Rising playmaker Jonah Pezet has been in huge demand since a clause was enacted allowing him to negotiate with rival clubs.
The 22-year-old Melbourne Storm half has become one of the most sought-after young playmakers in the game after successfully returning this season from an ACL injury.
Pezet is seen by many as the best halves option available, while the Storm have struggled to offer the young gun a spot in first grade with superstar halves Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes ahead of him.
It has now been reported Pezet is expected to make a major career call within the next week, with three NRL clubs locked in a tight race for his signature, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
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Pezet will reportedly decide between the Parramatta Eels, North Queensland Cowboys, and Storm, with all three clubs tabling offers he is weighing up this week.
Pezet is believed to be taking a short break to consider his options, with all three clubs presenting competitive deals and a clear pitch for his future.
The decision is expected to come down to opportunity rather than money, with Pezet eager to secure a regular first-grade role in the halves.
Parramatta are pushing hard to pair him alongside Mitchell Moses, viewing Pezet as a long-term halves partner and key building block for their spine.
Eels coach Jason Ryles has a strong existing relationship with Pezet from his time as an assistant under Craig Bellamy at the Storm, which could give Parramatta an edge.
North Queensland are also firmly in the race, targeting Pezet as a partner for Tom Dearden following the departure of Chad Townsend.
The Cowboys have been active in recruitment and see Pezet’s game as the perfect complement to Dearden’s running style.
The Storm remain hopeful of retaining their young playmaker but face uncertainty around their spine, with the futures of Ryan Papenhuyzen and Cameron Munster likely to shape Pezet’s path to a starting role.
Those close to the club say the Storm have not given up hope of keeping him, particularly if Papenhuyzen’s situation leads to a reshuffle heading into 2026.
Despite his career so far being in Melbourne, it does appear they are outsiders for his signature, with a lack of opportunity to start in the NRL in 2026 — as well as Craig Bellamy likely moving on — being key factors.
Having debuted in 2023, Pezet has already shown flashes of class in limited opportunities, impressing with his composure, crisp passing, and ability to control a game.
Seen as one of the NRL’s most promising young halves, his next move could define not only his own career but the future of one of three clubs vying for his signature.