Parramatta pathways: Inside Jason Ryles’ junior production line safeguarding Dylan Brown’s exit

The Jason Ryles revolution is in full swing and Parramatta’s junior pathways are flourishing under the rookie coach. These are the young guns the Eels are building the club’s future around.

The Jason Ryles revolution is in full swing at the NRL level but Parramatta’s junior pathways are also flourishing under the rookie coach’s regime at the powerhouse club.

It even has star halfback Mitchell Moses keeping a close eye on Parramatta’s rising halves, as the Eels look to life after Dylan Brown, who is Newcastle-bound in 2026 after agreeing to a bumper 10-year deal worth around $13 million.

Five-eighth Lorenzo Talataina and halfback Lincoln Fletcher formed a formidable halves combination this year to lead the Eels to an SG Ball grand final appearance.

The duo, earmarked as the future in the halves, are not only some of the hottest rising prospects at the club but across the junior ranks.

“I’ve watched them a fair bit in the SG Ball season this year,” Moses said.

“We have some quality halves and kids coming through.

“But I don’t like putting pressure on young kids and building them up too early.”

Jason Ryles’ revolution is in full swing at the NRL level but Parramatta’s junior pathways are also flourishing under the rookie coach. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Moses is no stranger to the hype and expectation.

Now one of the game’s premier halfbacks, Moses made his NRL debut for the Tigers with plenty of fanfare as a 19-year-old with prodigious talent and the nephew of club great Benny Elias.

“I have been through all that stuff, as much as you say you don’t look at it … especially these days with social media and the coverage,” Moses said.

“I think it’s unfair to put a lot of pressure on a kid, or a group of kids, that haven’t even played first grade.

“So yeah, we do have some talented young kids. They just have to put their heads down, work hard here and hopefully they get a shot in the future.”

Mitchell Moses has praised the Eels rising halves, but is wary of putting too much pressure on them while they are young. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Parramatta’s pathways has now produced six Australian Schoolboys in the last two years alone, including Fletcher, prop Ryda Talagi and hooker Lachlan Coinakis – who extended with the club until at least the end of 2027 just three months after Ryles joined the club.

Tyson Sangalang also earned Australian selection while in Parramatta’s pathways before agreeing to join Penrith in 2025.

This year, talented fullback Cameron Bamblett and back rower Chris Petrus were selected in the prestigious side.

Parramatta also landed a huge coup earlier this month, poaching fellow Australian Schoolboy Jackson Koina, who is considered one the best young forwards in the country, from the Brisbane Broncos on a three-year deal from 2026.

But the green shoots at Parramatta extend beyond the club’s junior production line.

SG Ball halfack Lincoln Fletcher. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

And five-eighth Lorenzo Talataina. The duo took Parramatta NSWRL Junior Reps Grand Finals SG Ball Cup Roosters v Parramatta Saturday 3rd Mayl Leichhardt Oval, Sydney Picture Warren Gannon Photography

At NRL level, Ryles made the bold call to drop Brown in a bid to prioritise the development of rookie playmaker Joash Papalii, who is vying for the No.6 jumper.

Isaiah Iongi’s injury has since forced Papalii to deputise at fullback, delaying the chance to get a look at a Moses and Papalii halves combination.

But Moses has been impressed with his potential future halves partner.

“He’s got a lot of energy, he brings a lot of energy to training. He’s actually a very smart footballer and switched on, and he loves his footy,” Moses said.

“He’s a quality player. On the weekend (against Brisbane) he had some really good moments for us. He was one of our best players.

While Brown has been forced to the sidelines, Moses revealed the 25-year-old has been playing a crucial role in guiding the club’s next crop of NRL hopefuls.

“He’s selfless. The way he has been around the club is pretty unbelievable to be honest,” Moses said.

“His leadership to be able to accept being replaced and take a back seat just to let this club grow, speaks volumes of the person he is.

“He hasn’t been kicking stones, he’s bought a lot of energy, he’s even still helping at training, especially with the young kids.”