Melbourne Storm and Jason Ryles are set to meet to discuss the future of the incoming Parramatta coach with the Victorian club.
Ryles will officially take charge of the Eels in the off-season, having been confirmed earlier this week as Brad Arthur’s successor. Parramatta announced that Ryles would complete his tenure with Melbourne as their coaching coordinator before moving to New South Wales.
In the interim, Trent Barrett will serve as the caretaker coach until Ryles’ arrival. However, the 15-time Australia representative could be released from his duties with the Storm as early as this week to focus on his new role with the Eels.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Ryles and Melbourne will hold discussions after this week’s Origin decider, potentially accelerating his departure. The report suggests Ryles could be released from his Storm contract by Friday, allowing him to begin preparations for his new role in Sydney’s west.
Despite this, it is not expected that the Eels will seek to have Ryles work alongside Barrett before the season’s end. One of Ryles’ top priorities upon settling in Parramatta will be retaining livewire Blaize Talagi, who declined a player option to extend his contract into 2025.
Ryles will need to persuade Talagi and others that the Eels can return to premiership contention after falling to the bottom of the ladder in 2024. The Eels currently sit 16th on the NRL ladder after 17 matches, ahead of only the Wests Tigers by differential.
