Would Parramatta have buyer's remorse over Pezet signing?

The Parramatta Eels entered the 2026 with plenty of optimism following a strong end to the 2025 season and buoyed by the high-profile recruitment of playmaker Jonah Pezet.

After just six matches, that optimism appears to have faded as the Eels sit 16th on the ladder with the worst points differential (-102) and worst defence (226 points conceded) in the competition.

Whilst acknowledging the severe injury toll that has hit the club, SEN’s Jimmy Smith questioned whether signing Pezet for just one season was the right decision for Parramatta.

“The Jonah Pezet signing or the experiment, has it been a success?” Smith asked on SEN 1170.

“Has he played to expectations?

“Personally, I think he has been below expectations.”

SEN’s Chad Townsend responded: “He’s been up and down.

“I thought the match against the Broncos (in Round 2) was the best game of his career.

“In the Melbourne Storm game in Round 1, he was targeted a lot.

“There still needs to be more to play out for me to confidently answer that question.”

Pezet is only signed to the Eels for the 2026 season and will join the Brisbane Broncos on a three-year contract at the start of 2027.

The 23-year-old is currently on the sidelines with a hamstring strain and will be out for the next four to six weeks.

He joins a number of his Parramatta teammates in the injury ward which includes Bailey Simonsson (season), Isaiah Iongi (Round 13), Matt Doorey (season) and J’Maine Hopgood (season).

Smith and Townsend agreed that Parramatta cannot blame their injuries for their poor start to the year.

“52-10 against the Gold Coast Titans in Round 6. It’s their worst performance at home in 31 years,” Smith added.

“Are injuries an excuse? The only problem with that is the moment (the coach) says that publicly, the dressing room hears it.

“Players then feel it,” Townsend replied.

“That’s what you don’t want. You do not want players walking and having the excuse that you’re down on troops,

“Your season will quickly become a waste of time. There was so much work done over the summer with the new halves combination (of Moses and Pezet) and the talk of Parramatta improving under a new coach.

“They are very deep into their roster at this early stage of the year (but) they can get their attitude right.

“This is where their leaders need to stand up. It will bring up the younger guys and build their confidence.

“When you get a win while you are down on troops, those are the best wins you can ever have.”

The Eels host the Bulldogs on Sunday at CommBank Stadium.