‘We are 15th’: Ryles’ blunt message to unsettled Eels in defiant defence of Luai move
Parramatta Eels coach Jason Ryles has defended the club's decision to sign Jarome Luai for the 2027 season despite the team's current poor performance. Ryles emphasized that the move is intended to provide leadership and support for the team's younger players.
Why it matters
High-profile player signings in professional sports often spark debate regarding long-term team strategy versus immediate performance needs.
NRL NRL-PREMIERSHIP ‘We are 15th’: Ryles’ blunt message to unsettled Eels in defiant defence of Luai move 'It's the nature of the job' | 08:00 Matt Jones from Fox Sports July 22nd, 2026 4:41 pm Parramatta coach Jason Ryles has dismissed claims Jarome Luai’s one-year deal is a ‘sugar hit’, while also giving his players a brutal reminder of the reality they’re currently in.
After the Wests Tigers told Luai a fortnight ago he could leave a year early, Ryles seized the opportunity to grab the State of Origin-winning five-eighth for just $600,000 for 2027.
While that could be considered a cut-price for a four-time premiership winner, critics argued the club wasn’t looking at its long-term future and could instead be blooding a young half to partner Mitchell Moses.
On Wednesday, the Eels coach addressed the media to further clarify his stance on Luai’s short-term arrival.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in