Life under Jason Ryles couldn’t have got off to a worse start for the Eels – but he was never brought in to “fix things in one week” as head coach.
Parramatta were completely blown off the park in round one by premiership favourites Melbourne, falling 56-18 at AAMI Park on Sunday afternoon.
The visitors leaked an abysmal 46 points in the first half alone, but showed some signs of life in the second stanza despite missing a host of stars.
Ryles was without halfback and captain Mitchell Moses for the season opener, while the likes of Josh Addo-Carr, Shaun Lane and Ryan Matterson were also sidelined.
While bringing back some of those players from injury and suspension should obviously help the Eels bounce back, it might not be an easy fix for Ryles, who has inherited a roster that missed the finals for two straight years after a 2022 grand final appearance.
To make matters worse, Dylan Brown has confirmed he will join the Knights, leaving the club without a five-eighth to partner Moses long-term.
Speaking in the wake of their defeat, Ryles’ former teammate Billy Slater said there were enough “positive signs” for Parramatta, pleading with fans to get behind their new coach as he embarks on what might be a long journey back to consistent finals appearances.
“Jason Ryles will be looking at a long-term approach with the Eels,” the Storm legend said on Nine’s The Billy Slater Podcast.
“He’s not there to fix things in one week – there’s a reason why there was a change.
“The club sees the team needing to go in a different direction and when you go in a different direction, it can take a bit of time to bring in the things you want to implement.
Parramatta Eels coach Jason Ryles. NRL Photos
“Being without their halfback and controller [Moses], that certainly will help when he comes back – but they need to start from the bottom up and build a foundation.
“There were some positive signs in the second half for Parramatta, but it was a tough initiation for Jason.”
Ryles worked as an assistant coach at both the Storm and Roosters – two of the game’s best clubs over the past decade – before accepting the role at the Eels.
The 46-year-old had previously been linked with a move to the Dragons but knocked back an offer prior to Shane Flanagan signing with the club.
Parramatta will get a chance to right some wrongs against the Tigers in round two.