Jason Ryles remains optimistic about Parramatta’s potential, despite the team’s winless start to the 2025 season.
In Sunday’s narrow 16-8 defeat to the Bulldogs, the Eels delivered their most promising performance of the year, applying sustained pressure on Canterbury during the second half. Though they struggled to convert that pressure into points, Ryles was encouraged by the grit and determination displayed, which he hopes the team can build upon moving forward.
“There were moments where we lacked polish, but the fight, effort, and commitment to representing the badge were much improved,” Ryles said in his post-match assessment.
“The players spoke about making it personal in terms of their performance today. We’ve been talking about it for a while, and now we’re starting to see some positive signs.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t get the result we wanted, but if we can maintain that level of effort and intensity more consistently, I believe we’ll put ourselves in a strong position going forward.”
Ahead of the match at CommBank Stadium, Ryles made a bold call by dropping halfback Ronald Volkman in favor of former Rabbitohs playmaker Dean Hawkins. The decision showed promise, with the 26-year-old linking well with five-eighth Dylan Brown.
However, Ryles emphasized that the team still needs time to develop cohesion as the players get used to each other.
“We’ll review the game, and it will give us a clearer picture and solutions, but on the surface, it’s about building that cohesion,” Ryles explained.
“We’ve got a lot of new faces – Dean Hawkins’ first game of the year, his combination with Dylan (Brown), Isaiah (Iongi) in just his fourth NRL game, and Joey Lussick’s first appearance for us this season.
“While we have quality players in key positions, it’s about developing those combinations that will help us progress.”
One of the bright spots in the close loss was new recruit Zac Lomax. The versatile centre delivered an impressive performance, racking up 249 run metres, a display that Ryles said was exactly what the team expects from him.
“That’s just who Zac is,” Ryles said.
“He’s a quality player whose strengths lie in carrying the ball and contesting high kicks. We try to give him as many opportunities as we can in those areas.
“Zac’s just doing his job for the team, but he’s also taken on roles he didn’t necessarily have to, which speaks volumes about his character.
“He’s willing to do whatever it takes to help us win.
“He defends on the wing, attacks at centre, and, as you’ve probably noticed, pops up all over the field. He switches between the left and right sides and even steps into dummy-half at times. We just want him involved as much as possible.
“That was, by far, his best game
for us.”
