Parramatta Eels to unveil new recruit backrower Anthony Watmough on Friday Anthony Watmough has signed with the Parramatta Eels. PARRAMATTA have finally confirmed the lucrative signing of Test forward Anthony Watmough for the next four seasons. One of rugby league's worst kept secrets, the Eels signed off on the Manly backrower's signature on Thursday afternoon. Eels coach Brad Arthur hailed Watmough as a "world-class" talent who would bring many qualities to the Parramatta squad. "Anthony is a world-class, premiership-winning player who will further bolster our forward pack for the next few seasons," Arthur said. He's played almost 300 NRL games, and along with that experience he'll bring outstanding leadership qualities that will help grow our young talent. Anthony Watmough has signed a four-year deal with Parramatta. The recruitment of Watmough isn't the only new face at the blue and golds in 2015, with coach Brad Arthur bolstering his squad with an influx of NRL experience. Gold Coast utility Brad Takairangi, South Sydney centre Beau Champion, Canberra flyer Reece Robinson, Manly forward Richie Fa'aoso and former Newcastle forward Danny Wicks are also set to be announced as new signings for the Eels. Titans backrower Cody Nelson has also signed a two-year deal with Parramatta. Richie Fa'aoso has sealed his NRL comeback with the Eels. Watmough was granted a release with one year remaining on his contract at the Sea Eagles on Tuesday, paving the way for the 31-year-old to sever ties with the club he won two premierships with. The comeback of both Fa'aoso and Wicks are both equally as intriguing as Watmough's much-anticipated arrival. Fa'aoso was told by doctors to never play rugby league again after he suffered a broken neck towards the end of the 2013 season, while playing with the Sea Eagles. But after a lengthy healing process and intensive rehabilitation, Fa'aoso has been cleared to resume his football career with Parramatta. Fa'aoso has played for seven clubs throughout his career, including a previous stint with Parramatta in 2007. Former Knights star Danny Wicks will resurrect his NRL career after serving time for drug dealing. Fa'aoso isn't the only player to join the Eels on a lifeline, with Wicks ready to salvage his career, having served an 18-month sentence for drug dealing. Wicks, who played previously with St George Illawarra and Newcastle, has been training since June in readiness for his NRL return. The 28-year-old's last match was in 2009. Both Fa'aoso and Wicks have signed one-year deals and will provide depth to the Eels" forward pack while creating healthy competition for positions. Wicks admitted this would be his last shot at an NRL career. "This is the opportunity that I needed and that I want, and I'm going to give the Parramatta club, members and fans the best of what I've got," Wicks said. This might only be my second chance, but I know it's my last, and I'm keen to make something of it. "It wasn't a hasty decision to sign Danny to the club, but after meeting with him I am confident he has turned his life around and will bring great value to our team," Eels CEO Scott Seward said. And in a further sign of stability at the club, Arthur and his coaching staff, including assistants Peter Gentle and Steve Murphy, have also had their contracts extended until 2017. While Wicks and Fa'aoso are still waiting for their contracts to be registered by the NRL, Watmough, Takairangi, Robinson and Champion are all expected to meet their new teammates when the Eels return to pre-season training on Friday. The Eels will then fly to Seattle on Monday for a training and study tour. Originally published as Eels sign Watmough on four-year deal