New Eels coach Jason Ryles has spoken out for the first time about the Parramatta squad following the departure of 11 players, including Reagan Campbell-Gillard, and speculation around Clint Gutherson’s future.
Ryles has moved quickly to reshape the team, which finished third last in 2024, with Campbell-Gillard among the players exiting.
“It’s exciting, especially having some elite players in key positions, which is great for me,” Ryles said in his debut interview on Parraeels.com.au.
“I’m fortunate to be working with them, and I believe I can help both them and the coaching staff improve their game.”
“We have a good balance of experienced players and young talent ready to begin or progress in their NRL careers.”
Ryles expressed his enthusiasm for the current roster but acknowledged there’s still work to be done in filling certain positions.
“We’ll be strategic with that, while also focusing on integrating talent from our pathways into first grade, whether this season or over the next few years.”
“I’m really excited about the players we have here.”
The Eels are set to welcome Zac Lomax and Isaiah Iongi next season, and coach Jason Ryles is excited about what they will bring to the team alongside the star players already on board.
“We still have a few positions to fill, but Isaiah and Zac are exciting additions,” Ryles said.
“They’ll increase our speed on the field, and Zac brings that X-factor as well.”
Ryles is also eager to work with established stars like Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown, calling it “an exciting challenge” that he’s looking forward to.
However, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, who had a year left on his contract, will not be with the Eels in 2025. Ryles explained the decision to part ways with the former representative player.
“It was an opportunity for both sides,” Ryles said. “We agreed it was best for us both, as I couldn’t guarantee the squad’s makeup post-2025, and he had a chance to extend his career now.”
“I didn’t want to stand in his way,” Ryles said about Campbell-Gillard’s departure. “At the end of the day, decisions need to be made, and it’s just part of the game. It’s not personal. I wanted to do what was best for him, while also making the right decision for the club’s future.”
Ryles, who joins the Eels after coaching stints with the Roosters and Storm—teams with established halfbacks like Sam Walker and Jahrome Hughes—understands the importance of having a settled No. 7, and he’s eager to work with chief playmaker Mitchell Moses.
“I’m excited to work with Moses,” Ryles said. “I was really pleased for him during Origin, where he played a key role in New South Wales clinching the series. Watching him perform at that level, both as a Blues supporter and as his future coach, is very exciting.”
Amid speculation about Eels captain Clint Gutherson’s future, with links to the Dragons, Ryles confirmed Gutherson is part of his long-term plans. Gutherson, off-contract at the end of 2025 and free to negotiate from November 1, remains a crucial player for the Eels.
“Yes, Gutherson is definitely a big part of the plans moving forward,” Ryles said.
“Obviously, he’s one of the hardest-working players in the entire competition,” Ryles said, expressing his long-standing admiration for Clint Gutherson.
However, Ryles’ immediate focus is to establish a solid pre-season plan with his coaching team to ensure the players are fully prepared when they return to training.
“We’re working on getting the pre-season right, and we’ve already started planning,” Ryles explained. “We want to build our game around effort and consistency, while also focusing on developing a strong team culture and connection.”
He emphasized the importance of engaging with the broader community, adding, “Building a connection with our fans and members is a top priority, and we’ve already begun working on that.”
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