Eels Shake Up Leadership: Junior Paulo Appointed Captain for 2026 in Surprise Move
In a bold and unexpected decision ahead of the 2026 NRL season, the Parramatta Eels’ top brass — including CEO Jim Sarantinos, head coach Jason Ryles, and the entire coaching staff — have officially named Junior Paulo as the club’s new captain. In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NRL community, the leadership group elected to pass the armband to Paulo, bypassing incumbent skipper Mitchell Moses and star recruit Josh Addo-Carr.
The announcement marks a major shift in Parramatta’s leadership structure and underscores the club’s evolving identity under Ryles, who took over as head coach ahead of the 2025 campaign. While Moses wore the captain’s jersey throughout 2025, serving as a steady voice for the team, the 2026 season will see Paulo step into the role as the frontline leader of the Blue & Gold.
A Leader by Example
Junior Paulo — a powerful front-row forward known for his work ethic, intensity, and on-field leadership — has long been held in high regard within the Eels’ locker room. Although not captain since his co-captaincy days earlier in his career, Paulo has consistently been part of the club’s leadership conversations and was included in Parramatta’s 2025 leadership group alongside Moses, J’maine Hopgood and Jack Williams.
Club insiders say the decision to appoint Paulo was driven by his experience, respect among teammates, and vocal presence both on and off the field — traits that the coaching staff believe will galvanise a roster entering a new era under Ryles’ system.
“Junior has always led by example,” one Eels source told club media. “His commitment at training, his consistency in big moments, and the way other players respond when he speaks — that’s captaincy. The coaches and senior staff felt he was the right person to lead this footy club into what we see as a really exciting chapter.”
Changing of the Guard
For Moses, who was officially named the Eels’ captain for the 2025 season and signed a long-term contract extension, this shift represents a surprising turn in his journey with the club. Moses’ 2025 campaign was marked by strong performances and a clear influence on the team’s direction, but ultimately Parramatta’s leadership cohort believed fresh direction was necessary as the club seeks to climb the NRL ladder in 2026.
Similarly, Addo-Carr — widely regarded as one of the game’s premier finishers — was a widely speculated candidate for the armband following his high-profile arrival at Parramatta. Yet his role this season will focus on on-field impact and mentoring younger backs, rather than formal captaincy duties.
Looking Ahead with Paulo at the Helm
Paulo’s elevation has already been welcomed by teammates, who point to his fearlessness, professionalism, and deep understanding of Parramatta’s culture.
“JP’s got that natural edge,” one Eels forward said at the club’s official captaincy announcement event. “He commands respect, he’s been here through ups and downs, and he’s the guy you want in the middle when it matters.”
Off the field, CEO Sarantinos and Ryles are expected to back Paulo’s leadership with support structures aimed at building cohesion and resilience across the squad. With the 2026 season looming, the Eels faithful will be watching closely as their new skipper prepares to lead from the front.
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