As a development player, Sanders is on a base salary of $80,000. His next deal, if it’s for a top-30 NRL spot, will be significantly higher. Parramatta view him as next in line should Moses or Brown be unavailable this year, though it remains to be seen whether they will return to the negotiating table.

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While the Eels wait to make a call, the Raiders must bide their time. However, there are no complaints coming from the nation’s capital.

“November 1 doesn’t exist for these players and it shouldn’t because he’s a developed junior of Parramatta,” Canberra CEO Don Furner said. “I like that rule. It gives Parramatta a chance to keep their local junior, even though it might cost us a player we want this time around, I think it’s a good rule and good step for the game.”

Sanders, meanwhile, wants to make the most of his time in the blue and gold. Having trained with the top squad under coach Brad Arthur, he is looking forward to the prospect of playing in the NSW Cup. A first-grade debut for the Eels would be a bonus.

“My dad supports Parramatta and he has put a Parra jersey on me since I can remember,” said the Hills Bulls Junior, who starred for NSW in the under-19s State of Origin win last year.

“It means a lot to me. It’s been my dream for as long as I can remember and if I was lucky enough to get that opportunity, it would mean the world to me and my family.”

Additonal reporting Dan Walsh

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