Warrington Wolves’ Paul Vaughan chased by NRL club in immediate move

Parramatta Eels are interested in signing Warrington Wolves forward Paul Vaughan. Rugby League Live can reveal the Wire may have a tough decision on their hands in the coming weeks, with Vaughan’s management pursuing a long-term contract for the forward.

Vaughan is off-contract at the end of the 2025 season and is looking to secure a long-term contract and the security that comes with it. Warrington are not opposed to extending the 33-year-old's time with the club but do not wish to enter contract discussions at this point as they continue to plot their recruitment moves heading into 2026 and beyond.

As a consequence, Warrington have been asked whether they would let Vaughan pursue opportunities that would offer more guarantees, though it is unclear at this point whether they would be willing to let him move on at this point in the year.

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The Australia international is free to test the open market from December 1st but crucially, he is believed to be chasing an immediate move if the right offer presents itself.

But in the meantime, the Eels are understood to have have shown interest having been alerted to his potential availability. The NRL club recently let Reagan Campbell-Gillard depart, which has left them light in the pack and looking for a new prop.

Vaughan has spent the last two seasons with Warrington, making 54 appearances. He was named in the Super League Dream Team after an outstanding maiden season and remained a regular in Sam Burgess' successful side this year.

If he were to leave, Warrington would have a quota spot available, as well as significant salary cap space to secure a replacement should they wish to do so. The squad does have depth in the pack but the ability to recruit would inevitably be an option they would explore.

It’s known across both hemispheres Vaughan's management is sounding out rivals regarding potential interest. When Warrington were approached by Rugby League Live, it was said there had been no official approach from a club. A move to the NRL appears the most likely scenario though there are several clubs in Super League who still have quota spots to use.

Castleford Tigers, Catalans Dragons, Huddersfield Giants, Leigh Leopards and St Helens all have overseas allocations unfilled. That said, Catalans are focused on filling their spot with an outside back, as are Huddersfield while Leigh's focus is believed to be in the halves following the departure of Matt Moylan. St Helens want a centre or back-rower, with Castleford the only club known to be targeting a new prop for next season.