Jason Ryles gets to work wooing the Parramatta Eels players
Jason Ryles has wasted little time in his new position as head coach of Parramatta. Find out what he spent his first few days doing, and what he needs to do next.
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Incoming Parramatta coach Jason Ryles has begun calling Eels players as he seeks to inject some stability into the club and secure the future of young star Blaize Talagi.
Ryles, who was appointed at the start of the week on a four year deal, will officially take over at the end of the season but there is no time to waste as he looks to ensure the Eels are a competitive force on his watch.
At the top of his to-do list is the future of Talagi, the young star who has hesitated to re-sign at Parramatta after rejecting a player option in his deal.
Talagi, whose brother Ryde was one of the stars of the Australian secondary schools championships this week, wanted to wait to see who the coach was before he made a decision on his future.
That call has now been made with Ryles handed the keys to the Eels as the club looks to end a premiership drought that stretches back more than 40 years.
The Talagi call could have a ripple effect across the squad. If he stays, the 19-year-old could play fullback next season and prompt a move for captain Clint Gutherson to the centres.
If Talagi decides to leave, Gutherson is likely to stay at fullback for another season as the Eels continue their search for an x-factor player capable of adding some speed to their backline.
The Eels forward pack is also under the microscope as Ryles, one of the greatest front rowers of his era, prepares to take the reins.
There has been talk of players being offered the opportunity to leave, although Ryles is yet to head down that path as he seeks to restore some calm to the Eels rather than propagate instability at a club that has been plagued by it this season.
TALAGI MUST BE TOP PRIORITY
The selection of Ryda Talagi in the Australian secondary schools team this week was a reminder of how important it is for Ryles to get on the front foot and convince his brother Blaize to remain at the club beyond the end of the year.
Blaize Talagi had an option in his deal but elected not to take it up, preferring to risk it all by heading to the open market. If ever there was evidence of the dysfunction among the Parramatta playing group, this was it.
Talagi emerged through the Eels system, went to Westfields Sports High and won an SG Ball premiership with Parramatta. He has been earmarked for big things for some time and he has vindicated the faith this season, scoring nine tries in 11 appearances.
He has also shown his versatility, playing off the interchange bench, centre, fullback, five-eighth and more recently on the wing.
Wherever he has played, he has handled it with aplomb. Ryles wants to keep him, something he has made patently clear to powerbrokers during talks over his plans for the club into the future.
It is understood he also made it clear how much he valued Talagi during talks with the teenager. The ball is now in Talagi’s court as he decides his future and if he stays, it will give Ryles the power and ability to make some changes that would add speed and strike to their backline
THE FORWARD PACK
Ryles has other issues beyond the future of Talagi, namely the need to regenerate an ageing forward pack. The emphasis at the moment is on stability given the trials and tribulations that have been going on at Parramatta this season.
Hence Ryles’ decision to call the entire squad as he looks to put in place a foundation that he can build on next season when he takes charge.
As always, there are players coming through the system. Dummy half Matt Arthur recently made his first grade debut and hooker Lachlan Coinakis was named alongside Ryde Talagi in the Australian secondary schools squad.
They have talent emerging from their ranks. The bigger issue is what to do with the players who are there at present, many of them having been the bedrock of the side that qualified for the 2022 grand final.
There will be movement, and you can expect to see some of Brad Arthur’s favourite players in the firing line - Arthur spent a decade at the club and commanded immense loyalty among the senior players in the squad.
Now he is gone, Ryles’ challenge will be to win them over. Those who don’t fall into line are likely to be shown the door as the former Storm assistant looks to put his stamp on the club.
He may be still on the payroll in Melbourne, but he is already working some magic behind the scenes. Forward J’maine Hopgood revealed this week that he had spoken to Ryles and walked away impressed with what he heard.
“I don’t know him personally. I’ve heard a lot of good things from people,” Hopgood said
“I had a phone call with him to have an introductory chat. He sounds like a good guy. We’re happy the decision has been made.
“He has done his apprenticeship under some great coaches. Looking forward to the pre-season time.
“It wasn’t ideal the way it panned out with Brad and then waiting around to find out who was going to be coaching us. They put a lot of thought into who they wanted. Jason has come out with the job.
“Looking forward to meeting him and get into work.”
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