In a week where the Parramatta Eels should be focused on bouncing back and climbing the NRL ladder, internal tensions have once again bubbled to the surface. The surprise recall of Dylan Brown to the starting side has sparked significant unrest within the squad — particularly with outside back Bailey Simonsson, who has now requested a release from the club for the third time in less than a month.
At the centre of the growing discord is the decision from head coach Jason Ryles to consider Brown for a centre role in place of the injured Sean Russell for this weekend’s clash against the North Queensland Cowboys. The move has clearly unsettled Simonsson, who believes he was overlooked unfairly for the position and has taken steps to push for an exit from the club.
A Brewing Rift Between Simonsson and Ryles
Tensions between Simonsson and Ryles have been mounting since the Eels’ 40-16 defeat at the hands of the Canberra Raiders in Round 20 — a match that ultimately saw Simonsson dropped from the NRL side. Since then, the 26-year-old has been running out on the wing in the NSW Cup, but he hasn’t been able to force his way back into the first-grade side, despite Russell’s injury opening a spot in the centres.
The situation escalated this week when Simonsson was informed by Ryles that he would not be considered for the vacant centre role in the upcoming match, and that both Dylan Brown and Jordan Samrani were ahead of him in the pecking order. While Samrani has been named to wear the No.4 jersey, sources suggest that Brown is expected to start in his place, despite his impending departure from the club.
For Simonsson, it was the final straw in an increasingly frustrating period. He immediately submitted a formal request to be released from his contract — his third such request in just a few weeks.
Miscommunication or Misunderstanding?
What makes the situation even more complex is the apparent miscommunication around Simonsson’s positional preferences. According to insiders, Simonsson had previously informed the club that his preferred position was on the wing — not in the centres, where he was playing prior to being dropped.
Coach Jason Ryles reportedly took that preference into account and has since played him exclusively on the wing in reserve grade. However, it now appears that Simonsson’s message may have been misunderstood. Sources close to the player insist that he never ruled himself out of playing in the centres, but simply expressed that he felt more comfortable on the wing when asked about his ideal role.
This subtle distinction seems to have been missed or misinterpreted by coaching staff, resulting in Simonsson being overlooked for a position he was, in fact, open to playing.
Brown’s Recall Raises Eyebrows
The decision to bring Dylan Brown back into the centres has added another layer of controversy. Brown, who is set to depart the club at the end of the season, hasn’t played consistently in the centres and is more known for his role in the halves. His inclusion ahead of committed squad members like Simonsson has raised questions among fans and analysts alike about the club’s selection priorities.
There is also a growing sentiment that Ryles’ handling of the situation may be contributing to low morale among certain members of the playing group, especially as the Eels struggle to find consistency late in the season.
What’s Next for Simonsson?
Simonsson’s future at Parramatta now looks increasingly uncertain. Despite being a talented and versatile backline player, his relationship with the coaching staff appears strained, and repeated release requests suggest he’s looking for a fresh start elsewhere. Whether the club grants his release remains to be seen, but if the internal rift continues to grow, the situation may become untenable for both parties.
For now, he continues to play in the NSW Cup — though perhaps not for much longer.
A Club at a Crossroads
This latest incident reflects a broader challenge facing Parramatta as they navigate a difficult season. With player dissatisfaction, internal miscommunication, and inconsistent performances on the field, the Eels appear to be a club at a crossroads.
Coach Jason Ryles is facing mounting pressure not just to win games, but to stabilise a playing group that seems increasingly unsettled. How he and the club handle the Simonsson saga could set the tone for the remainder of the season — and have lasting effects on the squad’s cohesion going forward.
As it stands, Parramatta’s season may hinge just as much on resolving off-field issues as it does on what happens over 80 minutes on game day.