Eels land big fish hours after prized signing; Upton creates Broncos history — Daily

Just hours after a significant player signing, the Parramatta Eels have announced a key off-field addition to the club with new CEO Mike Rush landing the top job.

Watch Australia's Tour of South Africa Live & Exclusive on Fox Cricket, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

Rush was the former boss at English Super League giants St Helens and he's replaced Jim Sarantinos at the Eels, who was the club's chief executive for 10 years before stepping down at the end of the 2026 season.

It comes after the Eels secured four-time premiership winner Spencer Leniu who announced a four-year deal at the club just days after winning the Grand Final with the Roosters on Sunday.

"We're thrilled to have Spencer join the Parramatta Eels and become part of what we're building at this club. He's one of the elite middle forwards in the game and has consistently performed on the biggest stages throughout his career," Eels general manager of football Mark O'Neill said via the club-issued statement.

The Eels had tried to lure Penrith chief executive back to the club but were unsuccessful and they're also trying to convince Knights head of recruitment Peter O'Sullivan to join the club.

Before Rush stepped down as boss at St Helens in February after 13 years in the role, he oversaw five premierships, including four in a row between 2019 and 2002 when Justin Holbrook and Kristian Woolf were head coaches.

There's no doubt Rush and Eels coach Jason Ryles will get along.

Rush was once keen to get Ryles to St Helens to coach the side.

Rush faces one of the biggest jobs in Australian sport.

The Eels haven't won a first grade title since 1986 and have been down and out since losing the 2022 Grand Final to bitter rivals Penrith.

Securing the services of O'Sullivan would also be a massive boost for the club.

He's recognised as the best recruitment guru in the game and the Eels have one of the biggest junior leagues in the world, but have lost plenty of local talent over the years.

The Eels are in a battle with the Knights and Broncos to get their man.

UPTON MAKES HISTORY

Brisbane Broncos fullback Tamika Upton has become the first player to claim back-to-back Broncos NRLW Player of the Year honours.

The 29-year-old capped another outstanding campaign by securing the club's highest individual NRLW honour while also claiming the Players' Player and Best Back awards.

Chelsea Lenarduzzi was named Best Forward, while Lauren Dam received the Most Consistent award and Georgia Bartlett was recognised as Rookie of the Year.

The evening also featured a special announcement honouring inaugural Broncos NRLW captain Ali Brigginshaw, with the Broncos announcing the NRLW Player of the Year award will be named the Ali Brigginshaw Medal from 2027.

The retiring Brigginshaw also received the Broncos Community Service Award in recognition of her contribution off the field.

2026 Brisbane Broncos NRLW award winners:

Player of the Year: Tamika Upton

Players' Player: Tamika Upton

Best Back: Tamika Upton

Best Forward: Chelsea Lenarduzzi

Most Consistent: Lauren Dam

Rookie of the Year: Georgia Bartlett

Play of the Year: Tamika Upton and Chelsea Lenarduzzi - Round 3 tap-back try

Broncos Community Service Award: Ali Brigginshaw