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.
Will Ryan Matterson win a spot?
Ryan Matterson was once one of the best versatile forwards in the game.
Even playing off the bench for Parramatta, his minutes and production were enormous.
But then the wheels fell off. He was dropped to reserve grade in 2025 and wound up finishing the year on a loan deal in England.
That's not to say he doesn't have plenty to offer though. At his best, he is an impossibility to tackle, and hits hard in defence.
While Parramatta's bench looks relatively locked in with Tallyn Da Silva, either de Belin or Walker, and Kitione Kautoga to join Sam Tuivaiti in the other two spots, there is no doubt the influence and impact Matterson brings if he is at his best.
“What will now be intriguing is whether he or Dylan Brown starts at lock, with the other to come from the bench.”
Can’t see Brown suiting up at lock for the Eels.