Parramatta set to chase Bulldogs flyer as Ryles’ rebuild continues

Incoming Parramatta Eels coach Jason Ryles isn’t waiting for the 2024 season to end to start his roster rebuild of the club as he looks to rejuvenate his playing stocks.

Ryles has already given veteran players like Maika Sivo, Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Ryan Matterson permission to leave the club as he looks to bring a more youthful feel to the famous club.

After making his Penrith Panthers prospect Isaiah Iongi his first official signing days ago, Ryles is set to re-ignite talks with a target the club unsuccessfully tried to recruit last year under Brad Arthur.

“The Eels realise they need a bit more speed out wide,” Proszenko said on SEN 1170 NRL Crunch Time.

“One of the guys they’re looking at is Blake Wilson from the Bulldogs.

“The Eels had a crack at him not so long ago and were unsuccessful and now he’s off-contract they’re having another little prod.

“Wilson’s a good player, he’s played 21 NRL games, he’s not a certain starter every week, he could be a handy pickup if the Eels go that way.”

SEN’s Scott Sattler admitted whilst the signing would be beneficial for the club, he wonders whether it could be another sign that club captain Clint Gutherson is on the outers

“It’s a really good signing (if they get it done), so well done Jason Ryles,” Sattler added.

“The big question is, that’s a sign that Gutho is either going to play another position or possibly for another club.

“You’d think the first priority for them would be, he puts the club first every time and you want those players in your club.”

Gutherson is contracted with the Eels until the end of the 2025 season on a deal worth just shy of $1 million per year.