The Eels have rewarded one of their most consistent players through the first 16 rounds of the 2025 NRL season by upgrading Kitione Kautoga to the top-30 squad and extending him through 2027.
The 22-year-old made his first grade debut in 2022 for the Tigers before moving to Canterbury to play for the Bulldogs.
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In 2025 he signed for the Eels having only played three NRL games in that three-year stretch since first getting the call up to the top grade.
Now, he is a core piece of the youth movement that Jason Ryles has established since arriving at Parramatta.
In a statement released by the club on Friday, Eels GM of Football Mark O’Neill spoke glowingly about the young back-rowers' impact on the playing group and potential for rapid development.
"Kitione came to the club looking for an opportunity and he has grabbed it with both hands," he said.
"His performances so far this year have been very impressive.
"He has connected well with the players, the broader staff, and the coaches love working with him.
"We are committed to his continual growth and look forward to watching him develop as a player and person over the coming years."
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After the Eels recently agreed to part ways with ball-playing second-rower Bryce Cartwright, Kautoga's signing strengthens Parramatta's waning forward depth.
The Fijian international will start for the Eels on Saturday night against the Dragons where he'll have a tough assignment marking the returning Jayden Su'A.