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Jason Ryles - Head coach of Parramatta from 2025

Johnny88

Johnny88

Juniors
Messages
1,335
Jason Ryles gets to work wooing the Parramatta Eels players
Jason Ryles has wasted little time in his new position as head coach of Parramatta. Find out what he spent his first few days doing, and what he needs to do next.
Brent Read
,
Michael Carayannis
and
David Riccio

Incoming Parramatta coach Jason Ryles has begun calling Eels players as he seeks to inject some stability into the club and secure the future of young star Blaize Talagi.
Ryles, who was appointed at the start of the week on a four year deal, will officially take over at the end of the season but there is no time to waste as he looks to ensure the Eels are a competitive force on his watch.
At the top of his to-do list is the future of Talagi, the young star who has hesitated to re-sign at Parramatta after rejecting a player option in his deal.
Talagi, whose brother Ryde was one of the stars of the Australian secondary schools championships this week, wanted to wait to see who the coach was before he made a decision on his future.
That call has now been made with Ryles handed the keys to the Eels as the club looks to end a premiership drought that stretches back more than 40 years.

The Talagi call could have a ripple effect across the squad. If he stays, the 19-year-old could play fullback next season and prompt a move for captain Clint Gutherson to the centres.
If Talagi decides to leave, Gutherson is likely to stay at fullback for another season as the Eels continue their search for an x-factor player capable of adding some speed to their backline.
The Eels forward pack is also under the microscope as Ryles, one of the greatest front rowers of his era, prepares to take the reins.
There has been talk of players being offered the opportunity to leave, although Ryles is yet to head down that path as he seeks to restore some calm to the Eels rather than propagate instability at a club that has been plagued by it this season.

TALAGI MUST BE TOP PRIORITY
The selection of Ryda Talagi in the Australian secondary schools team this week was a reminder of how important it is for Ryles to get on the front foot and convince his brother Blaize to remain at the club beyond the end of the year.
Blaize Talagi had an option in his deal but elected not to take it up, preferring to risk it all by heading to the open market. If ever there was evidence of the dysfunction among the Parramatta playing group, this was it.
Talagi emerged through the Eels system, went to Westfields Sports High and won an SG Ball premiership with Parramatta. He has been earmarked for big things for some time and he has vindicated the faith this season, scoring nine tries in 11 appearances.
He has also shown his versatility, playing off the interchange bench, centre, fullback, five-eighth and more recently on the wing.
Wherever he has played, he has handled it with aplomb. Ryles wants to keep him, something he has made patently clear to powerbrokers during talks over his plans for the club into the future.
It is understood he also made it clear how much he valued Talagi during talks with the teenager. The ball is now in Talagi’s court as he decides his future and if he stays, it will give Ryles the power and ability to make some changes that would add speed and strike to their backline
THE FORWARD PACK
Ryles has other issues beyond the future of Talagi, namely the need to regenerate an ageing forward pack. The emphasis at the moment is on stability given the trials and tribulations that have been going on at Parramatta this season.
Hence Ryles’ decision to call the entire squad as he looks to put in place a foundation that he can build on next season when he takes charge.
As always, there are players coming through the system. Dummy half Matt Arthur recently made his first grade debut and hooker Lachlan Coinakis was named alongside Ryde Talagi in the Australian secondary schools squad.

They have talent emerging from their ranks. The bigger issue is what to do with the players who are there at present, many of them having been the bedrock of the side that qualified for the 2022 grand final.
There will be movement, and you can expect to see some of Brad Arthur’s favourite players in the firing line - Arthur spent a decade at the club and commanded immense loyalty among the senior players in the squad.
Now he is gone, Ryles’ challenge will be to win them over. Those who don’t fall into line are likely to be shown the door as the former Storm assistant looks to put his stamp on the club.

He may be still on the payroll in Melbourne, but he is already working some magic behind the scenes. Forward J’maine Hopgood revealed this week that he had spoken to Ryles and walked away impressed with what he heard.
“I don’t know him personally. I’ve heard a lot of good things from people,” Hopgood said
“I had a phone call with him to have an introductory chat. He sounds like a good guy. We’re happy the decision has been made.
“He has done his apprenticeship under some great coaches. Looking forward to the pre-season time.
“It wasn’t ideal the way it panned out with Brad and then waiting around to find out who was going to be coaching us. They put a lot of thought into who they wanted. Jason has come out with the job.
“Looking forward to meeting him and get into work.”

 
Johnny88

Johnny88

Juniors
Messages
1,335
The life of Brian
In an age where everybody strives to stay relevant, Brian Smith – who took three clubs to grand finals – has stayed out of the limelight for years.
Parramatta have been in the headlines for plenty of the wrong reasons in recent months, but the Eels are making quiet moves to honour a man who has been ignored by some clubs he has coached

Eels chairman Sean McElduff has been moving behind the scenes to make Smith a life member of the club. Smith, who took Parramatta to their infamous grand final loss in 2001, is reluctant to accept any kind of honour. He has told the club those kind of rewards are best reserved for the playing group.
Smith was not everybody’s favourite person, and made media enemies. That may be why he is reluctant to put himself back in the limelight as some of his old foes remain in positions of influence in the media.
While on the Eels, they are furious at suggestions they are looking to move on Junior Paulo. Not only is he club captain, but he is still a fine player. The club has assured him that he is not going anywhere. Paulo’s season is effectively over due to a foot injury.
Ryles’ departure a sign Bellamy could coach for ‘another decade’
Jason Ryles’ move to Parramatta has opened the door for “another decade” of the Craig Bellamy era. At least that’s the view of his right-hand man Frank Ponissi.
Ponissi knows Bellamy better than anyone in the NRL. “He couldn’t even spell retirement, let alone consider it,” Ponissi said.
And with that explanation of Bellamy’s mindset, it is clear why Ryles took the most high-pressure coaching position in the game. It is high risk for a rookie, but will be high reward if he gets it right.
Ryles had returned to Melbourne under the impression that Bellamy was heading out the door, but when the master coach said publicly that he did not know what he would do with himself in retirement, Ryles knew it was time to look for another job.
“The bloke in charge is showing no signs of slowing down,” Ponissi said of Bellamy. “In fact, he is coaching better than ever. He could coach on for another decade. That’s how well he is going. There is no question that Jason had the credentials to be a serious contender for the job, if it was ever going to come up.”
It could be a while before Craig Bellamy bids farewell to coaching the Storm.
It could be a while before Craig Bellamy bids farewell to coaching the Storm. CREDIT:GETTY
Ponissi has watched Ryles’ development during the past decade and a half. Ryles joined the Storm at the back end of his playing career, and Ponissi quickly realised he had an interest in coaching.
“I think that’s where he really started thinking about becoming a coach, was in those last two years he was playing ... he started asking questions about things behind the scenes,” Ponissi said. “I think that’s where his passion for coaching first arose, in those last two years.”
Ryles has been a long-time assistant, but he has coached a team of his own – Wests in Wollongong – after he finished playing with the Storm in 2013. He has also coached the Junior Kangaroos.
His apprenticeship under some of the game’s best coaches is well known, picking the minds of Bellamy, Roosters coach Trent Robinson and often catching up with Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould. He also worked with Eddie Jones in the England rugby and Wallabies set-ups. Ponissi says Ryles has done the hard yards to be in the best possible position to succeed at the Eels.
“I think he certainly served his apprenticeship and he’s ready to be given an opportunity, which he has,” Ponissi said. “He has a really good relationship with players and this time around he has been working with the leadership group here and they have only had great things to say. That player relationship is a strength, as is his calm temperament, but his new job could test that out.”
There have been rumours Josh Hannay was actually offered the job, but did not get a promise that he would be given total control. Hannay did not want to go on the record, but be sure that is not the case. He was very happy with the the process.
www.smh.com.au

The Souths axing behind war of words between Maguire and Tallis

Paul Gallen has fired back at Gorden Tallis after the Maroons legend’s attack on Blues coach Michael Maguire.
www.smh.com.au www.smh.com.au
 
Gronk

Gronk

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
77,719
Johnny88 said:
Jason Ryles gets to work wooing the Parramatta Eels players
Jason Ryles has wasted little time in his new position as head coach of Parramatta. Find out what he spent his first few days doing, and what he needs to do next.
Brent Read
,
Michael Carayannis
and
David Riccio

Incoming Parramatta coach Jason Ryles has begun calling Eels players as he seeks to inject some stability into the club and secure the future of young star Blaize Talagi.
Ryles, who was appointed at the start of the week on a four year deal, will officially take over at the end of the season but there is no time to waste as he looks to ensure the Eels are a competitive force on his watch.
At the top of his to-do list is the future of Talagi, the young star who has hesitated to re-sign at Parramatta after rejecting a player option in his deal.
Talagi, whose brother Ryde was one of the stars of the Australian secondary schools championships this week, wanted to wait to see who the coach was before he made a decision on his future.
That call has now been made with Ryles handed the keys to the Eels as the club looks to end a premiership drought that stretches back more than 40 years.

The Talagi call could have a ripple effect across the squad. If he stays, the 19-year-old could play fullback next season and prompt a move for captain Clint Gutherson to the centres.
If Talagi decides to leave, Gutherson is likely to stay at fullback for another season as the Eels continue their search for an x-factor player capable of adding some speed to their backline.
The Eels forward pack is also under the microscope as Ryles, one of the greatest front rowers of his era, prepares to take the reins.
There has been talk of players being offered the opportunity to leave, although Ryles is yet to head down that path as he seeks to restore some calm to the Eels rather than propagate instability at a club that has been plagued by it this season.

TALAGI MUST BE TOP PRIORITY
The selection of Ryda Talagi in the Australian secondary schools team this week was a reminder of how important it is for Ryles to get on the front foot and convince his brother Blaize to remain at the club beyond the end of the year.
Blaize Talagi had an option in his deal but elected not to take it up, preferring to risk it all by heading to the open market. If ever there was evidence of the dysfunction among the Parramatta playing group, this was it.
Talagi emerged through the Eels system, went to Westfields Sports High and won an SG Ball premiership with Parramatta. He has been earmarked for big things for some time and he has vindicated the faith this season, scoring nine tries in 11 appearances.
He has also shown his versatility, playing off the interchange bench, centre, fullback, five-eighth and more recently on the wing.
Wherever he has played, he has handled it with aplomb. Ryles wants to keep him, something he has made patently clear to powerbrokers during talks over his plans for the club into the future.
It is understood he also made it clear how much he valued Talagi during talks with the teenager. The ball is now in Talagi’s court as he decides his future and if he stays, it will give Ryles the power and ability to make some changes that would add speed and strike to their backline
THE FORWARD PACK
Ryles has other issues beyond the future of Talagi, namely the need to regenerate an ageing forward pack. The emphasis at the moment is on stability given the trials and tribulations that have been going on at Parramatta this season.
Hence Ryles’ decision to call the entire squad as he looks to put in place a foundation that he can build on next season when he takes charge.
As always, there are players coming through the system. Dummy half Matt Arthur recently made his first grade debut and hooker Lachlan Coinakis was named alongside Ryde Talagi in the Australian secondary schools squad.

They have talent emerging from their ranks. The bigger issue is what to do with the players who are there at present, many of them having been the bedrock of the side that qualified for the 2022 grand final.
There will be movement, and you can expect to see some of Brad Arthur’s favourite players in the firing line - Arthur spent a decade at the club and commanded immense loyalty among the senior players in the squad.
Now he is gone, Ryles’ challenge will be to win them over. Those who don’t fall into line are likely to be shown the door as the former Storm assistant looks to put his stamp on the club.

He may be still on the payroll in Melbourne, but he is already working some magic behind the scenes. Forward J’maine Hopgood revealed this week that he had spoken to Ryles and walked away impressed with what he heard.
“I don’t know him personally. I’ve heard a lot of good things from people,” Hopgood said
“I had a phone call with him to have an introductory chat. He sounds like a good guy. We’re happy the decision has been made.
“He has done his apprenticeship under some great coaches. Looking forward to the pre-season time.
“It wasn’t ideal the way it panned out with Brad and then waiting around to find out who was going to be coaching us. They put a lot of thought into who they wanted. Jason has come out with the job.
“Looking forward to meeting him and get into work.”

Click to expand...
Thanks @Johnny88
 
JokerEel

JokerEel

Coach
Messages
13,422
Johnny88 said:
The life of Brian
In an age where everybody strives to stay relevant, Brian Smith – who took three clubs to grand finals – has stayed out of the limelight for years.
Parramatta have been in the headlines for plenty of the wrong reasons in recent months, but the Eels are making quiet moves to honour a man who has been ignored by some clubs he has coached

Eels chairman Sean McElduff has been moving behind the scenes to make Smith a life member of the club. Smith, who took Parramatta to their infamous grand final loss in 2001, is reluctant to accept any kind of honour. He has told the club those kind of rewards are best reserved for the playing group.
Smith was not everybody’s favourite person, and made media enemies. That may be why he is reluctant to put himself back in the limelight as some of his old foes remain in positions of influence in the media.
While on the Eels, they are furious at suggestions they are looking to move on Junior Paulo. Not only is he club captain, but he is still a fine player. The club has assured him that he is not going anywhere. Paulo’s season is effectively over due to a foot injury.
Ryles’ departure a sign Bellamy could coach for ‘another decade’
Jason Ryles’ move to Parramatta has opened the door for “another decade” of the Craig Bellamy era. At least that’s the view of his right-hand man Frank Ponissi.
Ponissi knows Bellamy better than anyone in the NRL. “He couldn’t even spell retirement, let alone consider it,” Ponissi said.
And with that explanation of Bellamy’s mindset, it is clear why Ryles took the most high-pressure coaching position in the game. It is high risk for a rookie, but will be high reward if he gets it right.
Ryles had returned to Melbourne under the impression that Bellamy was heading out the door, but when the master coach said publicly that he did not know what he would do with himself in retirement, Ryles knew it was time to look for another job.
“The bloke in charge is showing no signs of slowing down,” Ponissi said of Bellamy. “In fact, he is coaching better than ever. He could coach on for another decade. That’s how well he is going. There is no question that Jason had the credentials to be a serious contender for the job, if it was ever going to come up.”
It could be a while before Craig Bellamy bids farewell to coaching the Storm.
It could be a while before Craig Bellamy bids farewell to coaching the Storm. CREDIT:GETTY
Ponissi has watched Ryles’ development during the past decade and a half. Ryles joined the Storm at the back end of his playing career, and Ponissi quickly realised he had an interest in coaching.
“I think that’s where he really started thinking about becoming a coach, was in those last two years he was playing ... he started asking questions about things behind the scenes,” Ponissi said. “I think that’s where his passion for coaching first arose, in those last two years.”
Ryles has been a long-time assistant, but he has coached a team of his own – Wests in Wollongong – after he finished playing with the Storm in 2013. He has also coached the Junior Kangaroos.
His apprenticeship under some of the game’s best coaches is well known, picking the minds of Bellamy, Roosters coach Trent Robinson and often catching up with Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould. He also worked with Eddie Jones in the England rugby and Wallabies set-ups. Ponissi says Ryles has done the hard yards to be in the best possible position to succeed at the Eels.
“I think he certainly served his apprenticeship and he’s ready to be given an opportunity, which he has,” Ponissi said. “He has a really good relationship with players and this time around he has been working with the leadership group here and they have only had great things to say. That player relationship is a strength, as is his calm temperament, but his new job could test that out.”
There have been rumours Josh Hannay was actually offered the job, but did not get a promise that he would be given total control. Hannay did not want to go on the record, but be sure that is not the case. He was very happy with the the process.
www.smh.com.au

The Souths axing behind war of words between Maguire and Tallis

Paul Gallen has fired back at Gorden Tallis after the Maroons legend’s attack on Blues coach Michael Maguire.
www.smh.com.au www.smh.com.au
Click to expand...

Barlow still a fine player ffs what games are these idiots watching
 
eels_fan

eels_fan

First Grade
Messages
7,584
The Melbourne Storm are open to the possibility of releasing Jason Ryles from his contract effective immediately in a move that would allow the new Parramatta coach to start planning for life at the Eels in 2025.

Ryles and his management are expected to meet with Storm officials after State of Origin III to discuss the potential of an early release from his deal that would allow him to put his entire focus on rebuilding the struggling Parramatta.


Ryles’ job title at the Storm is coaching coordinator and his likely departure won’t have a major impact on Craig Bellamy’s premiership assault given he has three assistant coaches (son Aaron Bellamy, Marc Brentnall and Ryan Hinchcliffe).

A Melbourne official confirmed the club would hold conversations with Ryles this week with one eye on him finishing up at the Storm by Friday.

Parramatta are aware of the situation and have no intention of asking Ryles to get involved with interim coach Trent Barrett’s team in 2024.

Ryles is keen to get his feet under the desk and begin planning his staff and roster for 2025. The first big ticket item will be trying to convince boom rookie Blaize Talagi to stay at the club beyond the end of this season after he declined an option in his contract to remain at Parramatta next year.


Ryles will attempt to meet with Talagi over the next 48 hours to sell his vision for the club and entice him to remain at the Eels.

The Dragons are also circling and are planning to meet with Talagi and his family this week with both clubs having the week off with the bye.

St George Illawarra officials have shown a keen interest in also signing Talagi’s younger brother as part of a package deal to lure them to the Red V to be part of coach Shane Flanagan’s impressive rebuild.

www.smh.com.au

The no-poach clause that will keep Ryles’ claws out of Melbourne

The Storm have allowed Jason Ryles to begin work at Parramatta immediately, but he won’t be bringing any Melbourne players with him.
www.smh.com.au www.smh.com.au
 
eels_fan

eels_fan

First Grade
Messages
7,584
eels_fan said:
Parramatta are aware of the situation and have no intention of asking Ryles to get involved with interim coach Trent Barrett’s team in 2024.
Click to expand...
Of course not… imagine them having to pay Ryles on top of paying Barrett and BA out…. Not our club
 
Stevie

Stevie

Bench
Messages
3,162
King-Gutho94 said:
Good luck he is going to need him.

We are a complete rabble atm.

7 games left of this shitshow of a season.

2025 can't come quick enough
Click to expand...
Bro we all know!

Just enjoy it, big changes coming up, great young coach. He’s coming early to punt some, sign some and sort the roster with what HE wants. Locking in his assistant coaching ranks, Sydney wrestling coaches…
It’s a good time to be a fan.
 
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