CONFIRMED: St George Illawarra Dragons finally accepts Parramatta Eels’ $45 million fee to sign Superb NRL Playmaker Ronald Volkman.
In a blockbuster transfer that has shaken the National Rugby League (NRL) landscape, the St George Illawarra Dragons have finally accepted Parramatta Eels’ massive $45 million offer to secure the services of star playmaker Ronald Volkman. The deal marks one of the largest transfers in recent NRL history, reflecting both Volkman’s immense talent and the high demand for elite playmakers in the league.
The 22-year-old Volkman, who has been a rising star in the NRL, has consistently demonstrated his ability to steer the game from the halves position. His sharp vision, accurate passing, and impressive kicking game have made him a prized asset in the league, catching the attention of several clubs. However, it was Parramatta Eels that ultimately made the boldest move to secure his signature.
Ronald Volkman’s rise through the ranks has been nothing short of spectacular. The young halfback began his professional career with the Sydney Roosters, where he was tipped as a future NRL great. After a brief stint with the Roosters, Volkman made his way to the Dragons, where his potential truly began to flourish.
In his time with the Dragons, Volkman became the backbone of the team’s attack, orchestrating plays and setting up crucial tries. His agility, combined with a game sense beyond his years, has earned him a reputation as one of the most promising young players in the NRL. Throughout the 2024 season, he led the Dragons to several critical victories, cementing his place as a key figure in their line-up.
The Parramatta Eels’ pursuit of Volkman has been a carefully calculated gamble. The Eels, who are looking to rebuild their squad after a series of mixed seasons, identified Volkman as the missing piece in their quest to return to premiership contention. While the $45 million price tag is hefty, the Eels are confident that Volkman’s arrival will solidify their halves combination and provide the direction the team has been lacking.
Parramatta head coach Brad Arthur expressed his excitement over the signing, stating, “Ronald is a generational talent. His ability to read the game and make plays happen is exactly what we’ve been searching for. We’re thrilled to bring him into the fold and believe he will be a game-changer for our squad.”
For the Dragons, the decision to accept Parramatta’s massive offer wasn’t made lightly. The club had been keen to keep Volkman within their ranks, viewing him as a central figure in their future plans. However, with the financial strain facing many clubs in the current NRL climate, the Dragons ultimately decided that the offer was too good to refuse. The $45 million injection is expected to give St George the flexibility they need to invest in other areas of their squad, particularly in the forward pack and outside backs.
Dragons CEO Ryan Webb acknowledged the emotional weight of the decision but expressed optimism about the club’s future. “Ronald has been a fantastic player for us, and we’re sad to see him go. But this deal allows us to strengthen in key areas and build a more balanced team moving forward.”
For Ronald Volkman, the move to Parramatta marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career. He will face the pressure of living up to his substantial price tag, but with his raw talent and ability to rise to the occasion, many believe he is more than capable of delivering.
As the 2025 NRL season approaches, all eyes will be on Parramatta to see how Volkman integrates into the team and whether this massive gamble pays off. For now, one thing is clear: the Eels have landed one of the brightest talents in the NRL, and they intend to make the most of it.