NRL Profile: Parramatta Eels

It is all change at Parramatta Eels who will be desperate to put a horror 2024 season behind them when the new NRL campaign gets underway in March.

The Eels are used to being at the pointy end when it comes to the NRL ladder, but they missed out on finals altogether last season.

Now they have a new coach to lead the way, while one club legend was also allowed to move on during the close season.

It means the Eels faithful are left feeling unsure about how the 2025 season will go, but there is plenty of reason to be optimistic.

Let’s take a closer look at the Eels heading into the 2025 NRL season.

A new Eel at the wheel

For the first time in a long time, Parramatta Eels head in to a new season with a new coach at the helm.

After the club decided to part company with coach Brad Arthur last season, they moved to secure Jason Ryles for the start of this season.

It will be Ryles’ first role as head coach in the NRL, and he could not have taken on a much bigger job.

The Eels fans have been starved of success and Ryles will be expected to deliver during his tenure.

The 46-year-old made 271 NRL appearances as a player, before moving in to coaching, where he has held assistant coaching roles with the Sydney Roosters and Melbourne Storm.

It was seen as something of a coup when the Eels lured Ryles to the club, and he has already made his mark on the roster.

Now all eyes will be on him to see if the bold moves pay off.

Gutho on the move

The biggest shock of the close season was the news that club captain Clint Gutherson was allowed to join NRL rivals the Dragons.

Gutherson was a huge fan favourite, but following their worst finish since 2018, finishing 15th, maybe a shake-up was needed.

As well as Gutherson senior prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard has left the Eels, and they are two big holes to fill.

Parramatta have brought in highly-rated youngster Isaiah Iongi to replace Gutherson at fullback, and he has already been catching the eye in pre-season.

Iongi is blessed with an impressive running game, and as soon as he settles in, the Eels could have a top player on their hands.

Parramatta have also strengthened well with the capture of New South Wales State of Origin centre Zac Lomax, who will be a key player.

So too will super quick winger Josh Addo-Carr, who was snapped up following his release from the Bulldogs.

The Eels will also be skippered by one of the best playmakers in the game in the form of Mitchell Moses, who will partner another star man, Dylan Brown, in the halves.

Parramatta Eels odds

The Eels are unlikely to end their near 40-year premiership drought in 2025, and are priced at 23.00 to win the grand final.

However after missing out on finals in the last two seasons, a return to the top eight would be a great place to start.

They are 2.25 to make the eight and 1.65 to miss out.

Any odds displayed were correct at the time of writing and are subject to fluctuation.