Parramatta coach Jason Ryles insists the Eels are on the right trajectory, but their 18-10 loss to the reigning premiers Penrith Panthers was a frustrating reminder that progress without polish won’t win matches.
Leading 10-6 midway through the second half, the Eels looked poised to spring an upset before Panthers talisman Nathan Cleary took control.
With a precision 40/20 and an ice-cold sideline conversion, Cleary showed why he’s widely regarded as the best halfback in the game — leaving NSW teammate Mitchell Moses to concede:
“He was on fire… he just killed us.”
The loss leaves Parramatta languishing near the bottom of the ladder with just four wins from 12 outings, but Ryles remains optimistic.
“It’s disappointing, but we self-inflicted a lot of that onto ourselves,” Ryles said post-match. “Penalties, play-one errors, missed opportunities — our execution let us down. But we played a fully loaded, four-time premiership side, and we were right in it.”
Ryles, who has seen signs of improvement in recent weeks, emphasised the Eels’ evolving style and effort but admitted discipline and conversion remain key concerns.
“We’re seeing flashes of who we want to be — fast, unpredictable, playing to our strengths. But until we execute consistently, we’ll keep falling just short.”
Moses echoed the sentiment, recognising the team’s development but lamenting yet another missed opportunity.
“We’re close… but it’s frustrating. That’s not a bad performance, but it’s not enough. We need to finish games with the same intensity we start them.”
Despite the loss, both Ryles and Moses stressed belief in their squad’s direction. But with the Eels anchored near the cellar, belief must now be matched by execution — and fast.