Seven weeks after Brad Arthur was sacked, the Parramatta Eels have finally announced his replacement. The club confirmed on Monday morning Jason Ryles would take over as head coach on a four-year deal from 2025. Ryles began immediately after his playing retirement in 2014 as an apprentice at the Storm under Craig Bellamy, where he's been involved in four grand finals and two premierships. "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." Having missed out on the Dragons job that eventually went to Shane Flanagan just over a year ago, Parramatta will be his first head coaching role. "I am incredibly honoured to be appointed head coach of the Parramatta Eels," Ryles said. "This is a club with a rich history and a passionate fanbase. I look forward to coaching these young men." Ryles had long been considered Bellamy's natural successor when the veteran coach eventually calls it quits. Eels chief executive Jim Sarantinos said Ryles' appointment marked a "new era for our football program". "We're thrilled to secure someone of Jason's calibre as the leader of our NRL team moving forward. "He is highly regarded as a coach and we believe that he has a huge future in the NRL. "We are confident that under Jason's leadership, our club will be challenging for premierships in the years to come." Storm legend Cameron Smith gave the move the tick of approval. "I'm very happy for Jason. His style of coaching is always trying to improve himself," Cameron Smith said on SEN. "He's spent quality time with quality organisations and people. I'm looking forward to what's to come for the Eels." Arthur was sacked after the Eels disastrous second half performance against the Storm in Magic Round, but have won just one game since under interim coach Trent Barrett. The club languishes last on the NRL ladder.
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