The start of the 2025 NRL season has not gone according to plan for the Parramatta Eels, and it’s been difficult for fans and pundits alike to watch their once-proud attack struggle to find any rhythm. As the Eels attempt to rebound from a challenging start, it’s not just the team’s performance that has drawn attention. Former league greats and analysts have voiced their concern over the team’s inability to fire offensively, calling their attack “pedestrian” and “difficult to witness.”
At the center of this early season disappointment is the performance of Jason Ryles, a coaching veteran who was expected to bring a fresh approach to the Eels’ attack. However, Ryles has faced an uphill battle in attempting to reshape a side that, while full of individual talent, has struggled to find cohesion in attack. His tenure has been marked by growing frustration as the team’s once-dangerous attacking play has become an unrecognizable shell of its former self.
### The Eels’ Struggles in Attack
The Parramatta Eels have a history of producing some of the most potent attacking sides in the NRL, but in 2024, their attack has been described as “pedestrian” by several former players and pundits. This is a far cry from the electric offense the Eels were known for in recent seasons. The team’s struggles have been evident in their inability to score points, creating an unbalanced team that relies heavily on their defense to keep them competitive.
While the Eels’ defense remains reasonably solid, the inability to finish in attack has cost them crucial games early in the season. This failure to capitalize on attacking opportunities has left many scratching their heads, as the team is filled with talented players capable of lighting up the scoreboard. Whether it’s the lack of fluidity in their set plays, miscommunication between key playmakers, or the inability to take advantage of the space created by their forwards, the attack has failed to fire on all cylinders.
One of the most obvious shortcomings has been their inability to convert opportunities in the red zone. The Eels have been repeatedly thwarted by poor decision-making, basic errors, and an overall lack of creativity. This has been a stark contrast to the team’s high-scoring, free-flowing play that fans had grown accustomed to in recent years.
### The High Expectations for Jason Ryles
Jason Ryles’ appointment as head coach for the Eels was met with optimism and hope. A former NRL player with a reputation for hard work and a strong understanding of the game, Ryles was seen as a coach who could refine the team’s attack and develop a more cohesive, structured style of play. After serving as an assistant coach at the Melbourne Storm, where he was part of one of the most successful coaching setups in the NRL, Ryles was regarded as one of the brightest young minds in the game.
However, his start at the Eels has been tough. As head coach, he has struggled to implement his vision for the team. The Eels’ attack, which was once lethal under previous coaches, has looked disjointed and devoid of creativity. Much of this can be attributed to a lack of cohesion among the key attacking players, with the team’s playmakers—who were once considered among the best in the competition—failing to consistently link up or create scoring chances.
The frustration surrounding Ryles’ early struggles has been compounded by the team’s inability to get back to basics. While individual brilliance can carry a team through rough patches, it’s clear that the Eels’ attack needs a more structured, team-first approach to regain their attacking potency.
### “Pedestrian” Attack Leaves Fans Disappointed
League greats have been particularly vocal about the Eels’ struggles in attack, with many expressing their disbelief at how far the team has fallen. Commentators and former players have called the team’s offensive play “pedestrian,” noting how slow and predictable it has been. Even though the Eels have a host of dangerous players, including dynamic halves and electrifying wingers, their inability to break down defenses has been worrying.
The team’s attack has lacked the intensity and flair that was once a hallmark of their play. For a team that was able to compete against the best in recent seasons, including reaching the 2022 NRL Grand Final, it is startling to see them struggle so significantly with something as fundamental as putting points on the board.
In particular, it’s been difficult for fans to watch the team fail to capitalize on attacking sets. Whether it’s been poor execution near the line or a lack of decision-making from the key attacking players, the Eels’ offense has failed to execute under pressure.
The frustration surrounding the team’s inability to execute basic plays has been felt throughout the fanbase and the NRL community. Supporters have expressed disappointment that the team’s attacking issues seem to be more mental than physical—highlighting the need for a shift in approach, either from the coaching staff or the players themselves.
### Ryles Endures Tough Start as Head Coach
As the Eels’ struggles persist, it’s clear that Jason Ryles is facing a difficult start to his tenure as head coach. While there is still time for the team to turn things around, the pressure is mounting. The Eels’ attack, which was once their strength, is now a liability, and the scrutiny on Ryles is intensifying with every underwhelming performance.
It’s important to note that Ryles is still in the early stages of his coaching career, and while results haven’t been positive, it’s too soon to make a definitive judgment on his future. Coaching in the NRL is a high-pressure job, and it’s common for new head coaches to go through a learning curve. While some have questioned his ability to get the best out of his attack, others believe that he will eventually find the right formula to help the Eels bounce back.
The fact remains that Ryles has inherited a team full of talented players. The likes of Mitchell Moses, Clint Gutherson, and Junior Paulo are proven performers who can turn a game in an instant, and there’s no doubt that Ryles has the pieces needed to build a successful team. It’s simply a matter of unlocking the team’s potential and finding a system that suits their strengths.
### What Needs to Change?
For the Eels to get back on track, several things need to change. First and foremost, the team’s attack needs to be more fluid and creative. The players need to get back to playing fast, expansive football, with crisp passing and sharp movements that can break down opposing defenses. While defense will always be a key part of the Eels’ game plan, they can’t rely solely on that if they want to compete for a top-eight finish.
In addition to improving execution, the Eels must find better ways to utilize their playmakers. Mitchell Moses, in particular, has been one of the most consistent and dangerous halfbacks in the competition, but he’s been hampered by a lack of support from his teammates. The Eels need to give Moses the freedom to create and allow him to play the type of attacking football he’s known for.
Jason Ryles will need to reassess his attacking structures and perhaps make adjustments to his coaching methods, ensuring that the players are comfortable with the systems he’s trying to implement. Creating a more balanced and dynamic attack should be a priority as the Eels look to get their season back on track.
### Conclusion
It’s been a tough start for Jason Ryles and the Parramatta Eels, with their attacking woes leaving many stunned. While it’s clear that the team is still capable of greatness, their struggles in attack have been impossible to ignore. League greats have been vocal in their criticism, calling the Eels’ attack “pedestrian” and “difficult to witness.” For Ryles, it’s been a learning curve, but the pressure is building as the team’s offensive problems persist.
With time, however, the Eels can find their way back to form. If Ryles can unlock the attacking potential of his talented roster and get his playmakers firing again, the Eels could turn their season around and make a charge toward the finals. But if these struggles continue, the team will need to make changes before it’s too late. For now, the focus will remain on improving the attack and getting back to the free-flowing style of play that once made the Eels one of the most exciting teams in the competition.
