Jason Ryles set to show Trent Barrett the door as shock No.1 plans revealed

Incoming Parramatta Eels coach Jason Ryles is about to make some huge changes at the club and captain Clint Gutherson is in the firing line.

Clinton Gutherson of the Eels looks on after losing the round 19 NRL match between Gold Coast Titans and Parramatta Eels at Cbus Super Stadium, on July 13, 2024, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Incoming Parramatta Eels coach Jason Ryles has wasted no time shaking up the club, reportedly moving on caretaker Trent Barrett and offering the No.1 jersey to one of the club’s young stars.

According to a report from the Sydney Morning Herald Ryles, who recently signed a four-year contract with the struggling club beginning next year, will bring a fresh suite of assistant coaches with him when his reign begins, meaning Barrett’s time at the club will come to an end.

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Having been appointed as the club’s interim when Brad Arthur was unceremoniously sacked earlier in the season, Barrett was one of the front runners to replace the former Eels coach on a permanent basis.

The Eels, however, signed former Storm and Roosters assistant coach Ryles, who has opted against retaining Barrett, a long-time teammate of his at the St George Illawarra Dragons, as an assistant coach next season.

Clinton Gutherson is likely to be shifted to the centres. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

According to the report, Ryles will bring his own coaching staff with him, although none of them will be following him from the Melbourne Storm.

As part of Ryles’ early release from the Storm, the club ensured he won’t be able to poach any of the club’s coaching staff for the next 12 months.

Barrett is unlikely to be the only casualty of the Ryles era, with veterans Ryan Matterson and Maika Sivo reportedly granted permission to seek deals elsewhere, while club co-captain Clint Gutherson will likely shift away from fullback in a bid to keep superstar outside back Blaize Talagi.

The Daily Telegraph is also reporting Ryles is considering naming Origin hero Mitchell Moses as sole captain of the club, stripping Gutherson of his role.

Talagi, 19, is one of the hottest prospects in rugby league, catching the eye of fans and clubs since bursting onto the scene earlier this year.

It’s reported the Knights, Dolphins and Dragons are all interested in luring the teenager away from Parramatta, with the latter also interested in signing his younger brother as well.

Ryles, however, is believed to be heavily prioritising the re-signing of Talagi, who put a hold on contract negotiations with the Eels until a permanent head coach was appointed.

As part of his push to retain the 19-year-old, the incoming Eels coach has discussed with Talagi and his management the potential for him to take over from Clint Gutherson at fullback, a decision which will likely shift the 29-year-old to centre or the wing.

Originally published as Jason Ryles set to show Trent Barrett the door as shock No.1 plans revealed