Melbourne Storm has been “mixing things up” for Jason Ryles, who, should he be chosen to succeed Brad Arthur, might inherit Parramatta with abilities that extend beyond the coach’s box.
A committee chaired by chief executive Jim Sarantinos has been tasked with selecting the next coach for the Eels. Arthur, a former Craig Bellamy assistant in Melbourne, was fired following the team’s crushing defeat to the Storm in Brisbane last Saturday. Ryles is one of the names that is being closely linked to the position.
Ryles was enticed to return to Storm, where he concluded his playing career, with the hope of succeeding Bellamy. However, after the head coach decided to continue for an incredible 23rd season in 2025, Ryles finds himself in a precarious situation.
After working under England coach Eddie Jones and for the Wallabies, as well as with Trent Robinson at the Sydney Roosters before moving back to Melbourne, Ryles has amassed a noteworthy coaching résumé.
Should the Eels come knocking, Bellamy said the 45-year-old would go with his blessing and a few new abilities.
Bellamy stated on Wednesday, “We don’t want him to go, but those kinds of opportunities don’t come around very often, so if he wanted to go, I wouldn’t imagine we would stand in his way.”
“He’s performing incredibly well for us.
In addition to playing defense with our ruck, he has taken on the responsibilities of leadership coach and some recruiting. We’re disarraying things for him.
After what he described as a “tough call,” Bellamy stated he would get in touch with Arthur in the upcoming days, sure that he will end up at a different club.
“He is a good coach and a really good person, so I’m sure he will find another club,” Bellamy remarked.
On Friday night, Storm will play Manly at Brookvale Oval. Star halfback Jahrome Hughes is expected to make a comeback from a calf problem, while Cameron Munster, who may miss up to 10 weeks due to an adductor tear, will not be available.
Bellamy, however, stated after the game that Hughes wouldn’t be hurried back simply because Munster was out because of how effectively his team performed without both in the Eels’ 2nd-half annihilation.
It would have been simpler to say, “This is getting too hard, he Musters out,” if that’s how they started the second half and kept going from there.”You know, Hughsey and Paps (Ryan Papenhuyzen) aren’t here,” he remarked.
They all seemed to have doubled down on something pretty significant, in my opinion. They are aware of their responsibilities and are fully committed to fulfilling them.
“It was excellent how they answered.”
That’s how it appeared, so, yes, after a few setbacks, I was really pleased and proud of the way they performed. They had a great 10- or 12-minute stretch there that cost Parramatta the game.
