.
His former clubs, Manly and Cronulla, discussed adding Robson to their squads but were unable find the salary cap space required. The veteran playmaker was keen to return to Sydney for family reasons and the Warriors granted him a release on compassionate grounds.
Vave has been a solid contributor to the Sea Eagles this year and will help to fill the void up front created by Junior Paulo's shift to Canberra.
The Eels want to extend the contract of Semi Radradra but the domestic violence allegations levelled against the winger complicate the situation.
