NRL 2023: Will Penisini re-signs with Parramatta Eels

“The Roosters have a good problem with three full-backs in their defense. That makes them more dangerous. You can see Joey Manu lurking around the ball, and “Teddy”… I’m sure they’ll have a plan to get them all more involved.

“He would probably laugh at me if I tried to convince him to come here now. But you never know.”

Jones, on his return to the Wallabies last month, said he wanted to reach out to the NRL players who lost to rugby the first time. South Sydney’s Cameron Murray and Suaali’i would be the main targets, along with Penisini and Roosters forward Angus Crichton.

Penisini said he hadn’t thought about rugby this time but it would be foolish to ever slam the door completely.

“I had tunnel vision for Parra this time, they gave me a lot – I’ve been here since I was 12 or 13 – and I wanted to give something back to them,” Penisini said.

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“There are a couple of league boys with a union background. You never know what will happen in the future. Rugby is still a great game, I watched both games growing up and was lucky enough to play both games.

“Australia will go into this World Cup strong and I can’t wait to see the country behind them. I’ve seen the teams Eddie coached, but I never met Eddie or spoke to him.”

Having secured a central position at Parramatta, Penisini must now forge a right flank combination with a new back rower after Isaiah Papali’i joined the Wests Tigers. Three or four players moved up and down during practice, including a couple of lesser-known forwards, Matt Doorey and former Knight Jirah Momoisea.

Fans should also keep an eye out for another Penisini, Will’s younger brother Richie, who is set to compete in the club’s opening SG-Ball game this weekend.

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