**Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos Breaks His Silence on Parramatta’s Poor Start to the 2025 NRL Season**
In a season that many Parramatta Eels fans had hoped would be one of redemption and triumph, the 2025 NRL campaign has been far from what the club envisioned. With a string of poor performances and uncharacteristic losses, the Eels have found themselves struggling to find their rhythm early in the year. As the season unfolds, fans have grown increasingly restless, looking for answers as to why the team—a squad that reached the NRL Grand Final just a few seasons ago—is failing to meet expectations.
Amidst the rising discontent, Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos has finally broken his silence, addressing the team’s dismal start to the season, the underlying issues contributing to the poor form, and his vision for turning things around. In an exclusive interview, Sarantinos offered a candid reflection on the club’s situation and outlined the steps the organization plans to take to regain its competitive edge.
### **The Frustration of the Fans and the Club**
When Jim Sarantinos spoke to the media for the first time in weeks, it was clear that the frustration surrounding the Parramatta Eels’ poor start to the 2025 season had reached a boiling point. The club’s loyal fanbase, which has supported the Eels through thick and thin, has been vocal in its disappointment. On social media, at the stadium, and in discussions within the rugby league community, there’s been a growing sense of disillusionment. From an NRL powerhouse to a team struggling to find consistency, the contrast in performances is stark, and fans have voiced concerns over whether the team can return to its former glory.
“It’s been tough,” Sarantinos admitted. “As CEO, I feel the weight of the club’s expectations, and I understand the frustration of our fans. We know they’ve been waiting for us to take that next step, and the start to this season has been difficult. I don’t want to sugarcoat it—we have not been good enough, and we all share responsibility for that. But this is a club with a proud history, and we will do everything we can to ensure we return to our rightful place among the NRL’s best.”
### **A Reflection on the Team’s Struggles**
The Eels entered the 2025 season with high hopes. After an impressive 2024 campaign where they finished in the top eight and showed flashes of the dominant form they had during their Grand Final appearance in 2022, many expected the team to build on that momentum. However, things have not gone according to plan. A series of uncharacteristic performances, injuries, and lack of cohesion on the field have left the team struggling to find form.
“The early part of the season has been a reflection of inconsistency,” Sarantinos explained. “We’ve seen some great patches of play but not enough to put together a complete performance. The team has been affected by injuries, but that’s no excuse. We’ve got quality players who need to step up and lead by example. The chemistry on the field just hasn’t clicked, and that’s something we’re working hard to fix.”
Despite their talented roster, which includes star players like Clint Gutherson, Mitchell Moses, and Junior Paulo, the Eels have been unable to string together consistent performances. Their defense has been leaky, the attack disjointed, and too often they’ve been caught out by basic mistakes. In close matches, the Eels have lacked the composure and discipline required to close out games. These issues have seen the team drop games they would have expected to win, leaving fans and critics questioning the club’s direction.
“We’ve looked at the performances, and we can identify areas where we’ve gone wrong,” Sarantinos said. “Defensively, we’ve been leaking points, and our attack has lacked the fluidity we’re used to seeing. But we’re not sitting back and pointing fingers—we’re looking at solutions. The coaching staff and players know that we’re capable of much more, and we need to pull together to fix these issues.”
### **The Impact of Injuries**
One factor that has undoubtedly played a role in Parramatta’s early struggles in 2025 is the injury toll. Injuries are an inevitable part of rugby league, but for the Eels, they seem to have hit at the worst possible times. Key players have missed games due to injury, leaving gaps in both the starting lineup and the depth of the squad.
“Last season, we were lucky with injuries, and we could maintain a strong squad for most of the year,” Sarantinos noted. “Unfortunately, the injury list this season has been longer than expected. We’ve had some key players out, and that certainly affects the team. But it’s also a test of our depth. When we lose a player, the next man must step up. That’s what separates the good teams from the great ones.”
While injuries to players like Ryan Matterson and Regan Campbell-Gillard have affected the Eels’ forward pack, it’s been the absence of key spine players such as Mitchell Moses and Clint Gutherson that has been felt the most. Their leadership and experience are invaluable on the field, and the team has struggled without them in key moments.
“It’s not just about individual players,” Sarantinos continued. “It’s about the collective effort. When key players are missing, others need to step up. And that’s what we’re working on—building depth across the squad so that we’re not as reliant on any one player. We need consistency across the board.”
### **Looking Ahead: Strategic Adjustments and Expectations**
As CEO, Sarantinos is well aware that the pressure is mounting on the coaching staff and the players to deliver results. The Eels are not a club that can afford to wallow in mediocrity for long, especially given their recent history of success. Expectations are high, and the longer the team continues to underperform, the more intense the scrutiny will become.
“We know the expectations are there,” Sarantinos acknowledged. “This is a team that has shown it can compete at the highest level. We reached the Grand Final in 2022, and we were just a few steps away from winning it all. That level of performance is in us, and we have to get back to that standard.”
To turn things around, Sarantinos pointed to several areas where the club is making adjustments. One of the key areas of focus has been strengthening the team’s defensive structure, something that has been a major weakness in their early matches.
“We’ve been working closely with the coaching staff to address our defensive weaknesses,” Sarantinos revealed. “Our defense has been inconsistent, and we’ve allowed too many easy tries. That’s something we have to fix. Our attack is also a work in progress, and we’re looking at how we can get our key playmakers back to their best form.”
Sarantinos also emphasized the importance of leadership within the squad. With some of the team’s senior players struggling to find their best form, the CEO believes it’s essential for the veterans to take charge and lead by example.
“Our senior players are the backbone of this club,” Sarantinos explained. “We need Clint Gutherson, Mitchell Moses, and Junior Paulo to lead from the front. They’ve been through the highs and lows of this competition, and it’s crucial they step up and provide guidance to the younger players. Leadership is key during tough times, and we expect our leaders to rally the team and set the standard.”
### **Financial Investment and Long-Term Vision**
While the on-field performance is obviously the primary focus, Sarantinos also spoke about the club’s long-term vision and its financial stability. The Eels have made significant investments in their facilities, their development programs, and player recruitment over the past few years, and Sarantinos was adamant that the club is building for sustained success.
“We’ve made investments in both player development and facilities,” Sarantinos stated. “Our focus is not just on short-term success but on building a sustainable and successful future for the Eels. We’ve made sure our training facilities are top-notch, and we’re giving our players everything they need to succeed. Our development pathways are strong, and we’re continually working to bring through the next generation of talent.”
The CEO also addressed the club’s financial health, stating that despite the challenges on the field, Parramatta remains in a strong financial position. This allows the club to continue to invest in resources and infrastructure, ensuring that the Eels remain competitive in the NRL for years to come.
“We’re in a strong financial position, which is vital for our long-term success,” Sarantinos explained. “Our fans deserve the best, and we’re committed to providing them with a club that can compete at the highest level year after year.”
### **The Fans: A Call for Unity and Patience**
As the 2025 season progresses, Sarantinos made a heartfelt appeal to the Eels’ passionate fanbase. “I know it’s been frustrating, and I know the fans are disappointed,” he said. “But I ask for patience and support. This club has been through a lot, and we are working every day to turn things around. We need our fans now more than ever. They are the lifeblood of this club, and we want to make them proud.”
Sarantinos acknowledged that while the team’s poor start to the season has been difficult, it is far from the end of the journey. “We have a long way to go in this season,” he said. “There’s plenty of time to turn things around, and we are confident that with hard work, unity, and the support of our fans, we will get back on track.”
### **Conclusion: The Path Forward**
Jim Sarantinos’ candid comments on the Eels’ poor start to the 2025 season show a CEO who is deeply invested in the future of the club. While the current situation is far from ideal, Sarantinos’ leadership and commitment to addressing the issues head-on provide hope for the future. The Eels have the talent, the resources, and the leadership to turn things around, but it will take time, effort, and a unified approach from both the players and the fans.
As Parramatta continues its battle to regain form, all eyes will be on the team’s next steps. The path forward will not be easy, but under Sarantinos’ guidance, the club is poised to face these challenges head-on and emerge stronger for it. For now, the focus is on taking things one game at a time, fixing the issues that have plagued the squad, and working toward a brighter future for the Eels.
