Following their decline in the NRL standings over the last two seasons, the Parramatta Eels appear to be headed for a player cleanout.
The Eels finished below the top eight last season, despite finishing in the top four in 2022. With two games remaining, they are presently tied for last place with the Wests Tigers.
Three players have apparently been informed that they are free to leave the club even though they are still under contract, leading to rumours of a roster makeover for the upcoming season.
MORE: Jason Ryles announces the assistant coaches for the 2025 campaign: Legend of Parramatta rejoins the NRL
According to Newscorp, prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard has received word from new coach Jason Ryles that he is surplus to requirements and is drawing interest from the Dragons.
Parramatta is also rumoured to be open to parting with back-row player Ryan Matterson and winger Maika Sivo.
After agreeing to a four-year contract with the Eels back in April, winger Zac Lomax will join the team.
Trent Barrett, the interim coach, has pleaded with his players to finish the season strong in spite of the upcoming changes.
This weekend, the eighth-placed Dragons will take on the Eels, who can wreck havoc on the top eight race. The final round will feature a wooden spoon matchup against the Tigers.
“They need to learn that winning an NRL game requires more than just effort and attitude; until we gain [composure], I can walk in there and give them pats on the back for that. Barrett stated, “We have to grow,” following the most recent 30–24 defeat to Brisbane.
“We need to finish strong; we have two weeks left and we want to win those two games.”
The team announced Ryles’ assistant coaches for the 2025 season, when he will take over as head coach.
One of four coaches who will assist Ryles in leading the NRL team next year is former captain Nathan Cayless, who captained the team 259 times from 1997 to 2010.
Alongside Cayless is former NRL coach Nathan Brown – who has led the St George Illawarra Dragons, New Zealand Warriors and Newcastle Knights – Sam Moa, and Scott Wisemantel.
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