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The Parramatta Eels’ rebuild is well and truly underway, with Jason Ryles’ side looking to climb back into the top eight in 2026.<\/p>\n
In truth, the Eels were closer than you might expect looking at the ladder from 2025, but the issue was Mitchell Moses<\/a> spending far too long on the sidelines injured.<\/p>\n Moses may well be the most important individual player to any team anywhere in the competition, and if he stays fit, combined with a handful of new signings for the blue and gold, then there is a very real chance the Eels climb the ladder in 2026.<\/p>\n Selection questions remain for the blue and gold though, particularly in the outside backs and forward pack, with Ryles already creating a reputation for not holding back if he believes change is needed.<\/p>\n The squad already looks very different from the one that started 2025 with a number of players not making the cut in Ryles’ future vision for the Eels.<\/p>\n Here are the key questions for the Eels heading into 2026.<\/p>\n Penisini, Addo-Carr and who?<\/p>\n The Parramatta Eels<\/a> backline does have some questions lingering over it heading into 2026, although there does seem to be a fairly clear first-choice.<\/p>\n Josh Addo-Carr<\/a> and Will Penisini<\/a> are absolute guarantees to start on the wing and at centre respectively, while the other wing and centre spot would appear slightly more up in the air.<\/p>\n One would also expect Bailey Simonsson<\/a> to win a spot on the wing, although he could yet play centre, pending on who the other selection is.<\/p>\n That likely would have been Sean Russell<\/a>, but now things aren’t so clear following the off-season signing of Brian Kelly<\/a> from the Gold Coast Titans<\/a>. His experience could yet see him slot into the centres if Jason Ryles<\/a> is impressed by what he brings during the pre-season.<\/p>\n