Parramatta have confirmed one of the NRL's worst kept secrets with the announcement Queensland State of Origin centre Willie Tonga will join the NRL club next year.

Tonga will link with the Eels on a two-year deal from North Queensland, joining his younger brother Esi who currently plays for Gold Coast.

The 28-year-old made his NRL debut for Parramatta in 2002 before stints at Canterbury and the Cowboys.

He joins South Sydney's Chris Sandow, the Bulldogs' Ben Roberts and another former Eel, Cronulla's Taulima Tautai, as the Eels' major signings for 2012.

"Willie is without doubt one of the best centres in the world and we're excited he's decided to return home to the Eels in the prime of his career," Parramatta chief executive Paul Osborne said.

"When a player of Willie's calibre is impressed with what we're building here, it's a strong sign to everyone we've got exciting times ahead of us."

The Eels will spend the last month of the regular season in a battle to avoid their first wooden spoon in 39 years.

They have also re-signed youngsters Jacob Loko, Taniela Lasalo, Mitch Allgood and Ryan Morgan.

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