The Eels rebuild under first-year coach Jason Ryles is well and truly underway.
In a true clean-out operation, Ryles has made it very clear - you're either with him, or you won't be at the club.
Several players have departed throughout this season, while Ryan Matterson was shipped to England on loan, and Dylan Brown was dropped after he decided he'd be joining the Newcastle Knights from the start of 2026.
It has been a take-no-prisoners approach from Ryles, but after a decade without major success under the coaching of Brad Arthur, it's exactly what the doctor ordered for the blue and gold.
Now, though, is when we get to the most intriguing part of Ryles' rebuild.
The first free agency window. He still has some big calls to make on players off-contract at the end of 2026, but there is absolutely no doubt the Eels will be exploring the open market come November 1 as they look to lock up some more talent as part of their Top 30.
Current Parramatta Eels 2027 squad
Tallyn Da Silva, Jezaiah Funa-Iuta, J'maine Hopgood, Isaiah Iongi, Kitione Kautoga, William Latu, Zac Lomax, Luca Moretti, Mitchell Moses, Joash Papalii, Jordan Samrani, Bailey Simonsson, Ryley Smith, Sam Tuivaiti, Jack Williams
Off-contract at the end of 2026
Josh Addo-Carr, Jack de Belin (club option), Matt Doorey, Charlie Guymer, Brendan Hands, Dean Hawkins, Toni Mataele, Ryan Matterson, Junior Paulo, Richard Penisini, Will Penisini, Sean Russell, Kelma Tuilagi, Ronald Volkman, Dylan Walker
Current best 17 for 2027
1. Isaiah Iongi
2. Zac Lomax
3. Jordan Samrani
4. Bailey Simonsson
5. No player signed.
6. Joash Papalii
7. Mitchell Moses
8. J'maine Hopgood
9. Ryley Smith
10. Sam Tuivaiti
11. Kitione Kautoga
12. Luca Moretti
13. Jack Williams
Interchange
14. Tallyn Da Silva
15. Jezaiah Funa-Iuta
16. William Latu
17. No player signed.
The Eels have what could be described as a slowly reshaping 17 as we look ahead to 2027.
Gone are Dylan Brown, Bryce Cartwright, Shaun Lane, Joe Ofahengaue and Ryan Matterson - he will return for 2026 at the moment but would need a huge season to get a new deal - and in are the likes of Joash Papalii, Jordan Samrani, Sam Tuivaiti and Luca Moretti.
The Eels still have calls to make on the likes of veterans Josh Addo-Carr and Jack de Belin, and their own youngsters like Charlie Guymer, Toni Mataele, Richard Penisini and Sean Russell, while forward pack leader Junior Paulo may not decide on his future for some time.
Whatever decision Paulo and the veterans come to, the Eels will be looking to hit the open market for experience in key areas - guys who will be able to guide their youngsters through.
On the bench at the moment are a couple of players in their first year as Top 30 rostered members - they won't be there come Round 1, but they need guidance.
Middle forwards, edge forwards and wingers or centres, particularly with the likely looming departure of Bailey Simonsson, who has requested a release, are probably where the blue and gold are going to focus their energy.
Option 3: Jake Averillo (The Dolphins)
The Eels, whether they miss out on Meaney or not, may be in a position where they need more than one outside back.
Like Meaney, Jake Averillo brings with him enormous versatility - the ability to play anywhere between number one and six - and talent.
His performances for the Dolphins have been outstanding this year in a team who have become the NRL's highest-scorers despite missing the top eight.
He has been one of their better players in defence, too, and he is a far cry from the player who left the Bulldogs looking for more opportunities.
The Eels would probably need to pay plenty and guarantee him a spot, but they are in a position to do both of those things.
Averillo simply feels like the sort of player who fits the mould of what Jason Ryles is so desperately trying to build in the west of Sydney.
Supposedly, Sharks have told Sifa Talakai and Brayden Hamlyn Uele that they are free to move right now if they can find a club that is interested. If the Eels need some middle firepower, maybe they could run the ruler over them for 2026.