He still has plenty of work to do to make an NRL return.
Young gun half Ronald Volkman has announced that he has officially signed a contract with the Parramatta Eels to resume playing rugby league.
However, Zero Tackle has now been informed that the agreement is merely a trial and train contract, meaning Volkman will have a lot of work to do if he is to secure a full-time position in the upcoming season.
By the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024, Volkman’s story was a horror show.
At the end of 2024, the Auckland-based team released him from his contract with the Warriors, who had five NRL games played and one Test under his belt.
Following his signing with the St George Illawarra Dragons, it was quickly discovered that the contract was never recorded with the NRL and that a failed medical exam would guarantee it never was, despite a club announcement.
The NRL ultimately issued a violation notice to the Dragons for their involvement in the fiasco, but the Warriors took the initiative to make sure Volkman’s medical care and recuperation were covered.
Prior to 2025, the Eels, Cronulla Sharks, and Manly Sea Eagles were vying for the young half, who had previously been in the Sydney Roosters’ system before heading across the ditch. However, it has come out that the Eels, who were the only team to make a real offer, have won the race.
The Eels confirmed his signing on X (previously Twitter) but did not issue a statement.
In an interview with News Corp., Volkman affirmed the news.
He claimed it had been a difficult year and disclosed that he had also spoken with Manly prior to joining Parramatta.
“To be honest, I don’t think there are words to describe how excited I am,” Volkman told the magazine.
“I’ve had a difficult year. I can effectively get my foot in the door by doing this. I’m simply thrilled.
“It’s been difficult. Being honest is not something I want anyone to experience. For me, it has truly been a journey. You could call it a gloomy path. I’m just relieved to be done with it.
He will probably compete with another recruit, Dean Hawkins, who joined from the South Sydney Rabbitohs, to be the starting backup to Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown if he is promoted to the Top 30.
The Eels, who finished in the bottom four in 2024, are hoping to improve in their first season under Jason Ryles.
