The Parramatta Eels' rebuild is well and truly underway, with Jason Ryles' side looking to climb back into the top eight in 2026.

In truth, the Eels were closer than you might expect looking at the ladder from 2025, but the issue was Mitchell Moses spending far too long on the sidelines injured.

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.

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.

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.

Here are the key questions for the Eels heading into 2026.

Does Jack de Belin start?

Jack de Belin is one of the more intriguing signings heading into 2026, leaving the Dragons after the Red V failed to offer him a new contract.

The veteran leaving the Dragons could be a blow to that club, and ultimately a net gain for Parramatta even as his career approaches its twilight.

De Belin was the Dragons' best middle third forward in 2025, and while that's not saying a lot in a team that finished bottom four, the long-term middle has a great tackling technique and all the experience and ability to still be starting at most teams across the competition.

What will now be intriguing is whether he or Dylan Walker starts at lock, with the other to come from the bench.

Both will play and have big roles, but Ryles needs to get the starting call right.

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