**NRL 2025: Parramatta Coach Jason Ryles Sees Promising Signs for the Future – Press Conference and Insights into the Eels’ Future**
As the **2025 NRL season** looms on the horizon, the **Parramatta Eels** are preparing for what could be one of the most pivotal years in recent memory. With new faces in key positions, a revamped coaching structure, and the continued development of a talented squad, the club is aiming to leave behind the struggles of previous seasons and set a course for long-term success. At the forefront of this revitalization is new head coach **Jason Ryles**, who took the reins following a challenging yet promising period for the Eels.
In his recent press conference ahead of the season, Ryles exuded confidence, optimism, and clarity, signaling that despite the adversity the team has faced, there are many reasons for hope. As a coach with experience at both the highest levels of rugby league and a long history as a player, Ryles has the credentials, the vision, and the charisma to guide the **Eels** through what promises to be an exciting era of growth and opportunity.
This article will delve into the insights shared by **Jason Ryles** during his press conference, highlighting the key elements of his philosophy and approach to coaching, his assessment of the Eels’ current squad, and the promising signs he sees for the club’s future. We will also explore what the Eels’ fans can expect in the coming seasons as Ryles looks to build a competitive, resilient team capable of challenging for NRL premierships in the near future.
### **Jason Ryles: A New Era for the Parramatta Eels**
Jason Ryles is no stranger to rugby league. As a former representative player for **New South Wales** and a **St. George Illawarra Dragons** legend, Ryles brings a wealth of experience to the coaching ranks. His transition from playing to coaching has been marked by success, having served as an assistant coach in the **NRL** with the **Melbourne Storm** and later as a head coach with **Catalans Dragons** in Super League. Ryles’ pedigree in both playing and coaching positions has earned him respect across the league, and many believe that his expertise could be the key to unlocking the Eels’ potential.
When Ryles took over from **Brad Arthur** in 2025, it marked the end of an era for the Eels. Arthur, who had led the team for many years, had guided Parramatta to some remarkable heights, including a **2021 NRL Grand Final** appearance. However, the team struggled to build on that success, and many fans were left wondering if the club could break through for that elusive premiership. With Ryles at the helm, there’s a renewed sense of optimism.
In his press conference, Ryles acknowledged the pressure on the club to deliver results, but he also emphasized the importance of building a team that is capable of sustained success, rather than simply focusing on short-term achievements.
**”I’m incredibly excited to be at Parramatta,”** Ryles began. **”This is a club with so much potential, a passionate fan base, and a squad full of talent. There’s a real sense of belief here that we can achieve great things, and my job is to make sure we’re building a team that can compete at the highest level for many years to come.”**
This statement set the tone for his tenure as head coach—one that is focused on both the immediate and long-term future of the club.
### **Building a Competitive Team: The Key to Success**
One of the most striking aspects of Ryles’ approach to coaching is his emphasis on creating a well-rounded team, focused on both attack and defense. Unlike many coaches who specialize in one aspect of the game, Ryles is known for his balanced philosophy. Having spent years under the tutelage of some of the best coaches in rugby league, including **Craig Bellamy** at Melbourne, Ryles understands that to win a premiership, a team must excel in all areas of the game. It’s not just about having flashy attacking play; it’s also about being resilient in defense and having the mental toughness to rise above adversity.
**”You’ve got to have a competitive edge, and that starts with defense,”** Ryles explained. **”The best teams are always strong defensively. That’s the foundation of building a premiership contender. Attack will come, but you’ve got to make sure that when the pressure is on, your defense stands up.”**
Ryles has already begun instilling his defensive mindset into the squad, focusing on improving their work rate in key areas such as tackling technique, line speed, and communication. This emphasis on defense is in line with the philosophies of his mentor, Craig Bellamy, who built the Melbourne Storm dynasty on strong defensive principles.
But Ryles is not just about defense—he also recognizes the need for attacking flair. With players like **Mitchell Moses**, **Dylan Brown**, and **Clint Gutherson**, the Eels have some of the most exciting attacking players in the NRL. Ryles has made it clear that he intends to harness the natural attacking talents of his squad while ensuring they play a structured and disciplined game.
**”We’ve got some of the best attacking players in the league, and I want them to express themselves,”** Ryles stated. **”But I also want them to understand that we need structure. We need discipline. When the game is on the line, we need to make the right decisions, and we need to execute under pressure. That’s what separates good teams from great teams.”**
### **Assessing the Parramatta Eels’ Squad**
When asked about the current state of the Parramatta Eels’ squad, Ryles expressed confidence in the talent available to him. While there were some key departures in the off-season, including the loss of veteran players like **Junior Paulo** and **Isaiah Papali’i**, Ryles believes that the squad is more than capable of competing at a high level. He noted that the addition of new signings and the development of younger players will help the Eels challenge for top honors in 2025 and beyond.
**”We’ve got a really talented group of players here,”** Ryles said. **”Yes, we’ve lost some big names, but we’ve also brought in some great players who will complement what we already have. I’m really excited about the potential of this squad, and I’m confident we’ve got the right mix of experience and youth to make a genuine push for finals footy.”**
One of the standout signings for the Eels in the off-season is **Jirah Momoisea**, a powerful forward from the **Canberra Raiders**, who adds much-needed depth to their pack. Momoisea, known for his aggressive running style and tough defense, has the potential to be a game-changer for the Eels. Another significant addition is **Tanah Boyd**, the former Gold Coast Titans halfback, who will add depth and competition to the Eels’ playmaking ranks.
However, Ryles is particularly excited about the continued development of players like **Oregon Kaufusi** and **Haze Dunster**, who he believes will play a key role in the team’s success going forward.
**”Oregon and Haze are young guys who have shown a lot of promise,”** Ryles said. **”They’ve both been working hard in pre-season, and I’m excited to see how they continue to develop over the next few years. We’re building something here, and I think these players will be an important part of that.”**
### **The Eels’ 2025 Campaign: What to Expect**
With the start of the 2025 NRL season fast approaching, Parramatta fans are eagerly awaiting the first glimpse of what Ryles’ Eels will look like on the field. From what Ryles has shared in his press conference, there are plenty of reasons for optimism.
First and foremost, fans can expect to see a team that is committed to playing a tough, resilient brand of football. While the attacking flair of players like Moses, Brown, and Gutherson will be a key focus, Ryles is determined to instill a winning mentality and work ethic that will ensure the team competes week in and week out.
**”We want to be a team that other teams don’t want to play,”** Ryles explained. **”We need to be tough, we need to be resilient, and we need to be willing to work for each other. That’s the kind of team we’re building here.”**
Additionally, Ryles is focused on developing a winning culture within the club, one that encourages accountability, leadership, and a strong sense of unity. He has emphasized that every player in the squad will have a role to play in shaping the team’s culture, and that each individual’s commitment to the team will be crucial in achieving long-term success.
**”We’re building a culture where everyone has to buy in,”** Ryles said. **”Everyone has to be accountable to themselves, to each other, and to the club. That’s how we’ll succeed.”**
As for expectations, Ryles has made it clear that he is not content to just make up the numbers. While he acknowledges that the competition is fierce, he is focused on building a team capable of pushing for the **NRL finals** and ultimately competing for the premiership.
**”We’ve got some big goals this season,”** Ryles said. **”We’re aiming for the finals, and once we’re there, anything can happen. We’re going to take it one game at a time, but we’re focused on building a team that can contend for a title.”**
### **The Future of the Eels: A Promising Outlook**
As the 2025 NRL season kicks off, it’s clear that the **Parramatta Eels** are entering a new era under the leadership of **Jason Ryles**. With a strong emphasis on defense, structure, and leadership, Ryles is setting the stage for sustained success, not just in 2025, but for years to come.
While the team may face challenges along the way, Ryles’ vision for the future is one of growth, resilience, and ambition. For **Eels fans**, there has never been a more exciting time to support the team. With a talented squad, a determined coach, and a clear focus on building a winning culture, the future of the **Parramatta Eels** is indeed bright.
In the words of **Jason Ryles**, **”We’re building something special here, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes us.”** With the 2025 season just beginning, the Eels are ready to show the NRL what they’re capable of under their new coach. The future looks promising for **Parramatta**, and their fans are ready for the ride.
