Parramatta Eels Club hooker Rhys Davies has been upgraded from his development contract to the top 30 squad until the end of the 2020 season.

In 2018 and 2019, Rhys played for Parramatta Eels feeder club Wentworthville Magpies, he was then signed to a development contract with the Eels on November 1 last year before being upgraded to the top 30 team.

Parramatta Eels Club General Manager of Football Mark O’Neill said, “Rhys has arrived in the top 30 NRL squad from a different pathway than the junior elite rep program however his progression is no less significant. It is hard not to be impressed by his toughness, talent and character and it is exciting to be able to provide this opportunity for Rhys.”

Rhys will be running out in the Blue and Gold for the first at the Nines in Perth this week.

In addition, former Western Suburbs Magpies outside back Watson Heleta has joined the Eels on a development contract for 2020. Watson had a standout season last year for the Western Suburbs Magpies, earning the Canterbury Cup Players’ Player award.