The Parramatta Eels enter the 2026 NRL season looking to continue growing after finishing 11th in 2025. With Jason Ryles driving their campaign, the club will be aiming to break into the top eight for the first time since their 2022 Grand Final appearance.
Season Preview
The Parramatta Eels enter the 2026 season following an encouraging finish to their 2025 campaign.
Under new head coach Jason Ryles, the club committed to a full rebuild, moving on from much of Brad Arthur’s roster and placing a strong focus on youth. Early in the season, the inexperience of the squad was evident, with heavy losses common. As the year progressed, however, the team improved steadily and Ryles’ long-term vision became increasingly clear.
The Eels have made only a handful of additions ahead of 2026, bringing in Jack De Belin, Brian Kelly, and Jonah Pezet. With a settled core group that is now more battle-hardened after many players completed their first full NRL season, Parramatta will be aiming to improve on their 11th-place finish and mark the true beginning of the Ryles era.
Best Signing
Jonah Pezet
The signing was controversial for some, particularly given Pezet joined on a one-year deal before later making his way to the Broncos. However, when viewed more closely, it is a smarter move than it is often given credit for. Pezet has already shown glimpses of brilliance during his time at the Storm and is expected to make an immediate impact alongside one of the game’s premier halfbacks, Mitch Moses.
Just as importantly, his arrival gives Ryles valuable time to develop the club’s many young halves coming through the Eels’ junior system, all of whom will soon be competing to secure the five-eighth role on a long-term basis.
Key Player
Mitchell Moses
The statistics are clear. When Moses is unavailable due to injury or representative duties, the Eels are far more likely to lose. When he plays, they compete — and often win.
As captain and on-field leader, Moses has firmly established himself as one of the game’s elite halfbacks, alongside players such as Nathan Cleary. For Parramatta to reach their full potential, he must remain fit and available for the entire season.
Player to Watch
Lorenzo Talataina
Lorenzo Talataina appears destined to eventually partner Moses in the halves. After leading the Eels’ SG Ball side to a Grand Final appearance last year, he quickly rose through the grades and was featuring regularly in NSW Cup by season’s end.
Talataina is expected to spend the full 2026 season in reserve grade. While an NRL debut is unlikely this year, it does not appear far away.
Draw Analysis
The opening rounds present a challenging start, with only two of the first five matches at home and fixtures against the Storm, Broncos, and Panthers included in that stretch. If there is an early test of where this team truly sits, the opening month of the season will provide it.
The State of Origin period could also play a significant role, particularly if Moses is selected for New South Wales. While Parramatta benefits from several byes during this window, there may be occasions where Moses would be required to back up just days after Origin. Given his injury history, the club may choose to manage his workload carefully.
The run home features a number of matches against teams that missed the top eight last season, including the Cowboys, Rabbitohs, Dragons, and Dolphins. While these games are not guaranteed wins, they do present an opportunity. If the Eels are playing confident football, this stretch could allow them to build momentum toward a potential finals campaign.
Big Questions
- Will Pezet work out for the team?
- Will Moses stay fit?
- Can Ryles build on 2025?
Predicted Finish
Outside Chance
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Related Items
- 🔁 2025 Season Review: https://rugbyleaguezone.com/parramatta-eels-2025-season-review-and-statistical-breakdown/
- 📅 2026 Draw & Fixtures: https://rugbyleaguezone.com/parramatta-eels-2026-nrl-fixtures-squad-list-and-player-signings/
