After one of the lengthiest deliberation periods the NRL has seen in quite some time, the Parramatta Eels have signed up rookie boss Jason Ryles as the club’s head coach for at least the next four years.
Ryles has been coaching under Craig Bellamy at the Melbourne Storm in 2024 after a two-year stint at the Sydney Roosters where he worked alongside Trent Robinson.
Ryles has long been considered one of the very best prospects coming through the ranks, with his experience learning from Bellamy, Robinson, and his time with the English Rugby team all moulding him into a potential premiership commander with whatever club he eventually joined.
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“I’m incredibly honoured to be appointed head coach of the Parramatta Eels,” he said. “This is a club with a rich history and a passionate fanbase. I look forward to coaching these young men.”
#NRL signing 🟡🔵⚡ The @TheParraEels have appointed Jason Ryles as head coach for the next four years. Came down to Ryles vs. Hannay, final pitched from Ryles much stronger pic.twitter.com/8LujZKh3o4
— The Sporting Base – NRL (@BaseNrl) July 7, 2024
Several NRL clubs were very eager to sign him up over the last 12 months or so, including his former club the St George Illawarra Dragons, who unsuccessfully chased him after sacking Anthony Griffin. While the Red V’s second choice, Shane Flanagan, appears to be the man for the club, some in the Wollongong ranks still regret missing Ryles.
South Sydney also considered the 45-year-old after ousting Jason Demetriou, though that was quickly abandoned when supercoach Wayne Bennett made it clear he was interested in returning to Redfern for another run.
Ryles has already been involved in two premierships between 2016 and 2020 with the Storm.
His four-year appointment shows quite a lot of faith from Parramatta’s brass, especially considering there were reports that if Josh Hannay was handed the head coaching role, he would only be chalked in for 12 months to see how he settled into the gig. Ryles now has until at least 2028 to mould the now-struggling Western club.
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“Jason’s track record in winning environments, combined with his passion for developing young talent perfectly aligns with the direction we’re taking,” Eels chairman Sean McElduff declared.
