Ryles to dismiss Barrett in first major Eels move, unveiling surprising No. 1 plans.

Incoming Parramatta Eels coach Jason Ryles has quickly started making changes, reportedly moving on caretaker Trent Barrett and offering the No. 1 jersey to one of the club’s young talents.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Ryles, who recently signed a four-year contract starting next year, will bring a new set of assistant coaches, ending Barrett’s time at the club. Barrett had taken over as interim coach after Brad Arthur was sacked earlier in the season and was a top candidate to replace him permanently.

However, the Eels chose Ryles, a former Storm and Roosters assistant coach, who decided not to retain Barrett, his long-time teammate from the St George Illawarra Dragons. Ryles will bring his own coaching staff, none from the Melbourne Storm due to a clause preventing him from poaching their staff for 12 months.

Barrett isn’t the only expected departure. Veterans Ryan Matterson and Maika Sivo have reportedly been given permission to seek new deals, and co-captain Clint Gutherson may shift from fullback to accommodate superstar prospect Blaize Talagi.

Talagi, 19, has garnered significant attention since emerging earlier this year, with the Knights, Dolphins, and Dragons all interested in him and possibly his younger brother. Ryles is focused on re-signing Talagi, who paused contract talks until a permanent head coach was named.

Ryles has discussed the possibility of Talagi taking over the fullback role from Gutherson, potentially moving the 29-year-old to center or wing.