The Parramatta Eels are pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Russell as an NRL Assistant Coach, effective from the 2027 season.
Russell joins the Eels after more than a decade of coaching experience across elite rugby league pathways and high-performance programs, most recently with the Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters.
Widely respected for his disciplined approach and attention to detail, Russell has built a reputation as a defensively minded coach who consistently develops players and teams to perform at a high level.
Parramatta Eels Head Coach Jason Ryles said Russell's experience and proven record of success made him an outstanding addition to the Club's coaching staff.
"Mark is an experienced coach with a strong track record of success across several high-performing systems," Ryles said.
"What stood out to me is his attention to detail, particularly on the defensive side of the game, and the way he genuinely cares for the people he coaches.
"He's someone who values discipline, accountability and hard work, while also creating an environment where players feel supported and can grow. We're excited to have him join our coaching staff and contribute to what we're building at Parramatta."
Russell served as Head Coach of the Melbourne Storm's Jersey Flegg Cup side, leading the team to the 2025 premiership. Most recently he held key development roles as NSW Cup Head Coach and Senior Academy Coach, helping nurture emerging talent while contributing to successful high-performance environments.
Russell joins the Eels following the recent departure of Assistant Coach Sam Moa. The Eels thank Sam for his contribution and wish him all the best for the future.
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Only my observations Gucci! I mean I could be wrong! It will require a Geoff Toovey investigation to confirm my suspicions
Defensive minded, Moa the previous defensive coach leaving. Put two and two together, it will help in the future.
Great appointment, he will be a good fit for our deficiencies.
Good to see movement and attempts to fix what are deemed deficiencies, rather than the pick and stick method we had become accustomed to. Seems like Ryles isnt too arrogant to try and fix something if it isnt working.
Would be interesting to know how/who made and was pushing for the hire. Could be indicative of how past decisions had been made
Is arrogant the right word.....when it's me it usually in the negative LOL
I was told that you pops wrote a peice a few months back about wanting to get rid of Ryles, but then quickly deleted it. It this correct popo??
Id like to hear your version in the whole saga....
Yes Chiefy but it wasn't a few months ago. It was in Ryles first season and I "think" after the Darwin game when we got thrashed by Dolphin's I "think" I am told by the person who loves to remind of this that it was a "poppa's corner" blog and I will take his word for that....anyway the bottom line was I deleted the blog upon reflection, I can't remember if that was the next day or next week but my protagnist delight's in reminding me of it whenever I broach his sensitivities, which is just about any time I may criticise him.
He takes criticism like most human beings i.e. badly.....I am no exception as everyone knows, just don't diarise and remember it every time I have to use it.
NB Is there anything wrong with deleting a post or blog on reflection? My young friend delights of course are his perogative and last time these question's arose he could not wait to rub in the conclusion of my hipocrisy......by saying "yes you did poppa" I put it down to excess sensitivity and I am sure he will grow out of it over time.
I am sure this response to you he will identify with quickly and go into a defensive mode, whereas if he was wise he would just let it go through to the keeper.
This story has a bit of a Dorothy Dix to it.....did someone put you up to it Chiefy?
Your response looks like it may have been edited by AI, Pops. Before we know it, AI will be doing everything — coaching the NRL team, making our decisions and even wiping our arses.
Mate, our brains will eventually shrink into a couple of walnuts rattling around in our skulls, waiting for Wi-Fi so we can remember how to wipe our own arse. 😂
My response had a lot of first party commentary i.e. not sure but "think" further to that I dont think that AI actually responds that way....careful how you rate AI Chiefy, its like saying you don't get your information from Google but the reality is we all do, even if its in our head to start with.....e.g. I wrote Dorothy Dix into the piece and published same, but then went back to Google to see how they recorded it. i.e. it is a term I grew up with but never actually checked who someone reading for the first time had never seen the "terminology".
So to finalise my response no AI was used but let me reinterate, I don't have a problem with AI in the context of using it as a source of information.
"Mate, our brains will eventually shrink into a couple of walnuts rattling around in our skulls, waiting for Wi-Fi so we can remember how to wipe our own arse. " Mine are heading that way and wi fi actually helps me, I forget spelling and facts regularly, not to mention names, but I do try and proof read after every post....but read a day later and still pick up the errors.
I still do not understand the nuances in your question, grateful just the same for a chance to explain something that our little incumbent seems to wheel out, presumably because of not enough can be thrown from the same cot.
Wow, no mention of what my family thinks this time? Maybe you are getting wiser.
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