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
I see what you meant Axel, you thought what made him praise Simonsson out of nowhere but the context was around replacing Lomax.
Good read Lurker, a question...who were the ones asking the questions? These first few rounds are crucial.
Hey Mate,
An email went out about 3 weeks ago for members of the club to express there interest about attending last night as it was capped at 100 members. On that email there was a link for members who were unsuccessful in being able to attend to submit questions. There was also a QR code on the doors around the Centre of Excellence where this took place where those in attendance could also submit questions. The questions asked and answered were a mix of those that were submitted.
Undoubtely the 1st few rounds are crucial, but the buzz last night around the start of the season all 4 of Beach, Sarantinos, MON & Ryles were all highly optimsitic and confident but also vigiliant of the quality of sides we will play that we could go to Melbourne & Brisbane and win both.
Thank you for the write up and there is a lot of good stuff in there to unpack.
Sorry folks but I'm still not onboard with the recruitment strategy all the way.
Waiting for the right opportunity in an expanding market is fools gold.
I've said this forever and other clubs are doing it and have been doing it for years but we need to be looking further and wider to make opportunities happen not sit and wait,chase the opportunities make them happen.I mean it's exactly how you end up with a Semi Radradra players and talent like this are paper thin already sitting and waiting I for one hate that strategy around recruitment.
Marquee middles that's good luck too it's great there having a crack but they need to finish what they've started and they need to be in communication with managers planting the seed.
Development is the way and I've got no problems there but we need to turbo charge it by adding the above mentioned.5-7 year wait is too long and it's great we have juniors coming but what about Moses are we saying we can't win now with him.That's why I'm all about making recruitment opportunities happen.
The way the clubs handled the Lomax affair has been spot on and could make them.Absolutely psyched how they've gone about it.
Like some have said the extension of JR needs to be soughted sooner than later
Its funny you mention that Coryn on finding Semi Radadra types. Sarantinos did touch on last night the club is looking at areas that are untapped markets for players for the club to sign and develop and turn into NRL players. He did mention as some of the Pasifka Nations as potientally somewhere the club may look to scout.
On the 5-7yr comment, it was mainly directed at the talent of kids we have sitting in either Harold Matts & SG Ball. The 14-15-16-17yr olds who realistically if the club does its job and the pathway system works should be within that 5-7yr bracket from playing NRL if good enough.
MON also gave an insight on how communcation with managers works without going into specifics, believe me what was said last night we are 100% in the market for a marquee but we arent just going to sign one for the sake of it unless they are one of the topline players in the game that will immediately change our side astronmically where it doesnt matter the style of play this player plays. So basically one of the top 3-4 players in a position. Unless that occurs they were very up front and honest that there recrutiment process is looking at players who suit and will fit the style of play Ryles wants as well as the right culture and character fit.
Thanks for the clarification those are positive signs I believe to turbo charge the success around recruitment really needs to happen.
I know over here in NZ the warriors as an example have zero qualms targeting rugby kids absolutely zero and the best thing about going in this direction is NZR contracts for these kids aren't close to what nrl development deals are that's a huge bonus.I also see Parra grabbed a kid from high school over here just recently to.
Fiji though man that's the place I'd be all over and I see the Dogs have partnered with a club up there also.
Great points Coryn. Doesn't explain how they still constantly miss out on targets they chase hard.
You have said it for years and it rings true, NZ and Fiji of the likes have so much untapped potential that we should get in on. Get them over at 17-18 and develop them into guns.
Not all will be Semi like, but one might be. You could find similar to Sivo.
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