Kelly to extend NRL careerafter preseason move to the Eels

BALLINA rugby league product Brian Kelly has made a preseason switch to the Parramatta Eels, signing a two-year contract with the NRL club.

The 29-year-old joins the Eels after seven years with the Gold Coast Titans, where he played 143 NRL games.

Born in Lismore, Kelly won a Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League grand final with Ballina as a teenager in 2013.

He made his NRL debut with Manly in 2017 and has played a total of 190 first-grade games.

Kelly, who has spent almost his entire career at centre, was released from the final year of his Titans contract to make the move to Parramatta.

He will link up with Eels assistant coach Scott Wisemantel, who joined the club from Lennox Head last season.

The club spent a week-long training camp in the region as part of its preseason preparations.

Eels coach Jason Ryles, in his second year at the helm, has already made several key signings in a bid to reshape the roster.

“We had an opportunity to strengthen our outside backs, which was a positional area of need, and Brian certainly fits that need very well for us,” Eels general manager of football Mark O’Neill said.

“Jason and the coaching staff are looking forward to working with Brian, who adds a greater attacking dimension to our game.

“With nearly 200 NRL games to his name, Brian’s experience will be an added benefit to the broader squad.”

Kelly is expected to slot straight into centre following the departure of Australian and NSW Blues representative Zac Lomax.

During his career, Kelly has represented NSW Country, the Prime Minister’s XIII, and the Indigenous All Stars.

He was also a junior Kangaroo with the Australian team at under-20 level after representing NSW.