NRL 2024: Jason Ryles in talks to be granted early release by Melbourne Storm to join Parramatta Eels

Incoming Parramatta coach Jason Ryles could be given extra time to plan for next season and beyond at the club as he and the Storm discuss an early release from his contract.

former storm assistant jason ryles nrl photos

New coach Jason Ryles could be at Parramatta as early as next week.

Ryles and Melbourne have tentatively discussed the possibility of a surprise immediate release to join the Eels.

No decision has yet been reached but talks will continue later this week.

If released, Ryles would commence planning, preparing and nailing down key elements of his new role, primarily recruitment and retention, for 2025.

Re-signing young gun Blaize Talagi, off contract after this season, would be Ryles’ immediate priority.

There isn’t a suggestion Ryles would coach the side for the rest of this season.

“We’re open to exploring that with Jason,” said Storm CEO Justin Rodski.

“The club will sit down with him this week and discuss whether it’s in the best interests of both parties.

“Jason is a great person.

“We want to ensure that everyone is comfortable with whatever decision it is that we make.

“Everyone will be respectful of one-another, ask what is best for all parties and we will go from there.”

Jason Ryles could be at Parramatta as soon as next week. Picture: NRL Photos

Ryles joined Melbourne during 2023 and is currently the club’s coaching co-ordinator.

Some at Melbourne feel Ryles could be more focused on Parramatta than Melbourne for the rest of this season.

Ryles has told friends he may need additional time to get ready for next year given it’s his rookie season as an NRL head coach.

Melbourne wouldn’t replace Ryles as coaching co-ordinator for the rest of this season should he leave.

The Storm is fully aware Ryles’ time this year will be divided between Melbourne and Parramatta.

Ryles was formally announced as Parramatta’s new fulltime coach last week after Brad Arthur was sacked in May.

He will need to focus on Parramatta fulltime given the club is currently running 16th on the NRL competition table with just four wins this season.

Ryles has an ageing roster he would need to regenerate at Parramatta in coming years.

Former Manly and Bulldogs coach Trent Barrett has been the Eels’ interim coach.

Ryles signed a four-year contract with Parramatta.

Originally published as NRL 2024: Jason Ryles in talks to be granted early release by Melbourne Storm to join Parramatta Eels