Since arriving in Parramatta ahead of the 2025 NRL season, Jason Ryles' fingerprints have been all over the Eels roster overhaul.
Whilst his side is currently 15th on the premiership ladder, the arrow is pointing up for the blue and gold army, as several future stars have been blooded in first grade to start the year.
When looking at how the Eels lined up in 2024, only a handful of names have remained unchanged in 2025.
Further, the club only has three players on their books beyond the 2027 season, which could indicate that they're keeping their cap tidy in the hopes of a major free agent acquisition in the coming seasons.
What does this strategy signal about the current state of the Eels roster? And, what could this mean for the club as they move forward under Ryles' leadership?
The Sporting News looks at the most notable deals that have been inked since Ryles was announced as Parramatta's coach in July of last year.
More: Eels upgrade and extend breakout forward in new multi-year deal
Who have the Eels brought back under Ryles?
Bailey Simonsson, J'maine Hopgood, Charlie Guymer, Saxon Pryke, Richard Penisini, Matt Doorey, Brendan Hands, Sean Russell, Kelma Tuilagi, Luca Moretti, Ryley Smith
The Eels have been extremely active in the retention phase of their squad building strategy, inking new deals with 11 players since July of last year.
Ryles is clearly prioritising youth in this area, with the average age of their re-signings under his watch currently sitting at 23.72 years.
Amongst the players who have been extended, only four of them have 50 first-grade games under their belt, indicating their commitment to bringing these youngsters through.
Another interesting wrinkle is the urgency to double, and sometimes triple-down, on positions of relative strength.
No clearer example exists of this than the decision to lock in Ryley Smith through 2027, after signing Tallyn Da Silva just days earlier.
The Eels will likely look for a two-pronged attack at hooker for the short-term, however the greater insight comes from the bigger picture philosophy of stacking talent in key positions.
Who have the Eels let go under Ryles?
Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Daejarn Asi, Zac Cini, Ofahiki Ogden, Makahesi Makatoa, Morgan Harper, Blaize Talagi, Ethan Sanders, Matt Arthur, Maika Sivo
With the ferocity at which the club has been renewing contracts with players in their squad, they've been equally as ruthless with who they've let go since Ryles' announcement as coach.
10 players have been allowed to find new clubs, with the average age of those departing Parramatta being 25.9 years.
Comparing this to the average age of the club's retention's, there is a clear intention to move on from older squad members in favour of their younger, and potentially cheaper counterparts.
Freeing up roster spots in this way not only provides an opportunity for their underdeveloped players to earn repetitions in first grade, but salary cap space to be flexible come November 1.
Who have the Eels signed under Ryles?
Isaiah Iongi, Dean Hawkins, Jack Williams, Joash Papalii, Jordan Samrani, Josh Addo-Carr, Kitione Kautoga, Dylan Walker, Tallyn Da Silva
The Eels have made several splashes in the free agent market since Ryles arrived at the club.
Isaiah Iongi, Jack Williams, Josh Addo-Carr, Kitione Kautoga and Dylan Walker all look to be home runs for the club, whilst they pin their hopes on Joash Papalii and Tallyn Da Silva becoming staples of their NRL side of the future.
Dean Hawkins and Jordan Samrani have provided reliable depth, and will look to flourish into bigger roles going forward.
When looking at all three phases of the Eels approach to recruitment and retention, it is clear that a youth movement is in full flight.
The club is building for a premiership window that will likely exist in 2027 and beyond, as they continue to develop under coach Ryles.