Reports: Paramatta Eels’ new coach confronts a hard challenge, addressing personnel woes amid great expectations.

The underperforming Parramatta Eels are due for a huge clean-out when new coach Jason Ryles takes over in November, but he will most likely have to be patient as he inherits a roster riddled with flaws. Parramatta has been one of the biggest NRL underachievers in recent years, currently sitting fifteenth after 20 matches with only four victories this season.

They’re a long way from the 2022 grand final, where they lost 28-12 to Penrith. Injuries and suspensions to key players at critical points of the season contributed to their terrible tenth-place finish last year, and their epic slide has continued into the 2024 season, resulting in the dismissal of previous coach Brad Arthur in May. Arthur had been at the helm for 11 years, thus it was a difficult decision for the Eels. Unfortunately, something had to give.

Trent Barrett, caretaker coach, has been informed that his services would not be required next year, while Ryan Matterson and Maika Sivo have been granted permission to negotiate with rival clubs. Clint Gutherson has been an excellent servant for the Eels since signing as a lanky 21-year-old from Manly in 2015, but his contributions may be limited next year as he is rumored to be moved from fullback.

Ryles is expected to put Blaize Talagi in the No.1 jersey as a potential inducement to keep him at the club after contract talks with the emerging star fell through when Arthur was punted. The 19-year-old is apparently being chased by the Knights, Dolphins, and Dragons, and it’s just one of several roster difficulties and decisions the team — and Ryles — will have to make in the coming months.

Barrett revealed this week that many of his men were playing for the future. “There are still two months of footy to go,” the coach stated.