The Eels couldn’t have endured a worse introduction to life under Jason Ryles, but it’s important to remember he wasn’t brought in to “turn things around overnight” as head coach.
In their season opener on Sunday at AAMI Park, Parramatta was thoroughly outmatched, suffering a heavy 56-18 defeat to the Melbourne Storm, who are tipped to be title contenders.
The visitors conceded a staggering 46 points in the first half alone, although they did display some resilience in the second half despite missing several key players.
Eels players look dejected against the Storm. Getty
Ryles faced the challenge of starting his tenure without captain and halfback Mitchell Moses, alongside other key players including Josh Addo-Carr, Shaun Lane, and Ryan Matterson, all absent due to injury or suspension.
While the return of some of these players should assist the Eels in rebounding, Ryles faces a tough job as he takes over a squad that has not reached the finals for two consecutive seasons following a grand final appearance in 2022.
To compound the situation, Dylan Brown has confirmed his move to the Knights, leaving the Eels without a reliable five-eighth to partner with Moses for the long haul.
In the aftermath of the defeat, Ryles’ former teammate Billy Slater acknowledged some “positive signs” for Parramatta and urged supporters to rally behind their new head coach as he begins what could be a lengthy process towards regular finals appearances.
“Jason Ryles will be focusing on a long-term strategy with the Eels,” the Storm icon remarked on Nine’s The Billy Slater Podcast.
“He’s not there to resolve everything in just one week – there’s a rationale behind the change.”
“The club recognises the need for the team to head in a new direction, and with that comes the realisation that it might take some time to implement the desired strategies.”
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Parramatta Eels coach Jason Ryles. NRL Photos
“Without their halfback and on-field leader [Moses], it certainly hampers their efforts, but they need to rebuild from the ground up and establish a solid foundation.
“There were some encouraging aspects to Parramatta’s play in the second half, but it was a challenging debut for Jason.”
Before taking the lead at the Eels, Ryles served as an assistant coach at both the Storm and Roosters, two of the premier clubs in recent NRL history.
The 46-year-old had also been in talks with the Dragons regarding a role with them but declined an offer just before Shane Flanagan was appointed.
Parramatta will have an opportunity to rectify their mistakes when they face the Tigers in round two.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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