From Adrian Proszenko at the SMH
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/why-i-signed-luai-parramatta-coach-answers-critics-after-shock-transfer-20260715-p60fgw.html
Parramatta coach Jason Ryles predicts Jarome Luai will form a formidable halves combination that will help win games immediately, without blocking the path for the talented youngsters earmarked to take the club into the future.
Luai will join the Eels at the end of the season after Wests Tigers asked their co-captain to finish up early, despite being contracted until the end of 2027. Given Luai has already committed to the PNG Chiefs from 2028, the Tigers decided to move the Samoan international on early in a bid to retain several promising youngsters.
Parramatta coach Jason Ryles predicts Jarome Luai will form a formidable halves combination that will help win games immediately, without blocking the path for the talented youngsters earmarked to take the club into the future.
Luai will join the Eels at the end of the season after Wests Tigers asked their co-captain to finish up early, despite being contracted until the end of 2027. Given Luai has already committed to the PNG Chiefs from 2028, the Tigers decided to move the Samoan international on early in a bid to retain several promising youngsters.
“The opportunity to sign Jarome came up and the thought process behind that was that Jarome’s record speaks for itself – he’s a winner,” Ryles said.
“Culturally, we see him as a good fit, and he gives us an opportunity to win now, but then also give our younger halves more time to develop – that’s with his tutelage.
“That was our thought process behind it. When Jarome became available, we jumped on it and we’re here today.”
Some Eels fans are sceptical given the last stop-gap arrangement the club entered into, with Jonah Pezet, has not worked. The former Melbourne half joined the blue and golds this season on his way to a three-year deal with Brisbane that begins next year. Yet Pezet has had only a limited impact during an injury-riddled stint.
However, Ryles said the club was in a unique position after Dylan Brown activated a get-out clause to accept a life-changing offer to join Newcastle, and didn’t want to impede the pathway of promising playmakers Lincoln Fletcher, Lorenzo Talataina, Talen Risati and Joash Papalii.
“We’ve got some talent there that we need to make sure we give an opportunity to,” Ryles said.
“My through process is when I took on the role, I knew there was some heavy lifting early we needed to get through.
“Obviously the Dylan [departure] took us a little bit by surprise, so we had to pivot a bit there. But I want to set this up so that it’s sustainable and long term, as opposed to having a sugar hit.
“The biggest thing for me, I want to win now, too. Not just because we have to win – I want to win for our fans, I want to give ourselves an opportunity to.
“Whilst there’s a lot of good fundamentals put in place with our culture and how our coaching is, it’s important to get some experienced players around our younger guys to help them develop quicker.”
The combination of halfback Moses and Luai at five-eighth has great potential for the Eels. The pair has combined well previously for NSW at State of Origin level, including a win in the 2024 series decider at Suncorp Stadium.
“I’m a big believer that players make players,” Ryles said.
“Mitchell will help Jarome, and Jarome will help Mitchell. At the same time, they will help the players around them with their organisation and experience.
“It’s exciting and important that we get them back in one piece after Christmas.”
Asked if the two big personalities would be prepared to put their egos aside for the good of the team, Ryles said: “I think Mitchell cops a bad rap in regards to [that] – he’s very team-first with our group at the moment.
“He’s always helped the younger players. Whilst he’s a competitor and the scoreboard means a lot to him, he’s got a deep care for the young guys coming through, and he’s helping out as much as he can.
“I think they will both be fine with that.”
Young Eels playmakers Fletcher, Talataina and Risati are considered among the best in their respective age groups, but are about 12 to 18 months away from being ready for first grade. Fletcher, for instance, only made his NSW Cup debut last weekend, while five Eels were selected in the 2026 Australian Schoolboys side.
Ryles said there had been a deliberate plan with his spine appointments since his arrival at Parramatta. He pointed to the contract extension of Moses, the recruitment of youngsters Isaiah Iongi at fullback and Tallyn Da Silva at hooker, the continued development of dummy half Ryley Smith and not buying over the top of the next generation of talent.
“We’re a big pathways club, and it’s important we give those guys the opportunity. In this situation, this has been the best resolution for us,” Ryles said.
“Whilst it looks like short-term thinking … it’s important our fans understand there is a strategy and a plan there. It’s not about a quick fix, it’s about the long-term future in being a successful footy club.”
Replies
What we thought really.
All I read between the lines is...
"I'm a shit rookie coach and have no idea what I'm doing. No one else wants to come to this joint and I just need some wins to hopefully save my arse"
JR the problem is here like you say you want to win now but your not in a position to win now it then becomes how long do you have before the obvious is asked and what and how long can Moses hold his prime.
If we are talking youngsters aren't ready surely you aren't implying Moses is the bridge so I can understand why this Luai stop gap is an important signing for yourself and the club.I'd say to you and the R and R don't stop keep head hunting any talent that looks like a game changer for Parra it's not about blocking anyone it's about winning if your youngsters are good enough they'll show through but you can't keep waiting.
DB was such a poor domino to fall for the club it's nie on disastrous because it's going to be 3 years before you find a replacement and half a dozen examples who've tried.We want long term success I get it but you can't afford to see your 1.3 mill show piece getting hung out to dry because of the mentioned.Formidable we had formidable we have the possibility of formidable for less than a year then what.
I suspect the Pezet deal had one eye on the young guys coming good by now, but clearly Ryles sees some work still required. Luai gives him time to decide whether they really do have what it takes, or if we need to go to market for 2028. I see this as a smart move given the circumstances.
Don't forget there was a significant gap in development due to poor management, and we are only just starting to see the conveyor belt starting to produce the goods now.
The 1.3M over 10 years is beginning to look like a deal....growing cap increase in TV rights money ....we missed a big step here
He had off field stupid thing he did, and he didnt really stand up.
But the knights coach has simpliefed the game plan and he is flying now, something we never did.
Sigh ....
Long term plan ... again.
Technically, Ryles said the plan is to win now (Luai) and one-year is OK because long-term that helps bring young halves along. I think most times that "in the long run" is deflating is when it appears to sacrifice the short-term, but I don't read Ryles as suggesting he is sacrifcing the short-term?
"Culturally, we see him as a good fit".. slightly worrying seeing the culture at the Tigers. Or is that all on Benji?
Also interesting watching our last few games, without Mitch we seem to be more of a team and with him everyone seems to wait for him to make something happen. Moses / Luai might make that even worse. Not sure Ryles is on top of it either, he seems very focused on Mitch.
I'd love to see Williams made full time captain, that might balance things out.
Agree Williams is a better captain than Moses.
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