Trent Barrett, Parramatta’s caretaker coach, will not be part of Jason Ryles’ support staff as the incoming coach seeks a clean break from the Brad Arthur era, including a pitch for Blaize Talagi to take over the fullback position if he remains at the club.
Barrett, a former Sea Eagles and Bulldogs coach who was one of the final four candidates in the competition to take over at the Eels, is set to leave the blue and golds at the end of the season after being appointed temporary coach after Arthur was fired earlier this season.
According to people involved with the situation who are not permitted to discuss it publicly, Ryles will bring in a totally new assistant coaching squad for the Eels, amid speculation Barrett could return to the same capacity he held under Arthur for 18 months.
Ryles’ decision will be viewed as putting his personal imprint on the club after Barrett auditioned for the Eels job, which was ultimately determined earlier this month.
Barrett has guided the Eels to only one win in seven games since taking over from Arthur, and he is attempting to break a five-game losing streak that has included narrow losses to finals contenders including as the Bulldogs, Roosters, and Knights.
Eels bosses have been rapt with the efforts of Barrett since taking over and visited him to tell him in person he’d missed out on the coveted job to Ryles, despite the backing of high-profile stars such as Mitchell Moses.
Ryles, a former assistant to Craig Bellamy, Trent Robinson, and Eddie Jones at England rugby union, will put his own imprint on the Eels, with Barrett, a longtime St George Illawarra teammate during their playing days, expected to be one of the first casualties.
Ryles has signed an agreement with the Storm that states he will not be able to poach any of their employees for the next 12 months as part of an early release, and he will begin working in the background for the Eels as soon as this week. Barrett will continue guiding the club for the remainder of the season.
