Parramatta Eels’ shock victory over Brisbane Broncos shows Jason Ryles’ plans in motion for the future
It was one of the shock wins of the season as the Eels trumped the Broncos, but for Jason Ryles it was more than just two points. It was proof that his vision is coming to fruition and the young side is on the right path.
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Parramatta’s shock win against Brisbane will give Jason Ryles’ young side belief about the path they are heading, according to the Eels mentor.
Ryles has been steadfast on what he wants his side to look like and has taken a long-term approach with the rest of the season.
Despite having one eye on next year, Ryles’ side sprung an upset following Mitchell Moses’ return with a 22-20 win against the Broncos on Friday night.
“Individuals are getting better each week,” Ryles said on Saturday.
“The only way they can get better is being put in that situation on the field. We’ve got some younger players that are learning on the job in the NRL. It’s good to see they got a bit of reward. It’s a small step.
“It’s a good reinforcement of how they are going and the direction the club is going. It’s good for them to have evidence that everything they are working on is leading us in the right direction.
“We’re looking to continue to build consistency on what we are doing for longer periods. That’s the biggest thing for us.”
HALVES PAIRING
The Eels looked a different side in Moses’ first match since round 14. Ryles has made it clear that he is planning for next season after opting to overlook Dylan Brown in recent weeks with Dean Hawkins partnering Moses on Friday night.
“The plan is to stick with Dean and Mitch,” Ryles said ahead of their clash against the Storm on Thursday.
“Things will pop up in the meantime but we will keep on working on them for the time being.
“It’s good for Mitch (to be back). He genuinely loves playing the game, loves the club and loves to help his teammates. He gives the boys confidence when he is in the team.”
RELIEF FOR PAPS
Joash Papalii finally had a crack at his preferred fullback spot in the absence of fellow young gun Isaiah Iongi who will miss about a month through injury. He had his heart in his mouth when he fumbled a grubber kick in the dying stages which looked to have handed the Broncos a win only for the bunker to rule Reece Walsh off-side.
“He is a really good kid that can wash his errors quickly,” Ryles said.
“He just plays what he sees and has great anticipation. His first thought would’ve been to pick up the ball and go the length. He would’ve got a good lesson (if the result went the other way). I would’ve given him a cuddle and we would’ve moved him.
“He did a really good job.”
FULL OF HOPE
J’maine Hopgood has also returned to his best in the past couple of weeks after a slow start to the year. Ryles’ shifted him to prop in the past two games with the ex-Maroon thriving in the slight positional shift.
“He has had his best couple of games in the last few weeks,” Ryles said.
“He does all the little things really well. He has had a few moments in games that haven’t gone his way and they’ve been highlighted because they are big moments. But his effort, fight and detail – it’s good to see him put all together.”
EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER
Ryles thought his side had suffered a heartbreaking last minute loss after watching Walsh scoop up the loose ball with just seconds left on the clock before the bunker intervened.
“We were a bit shell-shocked from the effort the boys had put in,” Ryles said after thinking they had lost.
“Our analyst in the back of the box said Walsh was off-side. We went back to have a look at it. We thought ‘wow this is getting overturned’ but you don’t believe it until you see it … It was good to get away with that one.
“Honestly it was disbelief at first. Then relief when the kid was off-side.”
Originally published as Parramatta Eels’ shock victory over Brisbane Broncos shows Jason Ryles’ plans in motion for the future
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