Major 'worry' that could erase Eels 'facelift'

Few clubs have had a bigger facelift than the Parramatta Eels over the summer - and boy did they need it. After coming 15th with a strong squad and having the second-worst defensive record in the competition behind only the Wests Tigers, officials decided enough was enough. Long-serving coach Brad Arthur was sent packing mid-season and his replacement, Jason Ryles, cut loose the Eels' two most experienced players - fullback and skipper Clinton Gutherson and prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard. Crowd favourite Maika Sivo has followed Arthur to Leeds, but his replacement Zac Lomax from the Dragons or Josh Addo-Carr from Canterbury should be top signings. Fellow recruits Isaiah Iongi (Panthers) and Jack Williams (Sharks) should also bring plenty to the club, but there's plenty of pressure on young Iongi, who will have to fill Gutherson's role at the back. Scoring points has never been a problem - they actually posted more last season than the Bulldogs and Knights, who both played finals footy - but Ryles will be looking for a huge improvement in defence after the team leaked closed to 30 points per game. Halves pairing Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown remain the Eels' trump cards and there are few better playmaking combinations in the league. They were responsible for the high scores the team was able to post and gave the likes of Will Penisini and Bailey Simonsson time and space to work their moves. There's class aplenty in the forwards with the likes of Shaun Lane, J'maine Hopgood, Ryan Matterson and Junior Paulo all accomplished offloaders who can put teammates through holes in the line. The hooking spot is a bit of a worry, with several contenders but no clear standout - and that could bite the Eels.

2025 gains - Zac Lomax (Dragons), Isaiah Iongi (Panthers), Dean Hawkins (Rabbitohs), Joash Papalii (Bulldogs), Jordan Samrani (Bulldogs), Jack Williams (Sharks), Kitione Kautoga (Bulldogs), Josh Addo-Carr (Bulldogs), Ronald Volkman (Dragons).

2025 losses - Ethan Sanders (Raiders), Blaize Talagi (Panthers), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Titans), Maika Sivo (Leeds Rhinos), Clint Gutherson (Dragons), Daejarn Asi (Castleford), Ky Rodwell (Wakefield Trinity), Makahesi Makatoa (released), Morgan Harper (Warriors), Ofahiki Ogden (released), Tevita Taumoepenu (released), Zac Cini (Castleford).

Jason Ryles faces $2.6 million Zac Lomax dilemma as Benji Marshall move thrills Wests Tigers fans

Eels coach Jason Ryles could face pressure to switch star recruit Zac Lomax back to his more familiar wing position, while Benji Marshall's side showed plenty of promise with new recruit Terrell May a standout. Lomax was the big signing for the Eels in 2025 having made the switch from the Dragons in a deal reportedly worth $2.6 million across four seasons. Lomax was pushing for a change of scenery as he made it clear he wanted to play centre at the Eels with Dragons coach Shane Flanagan playing the 25-year-old on the wing. Despite representing NSW and Australia on the wing in a stellar 2024 season, Ryles is ready to grant Lomax his wish and shift him closer to the ball. However, while only trials, early signs suggest Lomax is still getting the hang of the centre position after a lacklustre game in the Eels' 30-18 defeat to the Tigers. Lomax was rather subdued in his first hit-out on the right side in the blue and yellow jersey with the Eels looking a tad slower than Marshall's outfit. Lomax managed to put a solid shot on Lachie Galvin, but only managed five runs for 36 metres in his 40 minutes on the field. While he converted two goals in his first-half display, Lomax was not as involved as Ryles would have liked for a star earning around $650,000 a year. On the wing last year, Lomax scored 14 tries in 21 games. He was strong carrying the ball out from the back and was brilliant in the air. Ryles might have a decision to make if Lomax's qualities are lost at centre with the 25-year-old proving to be an elite winger. "Zac Lomax struggling at centre". How long before Rylesy does a Flanno & tells him he's wearing 2 or 5 (where he excelled last year...) despite the fact him wanting to be a centre is the reason he left SGI. Should be intetesting...

Eels adapting to mass changes as post-Gutho era begins

The Clint Gutherson-sized hole in Parramatta is a challenge players will have to get used to and one that those who succeed him will have to live up to. Jason Ryles has yet to lead his team out to battle but has already made some big calls in terms of squad selection and recruitment. With several key stars heading out the door, Ryles has sourced the experience and knowledge of Josh Addo-Carr and Zac Lomax for his inaugural season. Returning Eels stars have been learning to adapt to the changes in their squad to begin pre-season training, but the absence of their former skipper has yet to fully sink in. "He is very hard to replace," Dylan Brown said. "Gutho is Gutho. He is one of one." The energy of their leader may no longer be present but the introduction of Addo-Carr has swiftly reignited the much-needed noise and excitement within the Eels camp. "The older boys weren't back yet but all the younger boys were, and it was a bit down," Brown said. "As soon as Addo-Carr walked in, it was loud. "He can talk to a brick wall. He is loud, energetic and we love having him here already." But player movement is not the only change Ryles has implemented at the club for pre-season. In a move to reconnect with the local community, players have spent time working across nine businesses in a move that Ryles hopes will teach his squad to have gratitude for the career and opportunities they have. Walking in the footsteps of four-time premiership-winner Brett Kenny, Brown was among the many players who spent three days working in the hospitality sector. "Well my steaks weren't too good but cutting tomatoes was where I was best," he laughed. "I haven't spent too much time in the cellar but maybe I should get down there so then we will win the comp [like Kenny did]. "We are well looked after. We have doctors, physios, nutritionists," Brown continued. "For us to take them for granted would just be silly of us."

Dragons fans left fuming after Mark Gasnier joins Jason Ryles and Zac Lomax at Parramatta

St George Illawarra fans have expressed their frustration and sadness after new Parramatta coach Jason Ryles snared Dragons legend Mark Gasnier to work on his staff at the Eels. Gasnier has joined Ryles and Zac Lomax in switching allegiances from the Dragons to Eels after years in the NRL wilderness. Gasnier played 175 games for St George Illawarra, helping them win a drought-breaking premiership in 2010 when he return from a stint in French rugby. He worked in the media with Fox Sports after retiring at the end of 2011, but has been largely unsighted in rugby league circles for the last 10 years. But according to the Daily Telegraph, Ryles has pulled off a massive coup and will have Gasnier working at the Eels in 2025 as a specialist coach for their outside backs. It means he'll be working with high-profile signing Zac Lomax, who also switched from the Dragons to the Eels this off-season. Add in the fact that Ryles played 156 games for the Dragons and there's now a massive Red V flavour at Parramatta. Former Dragons player and coach Nathan Brown will also work with Ryles in 2025 as an assistant coach.

Rookie lifts lid on Ryles chat as Gutho exit looms

Isaiah Iongi has declared he is ready to fill the Clint Gutherson-sized hole at the Parramatta Eels in 2025. Iongi inked a transfer deal from four-time reigning premiers the Penrith Panthers to the Parramatta Eels, which will see him in the blue and gold jersey until 2027. Having made only appearance in the NRL, the 21-year-old has been tasked to take over from Gutherson in the No.1 jersey. Gutherson was granted permission to negotiate with rival clubs by the Eels on Thursday after the club informed him they wouldn't be offering a contract extension beyond 2025. The Dragons currently lead the race to steal the fullback's signature, with speculation rife that Gutherson may have already played his last game for the Eels. Despite the significant weight of the task ahead of him, Iongi is confident he is fit to fulfil the role. "I feel like I am (ready)," he told The Sydney Morning Herald. "Obviously that's the goal. You've got to work for it. I'll get a good pre-season under my belt at Parra, that will help me build the confidence with them. "There is always going to be challenges and expectations anywhere. It's all part of the game, it's all about how you handle it." Iongi revealed a conversation with incoming coach Jason Ryles was the turning point in his decision to exit Penrith. "I'm looking forward to working with him," he said. "Like every other club, 'you have to work for the spot and put in your all to get the opportunity for yourself'. That's what he said to me." The Queenslander praised the experiences and knowledge taught by Dylan Edwards, who he was stuck behind in the Panthers squad, for his success. "To learn from Dyl and then go to Parramatta and learn from him as well, it puts me in a good situation for my future career," Iongi said. "I can look at what they have in the game to put it in mine." Iongi will return on the international stage with Tonga in the coming days as he faces Australia and New Zealand in the Pacific Championships.

Eels give Gutho green light to start talks with NRL rivals

Parramatta captain Clint Gutherson has been granted permission to negotiate with rival clubs immediately after a meeting with new coach Jason Ryles. According to a report from The Sydney Morning Herald, the fullback sat down with Ryles, as well as agent Sam Ayoub and the club's football boss Mark O'Neill, to discuss a potential extension for the 2026 season. Gutherson is slated to come off-contract at the end of next year and the Eels have since told him they are not in a position to offer an extension. The club have now informed the skipper he is free to negotiate elsewhere, with the Dragons among the rival teams interested in the former NSW Blues star. Ryles has expressed his desire to use Gutherson in a roaming utility role next year, despite the 30-year-old cementing himself as one of the game's best fullbacks. Given the change of plans for Gutherson, the Eels believe they were not in a position to offer him an extension at this stage and wanted to see how he performed in 2025. St George Illawarra are also monitoring the movements of Bulldogs winger Josh Addo-Carr, who could leave the club after his recent off-field issues.

Ryles lands first key signing as Eels rebuild begins

Jason Ryles has landed his first key signing as Parramatta head coach, with Sharks forward Jack Williams agreeing to a three-year deal. The 28-year-old has been part of the Cronulla system for more than half a decade, amassing 124 first grade games for the club. Williams was off-contract at the end of this year and according to The Sydney Morning Herald, the Eels have swooped in and locked in the middle forward. It's believed Ryles has been in talks with Williams for a number of weeks, and his contract will see him join the blue and gold until at least the end of 2027. Williams has played in a host of finals matches and will bring plenty of experience to the Eels' engine room, where he could push for a starting spot. The news of Williams' signing comes just weeks after the club parted ways with front-rower Reagan Campbell-Gillard, despite winning their player of the year award. Ryles has said it was "nothing personal" as the Eels look to start a rebuild under the new coach, who will be tasked with snapping a lengthy premiership drought. Williams will join the likes of Zac Lomax and Isaiah Iongi at the club for the 2025 campaign, while rookies Ethan Sanders and Blaize Talagi will move away from the Eels.

Glaring Clint Gutherson issue pointed out as new coach Jason Ryles addresses Eels shake-up

Concerns have been raised about how Clint Gutherson is going to react to the big changes Parramatta coach Jason Ryles has flagged for next season in the NRL. The new Eels coach spoke to media on Tuesday for the first time since taking over the top job and made the shock admission that he's planning a positional switch for Gutherson next season - with Ryles considering the veteran No.1 at lock, hooker and possibly even as an interchange player. Ryles will oversee a new-look Parramatta side in 2025 with some 11 players departing including former representative prop, Reagan Campbell-Gillard. The Eels have made a number of key signings including Dragons and State of Origin Zac Lomax and young gun fullback Isaiah Iongi, who will join from the Panthers on a three-year deal from next season. But it's the situation around Parramatta's long-time captain Gutherson that has sparked the biggest debate. Ryles says there's no issues with Gutherson after speaking with the club skipper to explain his plan for 2025. “I see him as real good coverage for all positions really on the field, especially all our backs and then at 13, nine and that sort of role there,” Ryles said. “I spoke to Clint first and said, ‘this is the plan and this is what I’m thinking’. I couldn’t have got more buy-in. He was like ‘yep, I am sweet, whatever you see is the best thing for the team, I am happy to help him if you want me to’. I couldn’t speak highly enough of Clint from when I sat down and spoke to him and his buy-in. I think Gutho is at a stage now where he’s got an enormous amount to contribute still to our footy team and footy club. Obviously it could be a fullback or it could be another part of the field for us as well.”

Why Spoon Bowl can be making of the Tigers

Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall wishes his side wasn’t involved in the first Spoon Bowl battle in nine years, but the Hall of Famer says the experience can be good for his young squad as they look to avoid collecting a third wooden spoon on the trot. The 6pm Friday game can often be a hard sell, but the last tickets were snapped up earlier this week, with fans pumped for the showdown between the bottom-placed Tigers and the Eels who are in 16th after featuring in the grand final two years ago. The Tigers looked set to finish last a few weeks ago but back-to-back wins over the Rabbitohs and Sea Eagles – plus the two points they picked up from the bye last round – has them only trailing Parramatta on points differential. The Eels have also been competitive in recent weeks and are coming off a 44-40 shootout win over the Dragons, with the blue and golds looking to finish their horror year with a win before new coach Jason Ryles takes over. “I’d rather not be playing it,” Marshall said. “It’s a big game atmosphere for some of our young guys to experience what that is like, even though we are playing at the bottom of the table. “At the same time, when you have a season like we’ve had, you need to assess where you’re at and identify the things that probably need to be better. “We will try and give our fans something positive to talk about. “It’s a long off-season and all the fans will talk about either if you won the spoon or you avoided the spoon.” Tigers skipper Api Koroisau was involved in the most recent Spoon Bowl in 2015 when the Panthers beat the Knights 30-12 in the final round to jump four spots on the ladder, with the side to take confidence from their epic win over the Eels on Easter Monday. “I love it. It’s put a bit of novelty on the end of the year,” he said. “Sometimes you get here and there’s nothing up for grabs, but for us, this is pretty important because we don’t want to come last.” While some of their veterans have struggled this year, the Tigers have been able to blood some exciting local juniors who have shown plenty of promise. Tony Sukkar will join that list on Friday night, with Marshall hopeful that his young squad will benefit from the adversity they’ve faced this season going forward when guys like Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva arrive to strengthen the side.

Jason Ryles floats radical Clint Gutherson position switch amid Parramatta Eels shake-up

Parramatta captain Clint Gutherson could run out in jersey No.13 in 2025 as Jason Ryles plans to deploy the veteran in a hybrid role moving forward. Earlier this week the Eels made it clear they want to keep Gutherson at the club beyond next season when his current deal ends. However, his days at fullback are numbered. While it had been widely speculated that the 29-year-old may be moved into the centres next season, a switch into the forward pack now looms for the Eels skipper. News Corp reports incoming Parramatta coach Ryles has a plan to use Gutherson in a roaming role, similar to that of Dylan Walker at the Warriors. That would either see Gutherson deployed as an unconventional lock or for him to come off the bench in a utility role similar to that of Tyran Wishart at the Storm. Gutherson is only 29 but his body is starting to show signs of slowing down, with his acceleration and mobility on the decline. This was on full display when Tristan Sailor easily breezed past Gutherson last weekend when they were one-on-one. Gutherson has been carrying an injury in 2024 after undergoing surgery on his knee back in April and was clearly hampered in his attempt to stop Sailor, unable to hit full speed despite his desperate attempt to bring to ground the Broncos No.1. But despite Gutherson's defensive effort standing out, the captain also had a hand in almost everything good Parramatta did showing his worth and giving Ryles an idea that he could be best utilised in a roving role next season. Ryles floated the plan to Gutherson this week and it is understood he was receptive to the positional switch and his new proposed role. It is expected new recruit Isaiah Iongi will slot into the fullback role next season after Blaize Talagi opted to join the Panthers. While new signing Zac Lomax will come straight into the side and play either on the wing or in the centres, providing the side with some serious strike power.

Mass exodus threat in Ryles rebuild

Some of the Parramatta players who have all but given up on the 2024 season will want to be careful their attitude doesn't come back to bite them. The Eels hit a new low against the Roosters in bog-like conditions at Allianz Stadium on Friday night. On such a terrible surface, the game should have been close and tight - but the Roosters breezed to a 38-14 win. Parramatta missed an embarrassing 57 tackles - and watching it all was coach-elect for 2025, Jason Ryles. Ryles has already shown he is willing to clear the decks for next season, with several players being told they are free to look around for new employment despite being contracted to the Eels. And it would be very surprising if, after witnessing the demolition job the Roosters did to his new team, he doesn't tap a few more on the shoulder in the coming weeks.

New Eels coach's 'no poach' clause revealed

Newly signed Parramatta coach Jason Ryles won't be able to lure Storm players away from Melbourne during his first year with the Eels, as part of his exit agreement from the Storm. Ryles was granted an early release from his assistant role to Craig Bellamy to join Parramatta immediately, but on one condition - he can't approach any Melbourne players in the first 12 months. The Sydney Morning Herald reports the agreement is in writing and is similar to what other clubs have stipulated with other coaches in the game. "On behalf of everyone at the Melbourne Storm, we congratulate Jason on his appointment to senior coach at the Eels," said Storm CEO Justin Rodski earlier this week. "Given the significance of this opportunity for Jason, we have agreed an early release is in the best interest of both parties. "Jason is a quality person and coach, we thank him for his contribution in 2024 and wish him, his wife Alana and his family all the best for the future." Bob Fulton and Phil Gould agreed not to poach each other's players without the other's permission in the past. Ryles' release will allow the former assistant to focus on building Parramatta's roster, namely re-signing 19-year-old Blaize Talagi, who is currently off-contract.

All Ryles-ed up

Which current NRL coach was secretly pushed to Parramatta before Jason Ryles got the job on Monday? The coach, from a struggling club, isn't in a good place with his players and knows his time at his current club is set to come to an end within the next 12 months. Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now. But it came too late – the Eels had already decided on Ryles, and he is a good choice. Ryles has served a long apprenticeship at the Storm and Roosters and will bring a new approach to the club. The Eels are in need of a facelift and Ryles will do whatever it takes.

Eels land prized Bellamy pupil as head coach

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.

Joey torches Dragons over Ryles road block

League icon Andrew Johns says "questions need to be asked" over what led to Jason Ryles' 11th-hour backflip on joining the Dragons as their new head coach.Ryles was widely expected to be the full-time successor to Anthony Griffin, but backflipped at the last minute, instead joining the Melbourne Storm as an assistant.Speaking on Wide World of Sports' Freddy and The Eighth, Johns was highly critical of the Dragons for losing out on Ryles, suggesting he should've been given whatever he required in order to sign as the club's next coach."He was going to sign, something is wrong there," he said."He wanted something in the clause ... He's the boss, whatever he asked (for) he should've been given, whether it was about his staff or his recruitment or whatever."Questions have got to be asked from within the Dragons how they buggered this one up."Jason Ryles played for the Dragons, he lives down there, he wanted to do it. How they stuffed up this one, questions need to be asked."I think he pretty much agreed; that's what it looks like from the outside. He's then gone in and said to them, 'Well, I want this', and they've said, 'You're not getting that'."To make matters worse for the Dragons, talisman Ben Hunt could leave the club if he's forced to play the No.9 role full-time.Johns said he understood where the 33-year-old was coming from."Ben Hunt is 32. Does he want to play the last two years of his career playing hooker? No chance," he said."At this stage of his career, you look at Origin footy and his rep career, hooker is his spot, (but) at clubland playing 26 rounds week-in, week-out at 32, that's a big, big challenge."

Dragons boss confirms Flanagan discussions

In the wake of Jason Ryles' shock rejection of the Dragons coaching role, chief executive Ryan Webb has confirmed the club is in talks with Shane Flanagan.Flanagan's name has been thrown around as a potential candidate for the job well before Anthony Griffin was sacked last month.Speaking on 2GB's Continuous Call Team on Saturday, Webb said Flanagan's name was "one of a few"."There isn't a name that's off the table. The different candidates that remain, we've touched base with quite a number of them before, (but) in the last week or two, we focused in on Jason. "All the candidates that remain now, we'll pick them back up, but there isn't anyone that's excluded. "(Flanagan) is a name in that group, but he's one of a few."One of the obstacles remaining between Flanagan and the Dragons job is Peter Doust.The former Dragons chief executive is known to not be a fan of Flanagan. Webb denied suggestions Doust was an "agitator" on the Dragons board."Peter Doust is one of eight directors that I report to, (and) whenever I … have to report or get direction, it's from a board of eight and ultimately the chairman Andrew Lancaster," he said."So I couldn't say … Peter is there influencing things in a bad way. I couldn't say that at all. He's one of eight directors that I have to take leadership from."Last month, Flanagan told 2GB he would wait for the Dragons to come to him, rather than him being the chaser.

Gus rejects Ryles rumour after Dragons snub

Rugby league guru Phil Gould has denied he warned Jason Ryles against taking the head coaching role at the Dragons, despite admitting the pair are in regular contact.Ryles this week rejected a long-term offer to lead his former club St George Illawarra out of the wilderness and it has since been reported that Gould was used a sounding board.While the coaching great confirmed he had recently spoken to Ryles, he played down claims that he had influenced the Roosters' assistant coach to choose another path, resulting in his decision to return to the Melbourne Storm in a role that is likely to ensure that he succeeds Craig Bellamy when he retires. Speaking on Wide World of Sports' Six Tackles with Gus podcast, Gould said he has maintained a friendship since Ryles played in his NSW team - the last series he took the reins of as coach - in 2004."Every time I travel to Melbourne [when Ryles was posted at the Storm from 2015 to 2020] … we [would] have a coffee together because I just like to keep up with the latest trends," Gould said."I know he believes he's ready for an NRL job, and I'm sure he is, but he's chosen to go back to the Melbourne Storm under Craig Bellamy and wait out there."I certainly didn't influence his decision. I don't know where people get that from."Ryles was short-priced favourite to take his first head coaching role at the Dragons, before announcing on Monday he had signed on for a second stint as an assistant under Bellamy at the Storm.Ryles is widely tipped to be a long-term head coach at the Storm when Bellamy eventually calls time.Hours after Ryles' decision became known, the Dragons were also informed by their major sponsor of 40 years, St George Bank, that the company would end its association with the club at the end of next season.Dragons chief executive Ryan Webb said "it wasn't a great day for the club", but added that Ryles' rejection could still prove to be a "blessing in disguise"."I'm not dismissing that (Wednesday) wasn't a hard day for anyone at the club, but I don't think it's the end of the world," he said.Gould agreed, and said the right coach could take the current playing group back up the ladder."There's always something to look forward to. I know it seems a little bit tough at the moment, but they'll work it out, they'll find a coach, they've just got to take a long term view towards it," Gould said.

Real reason Ryles snubbed 'stubborn' Dragons

Jason Ryles knocked back the Dragons coaching job on Wednesday because the club refused to allow him to oversee all areas of football operations.A source close to the Dragons has told Wide World of Sports that Ryles wanted a Wayne Bennett-like situation where he had a say in coaching, recruitment and development and had carte blanche to bring in his own team.Ryles had been in talks with the Dragons for several days and was close to signing a four-year deal.But when the club refused to meet his conditions, he baulked at the offer and will now join Melbourne as an assistant coach next season - and wait for Craig Bellamy to retire.A former Dragons star who has served a long apprenticeship in the game at the Roosters and Storm, Ryles would have been a great fit for the Dragons.But the club's stubbornness and refusal to move with the times has now left them back at square one."They let Wayne Bennett run the place and won a comp (in 2010)," a source close to the club said."But everyone is so worried about keeping their own jobs and power that they refused to budge."Another former Dragons star, Ben Hornby, is the new favourite for the job, while there is also a push for ex-Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan.

Gould 'surprised' as Dragons poised to appoint coach

Jason Ryles could be announced as the Dragons' new coach by the end of the week.The Sydney Morning Herald reports a board meeting could take place as early as Thursday night after their game against the Dolphins in Redcliff.The axing of Anthony Griffin saw assistant Ryan Carr promoted into the hot seat. He took the side to a thrilling last-minute victory against the Roosters last week.Ryles is asking for a five-year contract to turn the Dragons into a premiership-contending side. It's a similar deal to what Cameron Ciraldo was given at the Bulldogs.Former Red V players Ben Hornby and Dean Young are still thought to be in the picture.Carr is tipped to return to an assistant role regardless of who takes over as coach. He indicated on Wednesday he wasn't interested in taking on the top job full-time."That's not really for me to comment on; the club has asked me to do a job right now," he said."I'm going to try to do that to the best of my ability. Whatever happens next year, happens."All I'm worried about is the Dolphins … that's all I'm focused on. As soon as you look outside of things, there's no point spending energy on it because it's a waste of time."League great Phil Gould said he would be "very surprised" if Ryles ended up at the Dragons."I know they've all had it in print but I'd be very surprised," he said on Nine's 100% Footy.Nine's Danny Weidler said the Roosters are already eyeing three-time premiership player Jake Friend to take over Ryles' job, but that Ryles was only "50-50" to end up at the Dragons.But Gould disagreed."I don't even think it's (50-50). I don't think he's going to the Dragons," he said."I think Jason Ryles is probably a longer-term fix at the Melbourne Storm, if and when Craig Bellamy gives it away."