Earlier this evening, one hundred privileged Parramatta members were given a rare behind-the-scenes insights into the club’s vision at the Members Forum for 2026 and if it is anything to go by the Eels are building something really impressive. Something Special.
The panel included Jason Ryles (Head Coach), Jim Saratinos (CEO), Mark O'Neil (Head of Football) and Matthew Beach (Chairman).
While this blog won’t capture every detail shared on the night, below are the key themes discussed by each speaker.
Matthew Beach
Drawing a Line in the Sand on Lomax
Matthew Beach was the quietest of the bunch. He only really spoke when spoken to and did not get many fan questions, but he presented himself well and in a professional manner. He seems like he has a good head on his shoulders, a smart operator who knows what he is doing and looks well suited to the role he has within the club.
Like I said, he did not speak all that much, but he did not hide and was not afraid to address the elephant in the room regarding Zac Lomax. He said he could not talk or share too much as the matter is before the courts, but he stated it straight and honestly — the Storm offers are not good enough. We do not want financial compensation. We want to strengthen our football department and roster if we allow Lomax to play in Melbourne.
We Won't Roll Over
He said he does not want it to be a court matter, but the club makes no apologies that it is. We will continue to fight the good fight for the club and Melbourne will have a fight on its hands. It does not sound like this will be resolved any time soon.
Mark O’Neil
Building It the Right Way: Pathways Over Panic Buying
I know there is a lot of criticism around MON. Some of it is warranted, but he also presented himself well, fronted up, answered all questions and did not back away from anything.
He said the key focus at the club right now is junior and pathway development. We have a lot of kids coming through who can lead the club into the future over the next five to seven years.
Patience on Recruitment targets: outside back and a middle
On recruitment, he said the club is actively in the market for players who fit the culture and style of play Ryles wants to build. He also stated that for every target or signing, a background check is done on the player’s character before anything is signed to ensure they are the right fit, not just in terms of playing style but culturally as well.
We are in the market for an outside back and a middle forward, but he emphasised the club’s stance on remaining patient and waiting for the right players to become available. He believes that if they are not careful and spend money just for the sake of it, when the right player comes along who fits our style and roster needs, we risk not having the funds available.
So the money is there. We are just remaining vigilant and waiting for the right player and opportunity.
Keon Koloamatangi
He also fronted up and was honest that we were heavily in for Keon from Souths and had a red hot crack at it, but ultimately could not get it done. He did not say it specifically, but it was hinted that the fifth year offered by the Dragons was the breaking point.
He mentioned we currently have 28 of 30 roster spots filled.
Jim Sarantinos
Understanding the Cap Game: It Is Not Always What It Looks Like
Jim followed up on most of what MON said and also gave insight into the salary cap. He used Dylan Brown’s departure as an example, explaining that just because someone like him leaves and we do not replace him with a like for like signing does not mean we have the full value of his salary sitting there in the cap.He said that in most cases when big name players depart, a small percentage of their salary goes towards topping up other contracts and preparing for future re signings.
Raising the Bar at Home
He also mentioned that after he, Ryles, MON and Beach went on the United Kingdom tour late last year, the club will be changing up its game day and match day experiences in certain areas. The aim is to bring more of an English Premier League feel to games and make CommBank Stadium a daunting place for away sides to visit.
He used the Round 3 game against the Bulldogs last year as an example and the disappointment of having more Eels fans there but the Bulldogs being louder.
Eyes on the Bigger Stage
He also mentioned that the Round 7 game against the Bulldogs this year at CommBank will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 1986 Premiership. It will be a big event with the 1986 team present at the Sunday 4pm blockbuster.
Vegas
He said that based on discussions with the NRL, the indication is that we will likely be one of the teams heading to Las Vegas in 2027. Nothing is official yet, but they are hoping to finalise it in the coming weeks.
Jason Ryles
A Coach With a Clear Plan
Absolute great talker, keeps you invested and by listening to him talk you find yourself so intrigued by his vision in what he is building and where we are going.
Back the Kids without pressure, But Win Now
Jason Ryles was an outstanding speaker. He keeps you invested, and listening to him talk, you find yourself genuinely intrigued by his vision and what he is building.
He followed up on some of what Mark O’Neil mentioned. When asked about debutants in 2026, he was calm and measured, telling fans not to put too much pressure on the young players. We have a good crop coming through and their time will come.
He gave insight into what a game week looks like for the players. He also spoke about Jonah Pezet and why the one year deal works. He reiterated that he does not want to block pathway players, but having Jonah in 2026 allows us to win now while the younger players continue their development.
Ryles is excited by the new interchange rules and believes we will benefit due to our depth and versatility. He gave Bailey Simonsson a big wrap and believes he is in for a big year, noting that his effort areas last season were through the roof despite an injury plagued year.
Game Plans
In terms of game plan, not much changes in attack. We will play fast and direct with short passes and second phase play. Defence has been a major focus this off season, particularly around the edges and ruck.
He has no inflated expectations, but he wants to win now. The goal is to finish as high on the ladder as possible.
Unless something major goes wrong, he looks like the man to lead Parramatta for a long time.
Final Thoughts
Something Is Building. Overall, it was a great evening, a great initiative with valuable insights from the club.
From what I heard from these four key figures, we are in good hands. The club is heading in the right direction and 2026 shapes as an exciting year for Parramatta. The future looks bright.
Replies
"Go fuck yourself San Diego"
"I'm Ron Burgandy?"
Lol
Thanks mate. Great read
This was a really sensational read, thanks very much for the effort of sharing this - very positive & inspiring for what is ahead.
Sounds like as a club we have truely come an exceptional way in the 16 months or so Ryles has been here.
It is great to hear Beach’s comments around the Storm / Lomax, they must hold pretty serious evidence to commit to drawn out legal proceedings - they will receive a lot of respect NRL wide for their stance here, imo, and have never been prouder as an Eels fan for how they are taking this fight up against absolute corruption.
Win or lose, it could be a pivotal moment for the Eels & other clubs outside the NRL's power-clique.
So many positives here, but the only negative for me remains - it's great to save $$ for the 'right player', but you still have to have the ability to sign that player.
When we miss vital signings (publicly), its neither 'timing the market' or 'keeping clear pathways for juniors’.
Would've loved to hear more emphasis on processors here, or ways they are looking to evolve - sounds like they believe in how they are going about this process, which is still, a little concerning.
Granted though, what they tell fans & members on this point would also need to be limited. Hopefully the next time the ‘right player’ becomes available, we are able to strike successfully.
But, 99% positive and thanks again. Bring on 2026, sounds like Ryles will have them primed & ready.
I can't comment on MON's / Ryles thought process as well as there recruitment plans Nightmare. However what I can say confidently is if a quality player becomes available that is the right fit and will improve our side we will be right in the mix. MON was very clear on that last night with his comments. The rushing into signings comment was mainly relating to panic buying because we missed out on a target we wanted (Keon a recent example) But I didn't take it as we won't have a crack if quality is available. If a world class quality player is availabe we will defintely be in the running for said players signature.
I remember a lot here claimed Arthur didn't have final say on his players. I am not as big of a BA hater as many here, but to think Arthur never had too much control on recruitment was farcical. Why not give it to BA but give it to Ryles?
Ryles has final say as it should be.
Arthur like Ryles had the first say and the final say. The brad arthur excuse makers made up the other crap pushing that arthur had little to no say . Bs
And you know this how exactly ?
Any you know otherwise exactly?
Why did Sarantinos state after Arthur had been given his rights that "Brad Arthur" had the " "final say' on recruitment.
If you can't prove otherwise - close your mouth
No I don't know that's the whole point I'm not coming on here announcing anything without all the facts or hearsay.Plus when you choose not to add context of good and bad around recruitment decisions you make an absolute arse of yourself also as we all no the agenda you have against the man.
Regardless you to do the same if you don't have all the facts or weigh up the context good and bad as above STFU.
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