Five-eighth Dylan Brown knows Parramatta have got themselves a gem in Jason Ryles.
But the incoming Eels coach is facing a daunting task of unearthing a diamond in Parramatta’s junior ranks as the club prepares for life without three of their rising stars.
The defection of teen phenom Blaize Talagi, who is said to be on his way to Penrith, followed news earlier this year promising hooker Matt Arthur and halfback Ethan Sanders will quit at the end of 2024.
Arthur, son of Ryles’ predecessor Brad, has yet to secure a club after being granted freedom to explore the open market while Sanders will head to Canberra next season.
The trio were regarded as the future of Parramatta but their exits are likely to create a void Ryles has to fill in the coming years as the Eels attempt to climb out of the NRL cellar.
Talagi, who will start at centre in Friday’s away clash against the Warriors, was promised the chance to replace captain Clint Gutherson as the Eels’ first-choice fullback.
His exit is a major blow for Ryles and comes amid suggestions prominent agent Isaac Moses wields too large an influence over Parramatta’s roster.
While the exodus of young talent is a concern, Ryles will have flexibility with only three players – incoming winger Zac Lomax, prop Junior Paulo and halfback Mitchell Moses – tied down until 2026.
Brown has options in his favour to extend his deal with the club beyond 2025 and was excited at the potential of working with Ryles.
“He’s been ringing round and checking up on us and after speaking to some of the boys after the Melbourne game they were gutted they lost him,” Brown said.
“That speaks volumes about him, they all said, ‘You’ve got a gem’.
“I’ve heard nothing but great things about him.”
Brown said the chance to impress Ryles as well as avoid the wooden spoon was keeping the Eels’ attention focused on finishing the year strongly.
The 24-year-old No.6 said 2024 had been a battle for him, the playmaker conscious he had struggled to fill the void without the dominant influence of Mitchell Moses by his side.
“A few games throughout the year I went away from what I was doing and it affected how I played,” Brown said.
“It (controlling a game) is not really my game, it’s been a steep learning curve.”
Meanwhile, the Warriors announced on Thursday long-serving utility forward Jazz Tevaga would finish up with the club at the end of the year.