Andrew Johns has praised coach Jason Ryles for giving the next generation of Parramatta Eels players a “head start” by removing Dylan Brown from the starting line-up. Ryles has made several bold decisions this season, the latest being the exclusion of Brown from the halves, a move that has sparked debate among rugby league legends.
In recent weeks, Brown has played various positions including five-eighth, hooker, and lock, while rookie Joash Papalii has stepped into the pivotal No. 6 role. With Brown set to leave the Eels after this season, Ryles announced a preference to develop a young spine for the team’s remaining matches. Following a 32-10 loss to the Penrith Panthers, Ryles emphasized the club’s direction towards youth.
Notably, Brad Fittler disagrees with the decision, arguing that the best team should be fielded for the fans’ sake. However, Johns supports Ryles’ approach, highlighting that giving Papalii significant game time allows him to prepare for next season. He believes this strategy is wise, allowing the Eels to assess Papalii’s capabilities ahead of time.
Johns envisions a promising future for Parramatta, especially with halfback Mitch Moses currently sidelined due to injury. The glimpses of potential shown by the younger players are encouraging for Eels supporters. He predicts that the team’s success may come sooner than anticipated, saying that Ryles has already made impactful choices this year.
In summary, while there is division among rugby league pundits regarding Ryles’ decision to prioritise youth over immediate results, Johns lauds it as a strategic move that could benefit the club’s future ambitions.