Parramatta coach Jason Ryles provides Bailey Simonsson update, praises Dylan Brown
Star outside back Bailey Simonsson has taken leave from the Eels despite signing until 2027, as coach Jason Ryles addresses mounting speculation about his future.
Parramatta coach Jason Ryles says he is hopeful outside back Bailey Simonsson will make a return to training next week after the club granted Simonsson some leave.
Simonsson has asked for repeated releases from his contract which expires at the end of 2027. He only re-signed last August but has struggled to find his way into first grade in recent weeks.
Simonsson was overlooked for selection this week with Newcastle-bound Dylan Brown earning a recall at centre.
He has since taken a few days off.
“Bailey made that decision to stay away for a couple of days which we fully supported,” Ryles said.
He will get himself sorted and back into training as soon as he can. I’m not going to elaborate out on anything I speak with the players about
“Bailey is being really well supported by the club and we will make sure he is OK.
“(Wanting him here has) been communicated. It’s been a little bit of a shock but it’s all footy and we have to manage players as best we can.”
Ryles has opted to recall Brown who has not played since round 19. The Eels mentor praised Brown despite indicating to the Kiwi international before June 30 that he may have limited first grade opportunities as the club looks towards next season.
Brown will start in the unfamiliar centre position in place of the injured Sean Russell. Jordan Samrani drops out of the starting line-up.
“It’s exciting for him,” Ryles said. “He has been training hard. He has maintained a good attitude in and around the place.
“I said if circumstances and anything like that changed we would more than happily bring Dylan in. he hasn’t been dropped. Things changed and an opportunity came up We found a spot for him
“He was good. He was excited. He has been really good in and around the group the whole time. He has a great attitude and team first mentality.”