Fijian international Maika Sivo is expected to be the next high-profile player to leave Parramatta as new coach Jason Ryles revamps the team. Despite being under contract for another three years, Sivo may depart due to a decline in performance this season, which has seen the Eels fall to the bottom of the ladder following the dismissal of coach Brad Arthur two months ago. The 30-year-old winger, a fan favorite, is close to reaching 100 tries for the club, having scored 98 in 111 appearances since his debut in 2019.
Former Origin forward Ryan Matterson was the first player informed that he could seek a new team for 2025 following Jason Ryles’ appointment as coach for the next four years. Ryles, who was released early from his position as Storm assistant coach, is starting to plan his head coaching role while caretaker Trent Barrett finishes the current season.
Maika Sivo’s situation with the Eels is complex. He is under contract until the end of next year, with a mutual option for 2026 and a club option for the following season. The Eels are choosing to terminate these options, allowing Sivo to explore opportunities elsewhere.
As part of his early departure agreement, Ryles has committed not to recruit any Melbourne players or off-field staff for at least 12 months. Meanwhile, he is concentrating on persuading teenage talent Blaize Talagi to remain with the team.
Talagi, who will be a free agent at the end of this season after choosing not to activate a contract clause, has been a standout for the Eels in 2024. He is being developed as the team’s future fullback, with captain Clint Gutherson expected to move to centre.
The future of other senior players is still uncertain.
Currently, only Mitch Moses and Junior Paulo are signed beyond this season. Other players, such as five-eighth Dylan Brown, have longer contracts but have options to decide whether to exercise them.
This situation means that most of the Eels’ squad will become free agents in November, necessitating prompt decision-making. Given their top-heavy salary cap, Ryles might choose to release some of the club’s veteran players to achieve a better balance in the roster.
Ryles also needs to finalize his coaching staff for next season, as players are eager for Barrett, his former St George Illawarra teammate, to remain with the team.
The Eels will be missing star half Mitchell Moses for the remainder of the season due to a ruptured biceps muscle he sustained late in the Blues’ Origin III victory on Wednesday night. This injury will likely impact their chances of escaping the wooden spoon.
