How long does Jason Ryles have to turn the Eels around?

While experienced mentors such as Des Hasler, Todd Payten, Adam O’Brien, Anthony Seibold and even Wayne Bennett have faced serious questions about their futures, the 46-year-old Parramatta coach has enjoyed a seemingly charmed run.

But how long will it last, especially following yet another disappointing 2025 loss, this time to the injury-ravaged Rabbitohs?

Yes, captain Mitchell Moses has missed large chunks of the season through injury and, sure, it may be Ryles’ first year in an NRL top job after serving as an assistant under Craig Bellamy in two separate stints at the Melbourne Storm.

For all the pre-season optimism, the Eels are currently sitting 14th on the NRL ladder with just seven wins—the same haul as the 2024 season that claimed the scalp of long-term coach Brad Arthur.

At the completion of Round 24, Parramatta boast the second worst attack in the NRL behind only Newcastle, and the fourth worst defence.

Their two-point upset over the Broncos in Round 21 remains the only time the Eels have defeated a top eight side all season.

Ryles is signed to a four-year deal until the end of 2028 and is clearly being given time to stamp his imprint on the success-starved club that hasn’t tasted premiership success since 1986. Fair enough, too.

The general narrative is the rebuilding Eels are ‘heading in the right direction’ and there’s certainly been no shortage of re-signings, retirements and releases during 2025 with the club’s roster undergoing significant upheaval.

The next major change will see Dylan Brown depart on a lucrative deal with the Knights in 2026 while so far the biggest inbound recruit is former NSW Blues forward Jack de Belin who will be one of the oldest players in the NRL next season.

Things are certainly happening at Parramatta and no-one can accuse Ryles of being idle, despite having little to show for it as yet on the field.

The question is, how long before the current goodwill runs out?