The representative back-rower has been on holidays in Thailand but is now back in Sydney and ready to determine once and for all where his future lies.

Watmough is understood to have agreed in principle to a three-year contract at Parramatta beginning in the 2016 season but the Eels are keen to have him on board immediately, contingent on a release being ticked off on by Manly.

The hope is that his signing can be formalised as soon as possible, allowing him to join his new teammates for their off-season venture to the United States.

The Parramatta squad will fly to Seattle on Monday only weeks after now departed co-captain Jarryd Hayne enjoyed his own club-sponsored visit there to take in an NFL and an American college football game.

Watmough is seen by Arthur, who is close to him from his days as a Manly assistant coach, as a key acquisition that can add vital experience to a talented but young Eels forward pack as he seeks to take the next step and return the club to the finals.

The move struck a potential hurdle last week when the Penn family effectively performed a takeover of ownership at Manly but it's believed that the Sea Eagles' salary cap status is such that they aren't in a position to keep him even if he now wanted to stay.