Five Parramatta Eels Players Who Must Step Up in 2026
As Parramatta Eels aim to translate 2025’s foundational progress into a finals push under Jason Ryles, five players face heightened pressure to elevate their performances. After a season of reset—marked by roster upheaval, positional experiments, and a 11th-place finish (10 wins, 14 losses)—Ryles’ side needs key contributors to bridge the gap between promise and results.
Mitchell Moses must stay fit and consistent. His 2025 return transformed the Eels’ attack, but injury interruptions undermined momentum. With Jonah Pezet joining on a one-year deal to learn from him, Moses must lead the spine with decisive kicking and game management. Jonah Pezet himself needs to justify his controversial signing. Tasked with stabilising halves depth alongside Moses, he must adapt quickly to NRL intensity and prove his short-term stay adds immediate value.
Joash Papali, one of the young halves blooded after Dylan Brown’s departure to Newcastle, must refine his decision-making. While showing flashes of talent, he struggled with consistency in 2025 and needs to develop composure under pressure. Ryley Smith, who emerged as a regular dummy half, must enhance his speed from the ruck and defensive resilience. His battle with Talon De Silva for the starting role demands improved accuracy in service and leadership.
Dylan Walker, acquired mid-2025 as a ball-playing forward, needs to increase his impact. Though a useful bench option, he must boost his tackle busts and offloads to become a genuine attacking threat in the middle. These five players hold the key to Parramatta’s finals aspirations, as Ryles seeks to build on last season’s progress and turn short-term pain into long-term success.
