Resurgent Parramatta have further bolstered their playing stocks for next season by re-signing talented young back-rower Tepai Moeroa.
Dubbed `the next Hindmarsh' by Eels fans due to a similar gait and playing style to Eels legend Nathan Hindmarsh, 18-year-old Moeroa has committed for three more NRL seasons until the end of 2017.
Moeroa has played just two NRL games thus far for the Eels, debuting in their heavy round-18 loss to the Warriors.
He has been impressive filling the gap left by Manu Ma'u, who is likely to miss the rest of the season with an arm injury.
In June, Ma'u, Kenny Edwards and centre Vai Toutai all re-signed with the club until 2017.
"I've always played for Parramatta, and it never really crossed my mind to leave," Moeroa, a former Australian rugby league and rugby union schoolboy representative, said in a statement on Thursday.
"The group of boys here is really great and it's like family, and (coach) Brad (Arthur) has helped me become a better player, so I'm looking forward to the next three years."
Arthur predicted Moeroa has a big future.
"Tepai is obviously a very talented player, but to make his first grade debut at just 18 also shows a lot of dedication and hard work," Arthur said.
"He's got a great work ethic, trains hard and has a bright future with the club, and I look forward to working with him over the next few years."
Eels boss Scott Seward said the club beat off a number of potential suitors to snare Tepai, a Parramatta junior.
Parramatta travel to the Gold Coast on Saturday as they bid to keep their finals hopes alive.
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