Parramatta Eels Alert NRL After Isaiah Iongi Smoking Photos Surface
One of the NRL’s brightest young stars is suddenly under scrutiny and the spotlight is burning hot.
The Parramatta Eels have formally notified the NRL Integrity Unit after photos allegedly showing rising fullback Isaiah Iongi smoking an unidentified substance began circulating online. At least three images have surfaced across social media and the club moved quickly once they became aware of them. In a brief statement, Parramatta confirmed they had referred the matter to the league’s integrity arm and would not comment further at this stage.
For viewers outside Australia, the NRL, or National Rugby League, is the premier rugby league competition in the country and integrity investigations are taken extremely seriously. The Integrity Unit operates independently to examine conduct that may breach league rules, including issues involving player behavior, substances, or actions that could bring the game into disrepute.
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Isaiah Iongi is not just another squad member. The 22-year-old is considered one of the competition’s most exciting young talents. After arriving at Parramatta with limited first-grade experience from Penrith, he exploded onto the scene in 2025. He secured the coveted number one jersey following the departure of club captain Clint Gutherson and his performances earned him a Rookie of the Year nomination. His rapid rise also led to an international debut for Tonga during the Pacific Championships.
Recognizing his potential, Parramatta locked him in on a long-term contract extension through to 2030. That deal signaled belief, investment and expectation. So any off-field controversy carries weight, not just for the player, but for the club’s future plans.
At this stage, the substance in the images has not been publicly identified and Iongi has not made a statement. It is important to stress that an investigation does not automatically mean wrongdoing. But perception matters in professional sport. Sponsors are watching. Fans are watching. And the league is watching.
For Parramatta, this is a delicate moment. The Eels are building around youth and long-term stability. Distractions off the field can quickly become setbacks on it. For Iongi, this could be a defining chapter early in what many expect to be a long and successful career.
The NRL Integrity Unit will now determine the next steps and those findings could shape both the club’s season and the player’s reputation moving forward.
Stay with us as this story develops, because in professional sport, what happens off the field can be just as consequential as what happens on it.
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