Parramatta Eels have put an end to the conjecture announcing they have signed former Manly Sea Eagle Anthony Watmough on a four-year-deal.

Watmough, who has played 14 games for NSW and 16 Tests for Australia was granted an early release from his contract at Manly.

“Anthony is a world-class, premiership-winning player who will further bolster our forward pack for the next few seasons,” Parramatta coach Brad 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.”

Watmough admitted the last week had been tough for him.

“Leaving Manly is the toughest thing I’ve done in my professional life, and I want to thank all those who have helped me along the way,” Watmough said.

“There are many supporters that I have met on my journey thus far who I now call friends and I would like to thank them for their loyal support of me and my family Elle, Claudia & Jake. I can’t wait for the challenge that lies ahead.”

Parramatta also signed Reece Robinson, Brad Takairangi, Danny Wicks and Richie Fa’aoso to the club.