Trent Barrett has left the door open for a possible reunion with Jason Ryles next year, admitting “conversations” with the Eels will kick off in the coming weeks.
After being overlooked for the full-time head coaching role, Barrett is now in a tricky situation and faces an uncertain future at the club.
Parramatta announced the appointment of Ryles on a four-year deal earlier in the week, with Barrett narrowly missing out on landing the position.
READ MORE: Aussies topple favourites to reach Wimbledon final
READ MORE: ‘Terrific’ Tevita puts rivals on notice in Dolphins win
READ MORE: Awkward Olympics truth exposed by Aussie stars
The attention has now turned to whether or not Barrett will stay at the Eels as an assistant coach under Ryles and bring their long-standing relationship to the club, which started during their playing days at St George Illawarra 25 years ago.
Interim head coach of Parramatta Trent Barrett speaks to the media. Getty
“It’s exciting for Jason – he’s worked really hard and it’s a good opportunity,” Barrett told media on Thursday.
“I’m happy for Rylesy, obviously I was disappointed, but that’s the game we’re in and I’ve been in it a long time.
“There’s conversations that we’ve had and the club were really good about it. They’ve been very open and honest with me through the whole process.
“I’ve always felt very welcome here and it’s a great club. This year has been really difficult, but obviously those conversations we can have with the club over the next few weeks. It has been a busy week and my main focus has to be on preparing the side.
“He’s a very good friend of mine, so there wasn’t too much football talk there. He’s busy at the moment and he is gonna be busy now getting ready.”
Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
Barrett has previously held top jobs at Manly and Canterbury, but failed to deliver at either club. He worked as an assistant at Penrith before landing in the blue and gold under Brad Arthur.
Despite Barrett having support internally from the likes of Mitchell Moses and Clint Gutherson, the Eels opted to hand Ryles his first major coaching position.
Jason Ryles will take over at the Eels in 2025. Getty
When quizzed on whether the club needs a roster revamp, Barrett reiterated the quality at Parramatta and said “luck” will be a key factor in turning things around under Ryles.
“I’m sure he’s got his own ideas on what he needs to do and I’m confident that he will do a good job,” he said.
“We’ve got a really good roster here … most of the players are here again next year. A little bit of luck would be nice and moving forward, he will do a really good job.
“It was trying circumstances when I have taken over and results haven’t gone the way we have wanted them to – but it’s a terrific job and I never take it for granted.”