Parramatta centre Will Penisini has revealed his brother’s emergence as an NRL star could prove crucial in the race for his signature.
That is according to The Daily Telegraph, who are reporting Eels powerbrokers are facing a looming battle with the young centre on Eddie Jones’ Wallabies radar.
The 21-year-old is contracted until the end of 2025, with Rugby Australia’s scheduled fixtures against the British and Irish Lions happening that same year ahead of a 2027 World Cup.
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Penisini’s close friend Joseph Suaalii has already confirmed he will make a cross-code switch, penning a three-year deal worth north of $5 million.
However, Penisini’s brother Richard’s emergence has reportedly seen him earmarked as one of the Eels’ long-term retention targets.
Richard Penisini was a key figure in Parramatta’s premiership-winning SG Ball team this season and, similar to his brother, is a damaging outside back.
He is set to make his NSW Cup debut on Friday, with Will confirming he hopes to one day play first grade alongside his brother.
“Yeah, 100 per cent. It’s a dream for him to be able to debut for the club and a dream for us as brothers to be able to play together for the Eels,” Penisini said to News Corp.
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“It’ll be a huge moment for my family if it does happen.
I know he’s got a long way to go but I think getting an NRL pre-season under his belt going into next year will help get him close to that dream.”
Penisini also played down talk of a potential rugby union switch to join his close friend Suaalii in Wallabies colours.
“That is still far away, there are still two more years (before my contract ends). I’m totally focused on what is going on this year,” he said.
“We have a huge challenge ahead of us as a team so to be honest I’m not thinking about that at the moment.”
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