EXCLUSIVE: Johns and Fittler Slam ‘Disgraceful’ Eels for ‘Feeble Choices’

Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler have expressed their disappointment with Parramatta‘s abysmal beginning to the 2025 season, as the club grapples with numerous pressing issues.

New head coach Jason Ryles had hoped for a much better start in his inaugural season; however, the team has already let in 88 points and committed 25 errors across the opening two rounds.

After a challenging round one against the Storm, Parramatta’s struggle continued into round two, where they were shocked by a revitalised Wests Tigers outfit.

The team was notably missing several key players in both games, with Mitchell Moses battling an injury that’s starting to look like it could sideline him for months. Meanwhile, Josh Addo-Carr was serving a suspension, and star back-rowers Ryan Matterson and Bryce Cartwright were omitted from the line-up.

However, the absence of these players did little to appease Johns and Fittler following two worrying performances.

“Their display was terrible,” Johns remarked on Wide World of Sports’ Freddy and the Eighth.

“Particularly concerning were their defensive reads on the left side—there were significant gaps around Dylan Brown and Will Penisini. It was just awful.”

“They must feel disheartened,” Fittler added.

“With Mitch Moses out, and both Josh Addo-Carr and Matterson unavailable, plus Shaun Lane only just returning… they have missed some of their most vital players. They also had to navigate the situation with Dylan Brown.

“Yet beyond all that, their attitude has been appalling.

“Conceding 88 points is simply unacceptable, but the weak defensive decisions they are making continuously are alarming.

“They are opting for the easy way out too often, and that’s not good enough.”

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Parramatta’s dreadful start was compounded by the confirmation that club captain Mitchell Moses would be sidelined for a minimum of six weeks due to a foot injury.

The 30-year-old had already been limited by injuries last season but is hopeful of an earlier return than expected.

“It’s taking longer than I’d like,” he stated before the Eels faced the Tigers.

“Blood flow is minimal in that area. It’s a bit frustrating, but it is what it is.

“I can only control what I contribute to the team during training.”

Johns noted that Moses’ lack of confidence could be a worrying signal for both his teammates and fans, given the team’s poor start.

“He didn’t seem confident at all. It sounds like the six weeks could stretch into something much longer.

“If that’s the case, they’re in for a rough ride.”

With Moses out, Ronald Volkman had the chance to return to the NRL after missing the entire 2024 season due to injuries.

The 22-year-old halfback struggled to find his groove and was recently dropped in favour of Dean Hawkins, a former Rabbitohs halfback, who will make his debut for Parramatta against the Bulldogs.

This substitution was anticipated, with Hawkins initially recruited to support Moses. Fittler believes his kicking game might provide the much-needed boost.

“Ronald Volkman has come back from a significant time away from the game… they gave him a shot but he didn’t perform well,” he said.

“Now with Dean Hawkins, who has experience at this level and is a solid organiser, they hope he can find his kicking rhythm and offer them a better chance.

“The Eels are accustomed to reliable kicking to relieve pressure. They need someone who can rekindle that comforting sensation of chasing kicks and getting back into a rhythm.”