The Canterbury Bulldogs have faced a setback in their recruitment efforts as Ronald Volkman has reportedly declined a two-year deal to extend his stay with Parramatta. This decision comes even though Volkman is expected to lose his starting position to Jarome Luai in 2027. On Wednesday, the Eels confirmed that Volkman will remain with them for the 2027 and 2028 seasons.
At 24, Volkman has emerged as a significant playmaker for Parramatta this year. His impressive form followed the club's decision to bring in Luai for a one-year stint before he heads to PNG in 2028. This situation means Volkman will either have to compete with Luai for a starting role or accept a place on the six-man bench.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Phil Gould and the Bulldogs also proposed a two-year contract, offering a seemingly better opportunity for Volkman to be a starting half. However, he chose to stay with the Eels. The Bulldogs were likely considering Volkman to team up with Lachie Galvin in the halves, allowing Stephen Crichton to return to centre, while young talents Alex Conti and Mitchell Woods are still developing.
Mark O'Neill, Parramatta's GM of football, stated that Volkman's new deal is a fitting reward for a standout season, boasting 10 try assists in 17 NRL matches, including a remarkable solo try in the Eels' recent victory against Cronulla.
"The positive environment which Jason Ryles has created at the club has provided some stability for Ronald where he is playing his best football of his career," O'Neill commented. "He has earned this opportunity with some wonderful individual and team performances, and he will only continue to improve."
Adding to the Bulldogs' challenges, the Perth Bears have announced the signing of winger Jonathan Sua. "This is a massive opportunity for me, and I can't wait to get started," said Sua. "Being part of a brand new club, building something from the very first day, isn't something a lot of players get the chance to do. I want to make the most of it and show what I can do on a bigger stage. I've worked really hard over the last few seasons to get to this point, and I feel like my footy is in a really good place right now."