Moses, stability, speed, kids and culture: Why there’s hope for Eels in 2026

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The decision to give Dylan Brown one last hurrah before joining Newcastle on a $14 million mega deal was “not a reward, but a mark of respect for the way he’s handled himself”, says Parramatta coach Jason Ryles.

The Eels cannot play finals football this season but more than 20,000 fans will head to CommBank Stadium on Sunday, partly to farewell Brown, but mostly to celebrate the end of a campaign that has exceeded expectations.

Brown, who announced at the start of the season he would take up a 10-year deal with Newcastle, has been used sparingly during the second half of the season, and certainly not in his preferred No.6 jersey – with young gun Joash Papalii preferred at five-eighth.

“I’d been thinking about Dylan for a while, and while we were never going to make room for him this last game, the opportunity came up,” Ryles said.

“Joash Papalii was booked in for surgery on his wrist, but the surgeon could only get it done early Monday, so that meant we could kick things along a little quicker [and bring back Brown].

“[The recall] is not a reward for Dylan, but a mark of respect from myself and the club. He’s been exceptional, the way he’s conducted himself since the news.”

Dylan Brown will play his last game for the Eels on Sunday.

The Eels were in contention for the wooden spoon, but have won four of their past six games, and are short-priced favourites to thump the struggling Knights.

Ryles was always going to take time to put his polish on the western Sydney club, but even he would have been surprised by how quickly some of the younger players have looked right at home in the top grade, including fullback Isaiah Iongi and Papalii.

Here are five reasons the blue and gold faithful should be excited about 2026.

1. A fully fit Moses

It’s no coincidence the Eels’ late surge in form has coincided with the return of skipper and halfback Mitchell Moses.

Eels skipper Mitchell Moses has been a big part of the club’s late-season revival.

He has one of the best right boots in the game, forcing the opposition to make the hard yards out of their own end, even at the end of an ordinary set. A foot injury delayed his start to the season, then he injured his calf while in NSW Origin camp. Moses will finish the year with 13 games, which comes on the back of the eight he played last year.

Imagine what might happen if he plays 20 or more?

Expect to see Moses run the ball a lot more next year. He has plenty of speed – he was always a run threat when he burst on to the scene with Wests Tigers – and will rely less on his kicking game in 2026.

2. Stable spine

At the back end of last year the Eels’ “spine” was made up of Clint Gutherson, Brown, Moses, Brendan Hands and Joey Lussick. Gutherson left during the off-season to join St George Illawarra, Brown will soon depart and Hands is now in France.

Joash Papalii had a great first season in the top grade.

Iongi, Papalii and Moses will be better for spending some time together, as will Ryley Smith and recruit Tallyn Da Silva, who will need a full pre-season to get to know how things operate at Parramatta.

Smith, a halfback by trade, could yet double as a No.13 and play a similar role to South Sydney’s Brandon Smith. Regardless, the club should have stability in its key positions next season.

3. The need for speed

The Eels have embraced pace – even among their big men – which suits Ryles’ simple approach of playing fast and direct. Winger Josh Addo-Carr has speed to burn, as do Iongi and Papalii, while Moses does not get enough credit for his “wheels”. Even Junior Paulo stripped 10 kilos and was able to move a lot quicker this year, including laterally. Jack Williams is the prototypical forward for the Eels.

4. Generation Next

For too long, the Eels have struggled to either keep or promote players from their giant nursery, which rivals neighbours Penrith.

But start jotting down the names Lorenzo Talataina and Lincoln Fletcher, both playmakers, fullback Cameron Bamblett, back-rowers Chris Petrus, Samuel Polley and Jezaiah Funa-Iuta, hooker Lachlan Coinakis, and front-rowers Max Popo, Ryda Talagi and Jackson Koina, an Australian Schoolboy pinched from the Brisbane Broncos.

The Eels will have money to spend in 2027, and another experienced forward would not go astray in the short term.

5. Culture reset

If there is one thing Ryles has achieved in his first year at the club, it is getting players to buy in to the changes he has made and to connect with each other and understand the club’s proud history.

He has placed a huge emphasis on “representing the badge”, and getting the players to connect with some of the past greats. It is not uncommon to see former Eels legends at training.

Parramatta had been too “cliquey” in the past. That is no more.

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