Hitting the tools
The Eels spent the last week on the tools in the western Sydney community, getting a taste of what life is like for much of their fan base.
Whether it was cleaning up backyards, stocking the shelves in warehouses and standing behind a hot grill, the Jason Ryles era is following through on its promise to put the Eels front and centre in the community.
While much has been made of Ryles undertaking a similar program to the one used by former mentor Craig Bellamy, this week was as much about meeting the club’s community as it was taking on some hard yakka.
Speaking of the community, Parramatta held their first community training session of the year on Saturday at Fairfield.
Fans braved the wet and humid weather to get their first look at the 2025 squad with new signing Josh Addo-Carr among the Blue and Gold.
Keen eyed fans will also have noticed 4 players donning different coloured jerseys, all styled after the jerseys handed to the leaders of the 4 key categories in cycling’s Le Tour de France.
Check out Chief’s blog recapping what happened in the session.
Media
While new head coach Jason Ryles has been relatively quiet since his unveiling earlier in the year, he did front the NRL media during the week to chat through his start to life in Kellyville.
Signing news
Parramatta’s biggest signing of the week was made off the field with former premiership winning centre and St George Illawarra legend Mark Gasnier joining the coaching staff as a specialist outside backs coach.
After a storied career in red and white, Ryles’ former teammate has joined the ranks as the Eels look to attack 2025 with a brand new backline.
On the field and the NRL side will be seeing more of winger Sean Russell and hooker Brendan Hands. The pair have extended their time in Blue and Gold to the end of 2026.
On the NRLW side and breakout winger Zali Fay has put pen to paper until the end of 2026, while English international backrower Paige Travis will join the Eels for the 2025 season.
If you’re looking for a further breakdown of Parramatta’s current approach, read this blog here.