Ryles’ ‘Brutal’ Line in the Sand Vindicated by Cronk After Lomax Release

🏈Parramatta Eels coach Jason Ryles has once again made a tough roster decision, drawing praise from league great Cooper Cronk, who believes the rookie coach is rightfully prioritizing the club’s long-term structure over immediate gains. The focus follows the confirmed, immediate release of star winger Zac Lomax, marking the latest high-profile departure under Ryles’ tenure.

Since taking the reins at the Eels, Ryles has faced heavy criticism for clearing out significant salary cap space by releasing a large cohort of players, including the controversial exits of senior figures like Clint Gutherson and Reagan Campbell-Gillard (RCG). While the turnover has cleared the cap, it has also meant Ryles will not have elite stars like Lomax at his disposal as the club pursues a finals berth in 2026.

👍 Cooper Cronk Tips Cap to Ryles’ Tough Calls

Despite the criticism Ryles has received, Cronk argued that the coach’s recent decisions have been—and will be—vindicated.

“You’ve got to tip your cap to Jason Ryles,” Cronk stated on the Kayo Sports NRL Podcast.

Cronk recalled Ryles’ debut season, noting the immediate scrutiny the coach faced after making early, brutal roster calls. “Rookie coach last year, arrived at Parramatta Eels, and when you’re making decisions based on your own career you’re probably going to keep some players and say ‘I need to win games’,” Cronk said.

Instead, Ryles prioritised long-term vision. The Lomax decision, Cronk suggests, is consistent with this approach. “This is another call from Jason Ryles, he’s like ‘well Zac, if you’re not buying in to what we’re doing, cya later’,” Cronk explained. He believes Ryles is sacrificing short-term results to build a stronger culture: “Ryles has made some really strong decisions that you could argue has put Parramatta a couple of steps back, but are definitely going in the right direction. He’s happy to let Zac move on and re-shape their roster.”

🧱 Roach Calls for Nelson Asofa-Solomona Marquee Signing

Legendary prop Steve Roach echoed Cronk’s sentiments, praising Ryles’ maturity in handling the Lomax situation.

“I reckon Jason Ryles has shown a lot of maturity here, you would still say that he’s a rookie coach, to buy a player to come to Parramatta… and to have the maturity to say ‘we are going to let you go’,” Roach said.

Roach believes Lomax’s exit opens a crucial door for the Eels to recruit a forward and immediately named a marquee target: Nelson Asofa-Solomona.

“I think it opens the door for big Nelson Asofa-Solomona,” Roach argued, emphasizing the Eels’ need for size. “He’s the type of player that can play 50 minutes every week, play the first 20 or 30, have a rest and come on and finish games. I think he’s a presence.”

Roach concluded that Parramatta should prioritize a size upgrade over replacing Lomax with another outside back. “They probably lacked a bit of size… you get worn out if you don’t have size, so I think big Nelson would be perfect for them. I think he’s the type of bloke people will follow. I think he’d really be a good fit for Parramatta.”

💨 Cronk Favours Speed Over Size in the Middle

However, the discussion on the ideal recruit split the two legends, with Cronk expressing doubt that a massive body like Asofa-Solomona was the right fit for the Eels’ immediate needs.

While acknowledging that Asofa-Solomona and Koloamatangi are on Ryles’ target list, Cronk identified a different priority for Parramatta’s pack. “I think one of the things Parramatta needed to fix… they needed some mobile leg speed middle forwards,” he countered.

Cronk pointed to existing players who exemplify this mobile approach, noting that Junior Paulo had a “really good year” after dropping weight and that Dylan Walker provided a strong “point of difference” when he arrived from the Warriors. The debate highlights the strategic fork in the road for Ryles: whether to pursue sheer bulk or dynamic speed to rebuild the Eels’ forward depth.