Leniu credits Paulo influence for Parramatta move
The four-time premiership winner has signed a four-year Eels deal starting in 2027 after securing an early release from the Roosters.
Spencer Leniu says learning from Junior Paulo was his biggest reason for choosing Parramatta, rather than the prospect of a starting role. The 26-year-old will join the Eels in 2027 on a four-year contract after the Sydney Roosters granted him an early release.
Leniu said he had long admired his Samoa teammate’s approach and had asked Paulo to share his gym program. He pointed to the way Paulo had adapted his physique to meet the demands on NRL front-rowers.
The move also brings Leniu back together with Jarome Luai, a former teammate at Penrith. Luai has agreed to spend one season at Parramatta before joining the PNG Chiefs in 2028. Leniu said he kept the negotiations within his family and only informed Luai after signing, following the Roosters’ grand final win.
Although Leniu initially moved to the Roosters seeking a regular starting position, he said he was comfortable either starting or coming off the bench. Playing in the NRL, rather than his place in the rotation, remained his priority.
The three players helped Samoa open their World Cup campaign with a 78-4 victory over France in Sydney. Samoa’s next opponent is the Kumuls in Port Moresby.
