Parramatta Eels 2026 season preview
2025 recap
The Eels initially struggled under new coach Jason Ryles, before finding some form in the second half of the season.
They never looked like making it into the top eight, but a wooden spoon was a distinct possibility for much of the campaign, before they found some solid form to climb the table.
2025 position: 11th
Key signings
Jack de Belin (St George Illawarra Dragons), Jonah Pezet (Melbourne Storm), Brian Kelly (Gold Coast Titans)
Key departures
Dylan Brown (Newcastle Knights), Bryce Cartwright (Retired), Shaun Lane (Retired), Joey Lussick (Retired), Brendan Hands (Toulouse Olympique), Dean Hawkins (London Broncos), Zac Lomax (Released), Haze Dunster (Released), Wiremu Greig (Released)
Players to watch
The Eels are a completely different prospect when Mitchell Moses is playing, but unfortunately he’s only managed 21 games in the past two seasons. It’s no coincidence that Parra’s form picked up when he returned to fitness last season, and New South Wales sorely missed him after game one in Origin as well. If he can steer clear of injuries this year, the Eels will surely improve on their 11th-placed finish from 2025.
Isaiah Iongi will be hoping to avoid second-season syndrome in 2026. The fullback was outstanding in his first full year in first grade, and now the 22-year-old needs to back it up with another big year.
Young gun
At 23, Jonah Pezet is at the older end of the ‘young gun’ scale, but in NRL terms he’s a relative rookie. The halfback played 18 times across his three seasons with Melbourne Storm, and he’s making a pitstop in Parra for 2026, before heading to the Broncos for 2027. All eyes will be on him this year, not just from a Parra perspective, but from Brisbane fans looking to see Adam Reynolds’ likely replacement.
Our prediction – 8th
I was really impressed with the Eels towards the back end of 2025, and I saw enough to convince me they’ll improve on their 11th place in 2025. A top eight spot might be a stretch, but I just have a feeling they can do it.
