The Eels have announced Jason Ryles has been appointed head coach of the Parramatta club, signing a four-year deal beginning ahead of the 2025 season.
Ryles will depart the Storm following the conclusion of the 2024 season, where he’s currently an assistant coach to Craig Bellamy.
The 45-year-old is considered one of rugby league’s best emerging coaches and previously turned down a chance to become the Dragons’ head coach last season.
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Ryles’ appointment comes after Eels powerbrokers sacked Brad Arthur in May following his 11-year stint at the famous club.
“I am incredibly honoured to be appointed head coach of the Parramatta Eels,” Ryles said in a club statement.
“This is a club with a rich history and a passionate fanbase. I look forward to coaching these young men.”
Meanwhile, Eels chairman Sean McElduff added: “We are delighted to welcome Jason to the Parramatta Eels.
“Jason’s proven track record in winning environments, combined with his passion for developing young talent perfectly aligns with the direction we are taking our club.
“We have a strong NRL roster and a group of exciting young players coming through our pathways programs.
“We believe Jason is the ideal person to build a strong connection within the playing group, across the club and with the passionate Parramatta Eels fanbase.”
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Eels chief executive Jim Sarantinos also said Ryles is “highly regarded as a coach and we believe that he has a huge future in the NRL”.
Parramatta’s decision comes after the club were heavily criticised for their lengthy process in meeting with candidates and signing their new coach.
Marquee recruit Zac Lomax was reportedly disgruntled by the club’s search, however he’s made no formal attempt to backflip on his contract with the Eels.
“Brad Arthur was given an extension (and) told coach out the year. If they had made this decision (to sack Arthur) last year, they should have made the hard call then,” Fox League’s Paul Crawley said on NRL360.
“Why did they have to pull the trigger on Brad Arthur when they didn’t have the man to take over. They didn’t have a replacement.“Brad Arthur was a very good coach and if they decided he wasn’t the man they should’ve made this decision last year because it’s absolutely destroyed this season.“This has been a disaster.”Dean Young and Josh Hannay were reportedly the two other leading candidates to win the position.