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Sport Nation
2025 Mid-season review: Parramatta Eels
Charles Goodsir • June 4th, 2025 12:34 pm
The Parramatta Eels have begun a new era under rookie coach Jason Ryles. It started poorly but since the return of halfback and captain Mitch Moses in addition to the emergence of some talented youngsters, Parramatta’s future looks bright despite sitting second last on the ladder.
Ladder: 16th
Record: 4W, 8L, 1 Bye
Positive: Emerging talent
With the arrival of Jason Ryles also came the departure of experienced talent as the new coach looked to clean out an ageing roster. Captain and fullback Clint Gutherson left to the Dragons, Reagan Campbell-Gillard was sent up north to join the Gold Coast Titans and even Joe Ofahengaue was released during the season to join the Leigh Leopards in the Super League.
This paved the way for youngsters to stamp their claim on being the future stars of the iconic club and they have delivered. Fullback Isaiah Iongi has proven why he deserves a fullback spot in first grade, Jack Williams has been sensational at prop and hooker Ryley Smith has played in every game in his debut season. Joash Papalii has strung back to back games and Jordan Samrani has been able to lock down a centre position.
Negative: Early season losing streak
Parramatta made a poor first impression of season 2025 with a 56-18 mauling at the hands of the Melbourne Storm. It didn’t improve a week later when the Wests Tigers ran amok in a 26-point win. After better showings in Round 3 and Round 4 against the Bulldogs and Sea Eagles respectively, the Eels remained without a win after the opening month.
The Eels are 4-4 since their disastrous start in March but it meant Ryle was under immediate pressure just four games into his four-year tenure at the club.
Best Player: Isaiah Iongi
The easy option would be Mitch Moses or Zac Lomax but both have had lengthy stints on the sideline due to injury. After just one first grade game to his belt, Parramatta supporters were skeptical when Penrith recruit Isaiah Iongi was named to replace fan favourite Clint Gutherson at fullback.
The 21-year-old has proved the doubters wrong with an impressive 2025 campaign. Alongside his blistering speed and flashes of brilliance, Iongi has hit the scoreboard with five tries and also set up five tries of his own. He is averaging 177 metres on the year and if the youngster can finesse his defensive issues, Parramatta may have unearthed a fullback for the next decade.
Biggest Moment: Easter Monday win over Wests Tigers
With all the drama circulating around Lachlan Galvin at the Wests Tigers, the Eels put together their most complete performance to date. It’s no surprise that it coincided with Mitch Moses’ first game of the season but it was unheralded players that also stepped up.
Iongi scored his first career double and forwards Luca Moretti and Sam Tuivaiti had breakout games off the bench with 116 running metres and a try respectively. The strongest win for Ryles yet.
Grade: D
