WOK SERVES UP SECRET RECIPE FOR EELS SUCCESS
Dean Ritchie
Legendary rugby league coach Warren Ryan has told incoming Eels coach Jason Ryles that Parramatta needs five old-school, hard-nosed players prepared to front up every week when the “s--t hits the fan”.
As he continues to prepare for his first season as an NRL head coach, Ryles brainstormed with Ryan and Immortal Andrew Johns over a Chinese lunch in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, ahead of taking his seat in the Eels’ hot seat.
Ryles absorbed several tips from Ryan, a two-time premiership-winning coach, as well as Johns and ex-Bulldogs grand final champion Paul Langmack during a two-hour get-together.
With his notebook in hand, Ryles met the group at Hotel Maroubra before walking to the nearby Cheung Sing BBQ House on Anzac Parade.
“Warren changed the game a fair bit during the 1980s, along with Jack Gibson, so it was good to be in his presence,” Ryles said of the man nicknamed “Wok”, with whom he also shares a strong connection to the NSW south coast.
“I took a lot of things on board. The one thing that stood out was that he’s right across today’s game and how it’s played.
“He is a really closer observer. It was impressive.”
Ryles has served his coaching apprenticeship under some of the sharpest minds in coaching.
He has been an assistant to Craig Bellamy at Melbourne, Trent Robinson at the Sydney Roosters and Eddie Jones in English rugby.
Ryles was keen to add Ryan to the list of luminaries he’s learned from as he attempts to rebuild Parramatta from this year’s 15th-place finish.
“I am looking to see what I can get out of guys that have done it before and learn from them and thought it was a good opportunity to see Warren,” Ryles, 45, said.
“Joey organised it and we basically chewed the fat about life and footy. It was a really good arvo.”
Ryan, now 82, is credited with being a revolutionary coach – one of the most influential in the 20th century.
He won premierships with Canterbury in 1984 and 1985 before taking Balmain to grand finals in 1988 and 1989.
Ryles isn’t the first coach to seek advice from Ryan, who coached 415 first-grade games with a success rate of 56 per cent.
New Broncos coach Michael Maguire met with Ryan before this year’s State of Origin series, while Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has previously caught up with the former Newtown, Canterbury, Balmain, Wests and Newcastle coach.
“Wok has a wealth of knowledge and is very analytical,” Langmack said. “He changed the way rugby league was played.
“Everyone goes to Wok because they know how good he was. If they thought he was s--t, they wouldn’t worry about him.
“They don’t come for me or Joey (Johns), they come for Wok.
“Jason was listening, asking questions and offering his knowledge, too, on how the game has changed.”
Along with Blues and Eels halfback Mitch Moses, Maguire returned to shout Ryan, Johns and Langmack lunch after NSW’s State of Origin success this year.
Ryan has often told coaches that he would always be prepared to help their careers if required and had advice for Ryles before Parramatta returns for pre-season training on November 4.
“Wok told Jason he needed five blokes who were winners with a tough attitude, players who do the hard yards, the work no one really notices,” Langmack said.
“Players who roll up their sleeves up and get dirty every game. Players you can’t win without.
“When the s--t hits the fan, they are the blokes who lead the charge, players that lay the platform, hard-nose workers, taking the ball up, chasing kicks.
“If you don’t work hard then you don’t win. In all forms of life, talent gets you identified but workers are winners.
“Jason, Madge and Cameron are coaches who want to learn more. The minute you stop learning, you should retire.
“If you think you know everything, you’re an idiot.
“Jason had to leave after lunch but myself, Wok and Joey agreed he was super impressive. He’s on the same page. He is a good fella and I hope he does well.”
Langmack was part of Ryan’s triumphant Canterbury side that was nicknamed the Dogs of War.
He often catches up with his old mentor for lunch in a group that regularly includes Johns and former stars David “Cement” Gillespie and John “Joe Cool” Dorahy. — with Adam Mahmud and 3 others.
Replies
Hope it was a succulent Chinese meal
I reckon you could possibly throw in Lomax to that list. From what I have seen of him lately, he doesn't give up. Exactly what we need.
Guymer will probably fit in there but just needs more experience. The problem is our forwards lack in this area and this is where you need those players who do majoirty of defence. You only listed 2 of 5 on the list as fowards.
Hopefully Ryles can unearth some juniors or 1 of our signings can step up. If Ryles focuses on fitness and attitude a few existing players or starters will be dropped or on bench then someone like Jack Williams can step up to fit that mould.
I like Gymer, given more game time and experience I think he will be a real workhorse. Bit like Ruben Cotter from the Cows.
Jack Williams can definately fit that, he has the experience and has a good engine. Guymer has same motor though limited experience. I think there is a chance we get one more forward, either back-rower or prop for the 17.
I could only come up with Williams and Gutho.
I don't think this is a revelation per se. Every club needs high standards and a high floor as well.
Melbourne is built on that ethos. They structure their side where it's mostly made up of hard workers, and then sprinkle the talent through their spine and backline.
Great to see Ryies meeting with the wok, although the modern game is different - the game still has principles from the past that still hold true.
I like what Ryles is doing.. Getting advise from some great coaches.. Looks like he's all in in building PARRA the great club culture back..
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