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Parramatta coach Jason Ryles predicts Jarome Luai will form a formidable halves combination that will help win games immediately, without blocking the path for the talented youngsters earmarked to take the club into the future.
Luai will join the Eels at the end of the season after Wests Tigers asked their co-captain to finish up early, despite being contracted until the end of 2027. Given Luai has already committed to the PNG Chiefs from 2028, the Tigers decided to move the Samoan international on early in a bid to retain several promising youngsters.
The situation has allowed Parramatta to make an opportunistic acquisition for 2027, securing a four-time premiership-winning playmaker at a cost of just $700,000 – the Tigers will pay $500,000 of his 2027 salary – to partner NSW Origin star Mitchell Moses.
While some pundits have suggested it is a short-sighted approach from the Eels, Ryles said the decision was part of a long-term strategy, rather than a “sugar hit”.
“The opportunity to sign Jarome came up and the thought process behind that was that Jarome’s record speaks for itself – he’s a winner,” Ryles said.
“Culturally, we see him as a good fit, and he gives us an opportunity to win now, but then also give our younger halves more time to develop – that’s with his tutelage.
“That was our thought process behind it. When Jarome became available, we jumped on it and we’re here today.”
Some Eels fans are sceptical given the last stop-gap arrangement the club entered into, with Jonah Pezet, has not worked. The former Melbourne half joined the blue and golds this season on his way to a three-year deal with Brisbane that begins next year. Yet Pezet has had only a limited impact during an injury-riddled stint.
However, Ryles said the club was in a unique position after Dylan Brown activated a get-out clause to accept a life-changing offer to join Newcastle, and didn’t want to impede the pathway of promising playmakers Lincoln Fletcher, Lorenzo Talataina, Talen Risati and Joash Papalii.
“We’ve got some talent there that we need to make sure we give an opportunity to,” Ryles said.
“My through process is when I took on the role, I knew there was some heavy lifting early we needed to get through.
“Obviously the Dylan [departure] took us a little bit by surprise, so we had to pivot a bit there. But I want to set this up so that it’s sustainable and long term, as opposed to having a sugar hit.
“The biggest thing for me, I want to win now, too. Not just because we have to win – I want to win for our fans, I want to give ourselves an opportunity to.
“Whilst there’s a lot of good fundamentals put in place with our culture and how our coaching is, it’s important to get some experienced players around our younger guys to help them develop quicker.”
The combination of halfback Moses and Luai at five-eighth has great potential for the Eels. The pair has combined well previously for NSW at State of Origin level, including a win in the 2024 series decider at Suncorp Stadium.
“I’m a big believer that players make players,” Ryles said.
“Mitchell will help Jarome, and Jarome will help Mitchell. At the same time, they will help the players around them with their organisation and experience.
“It’s exciting and important that we get them back in one piece after Christmas.”
Asked if the two big personalities would be prepared to put their egos aside for the good of the team, Ryles said: “I think Mitchell cops a bad rap in regards to [that] – he’s very team-first with our group at the moment.
“He’s always helped the younger players. Whilst he’s a competitor and the scoreboard means a lot to him, he’s got a deep care for the young guys coming through, and he’s helping out as much as he can.
“I think they will both be fine with that.”
Young Eels playmakers Fletcher, Talataina and Risati are considered among the best in their respective age groups, but are about 12 to 18 months away from being ready for first grade. Fletcher, for instance, only made his NSW Cup debut last weekend, while five Eels were selected in the 2026 Australian Schoolboys side.
Ryles said there had been a deliberate plan with his spine appointments since his arrival at Parramatta. He pointed to the contract extension of Moses, the recruitment of youngsters Isaiah Iongi at fullback and Tallyn Da Silva at hooker, the continued development of dummy half Ryley Smith and not buying over the top of the next generation of talent.
“We’re a big pathways club, and it’s important we give those guys the opportunity. In this situation, this has been the best resolution for us,” Ryles said.
“Whilst it looks like short-term thinking … it’s important our fans understand there is a strategy and a plan there. It’s not about a quick fix, it’s about the long-term future in being a successful footy club.”
