The struggling Parramatta Eels are set for a massive clean-out when incoming coach Jason Ryles arrives in November, but the coach will likely have to be patient as he inherits a roster with some complex issues.

Parramatta have been one of the biggest NRL underachievers in recent years and currently sit sixteenth after 20 rounds, having registered just four wins this season.

They’re a long way from the side that made the 2022 grand final, going down 28-12 to Penrith.

Injuries and suspensions to key players at crucial times of the season attributed to their disappointing tenth last year and their epic slide has continued into the 2024 campaign, resulting in the sacking of former coach Brad Arthur in May.

Arthur had been at the helm for 11 years, so it was a tough call for the Eels. However, something had to give.

And more scalps are coming with caretaker coach Trent Barrett told his services are not required next year, while Ryan Matterson and Maika Sivo have been granted permission to speak with rival clubs.

Clint Gutherson has been a wonderful servant for the Eels since joining the club as a lanky 21-year-old from Manly in 2015, but his service may count for little next year amid talk he could be shifted from fullback.

Ryles has been tipped to install Blaize Talagi in the No.1 jersey as a reported sweetener to keep him at the club, after contract talks with the emerging star broke down after Arthur was punted.

The 19-year-old is reportedly being pursued by the Knights, Dolphins and Dragons and it’s just one of many roster issues and decision the club — and Ryles — will face in the coming months.

Barrett this week admitted many of his his troops were playing for their futures.

“There are still two months of footy to go,” he said.

“The players are professional, some of them are playing for contracts and we owe it to our fans and members to play well.”

Ryles will be under pressure to break the club’s 37-year premiership drought but with some ageing stars on big-money deals, it’s going to be a tough task to implement change quickly.

James Hooper said last week Ryles had been handed a “poison chalice” and things could get worse before the rookie coach is able to turn the club’s fortunes around.

“The way the Eels are set up at the moment, I feel for Ryles,” Hooper said.

“I think he will be able to do a good job in time. But it’s a poison chalice at Parramatta at the moment, the staff are walking around on egg shells.

“Nobody’s job is guaranteed, there is going to have to be a roster shake-up. It’s an ageing list, I know RCG (Campbell-Gillard) was looking at going overseas earlier in the year.

“I don’t know that that’s still the same, but perhaps the club might try and go in that direction as that’s a significant amount of dough.”

Foxsports.com.au looks at the players that will feature in the biggest calls as Ryles rebuilds for the Eels new era.

CLINT GUTHERSON

Contracted until the end of the 2025 season, Gutherson, who turns 30 in September, has been arguably the Eels’ most consistent player since joining the club ahead of the 2016 season.

But he and his ailing knees, which have needed to be drained of fluid just so he can play, is expected to be shifted to the centres to make way for Talagi.

Gutherson is an inspiring leader who rarely shirks his task and boasts a strong ball-playing game, but he doesn’t possess the game-breaking speed and perhaps the x-factor that fullbacks of the contending sides do, hence why a positional switch with Talagi is likely to come under consideration next season.

Given that Gutherson has said on record that he’s willing to do what’s best for the team, we think he’s likely to remain in Jason Ryles’ plans next season at the very least.

However, there are talks that Ryles could take the captaincy of Gutherson and hand it to Mitch Moses – a decision which could alienate Gutherson and force him to consider requesting an early release.

If Ryles does make the drastic decision to try and move Gutherson on and start fresh, the veteran fullback will garner interest from rival clubs.

A team like Canberra could show interest, given they are one of the only teams in the comp with question marks over the fullback position and Gutherson’s experience will be a welcome tonic for a Raiders side that have unleashed plenty of youth and inexperience this season.

Maika Sivo has become a cult hero for Parramatta off the back of his damaging runs and finishing prowess and is the fourth highest try scorer in Eels history.

But patchy form and ill-discipline in recent seasons has seen the 30-year-old dropped to reserve grade on several occasions.

The proof is in the pudding, with Sivo only appearing in eight NRL games this season. With that said, he still possesses game breaking ability when on song.

Sivo has scored 11 tries in those eight games this season, which has him tied 10th for tries this season. Quite remarkable considering he’s played much less football in 2024 than those above him.

Contracted until the end of 2025, Sivo has been given permission to speak with other clubs.

REAGAN CAMPBELL-GILLARD

Reagan Campbell-Gillard has been an Eels enforcer since joining the club from the Panthers in 2020.

The 30-year-old is off contract at the end of next year and is yet to receive an upgrade from the club.

A representative prop that has worn the Blues and Kangaroos jersey, Campbell-Gillard’s form has dropped this season, but he still has something to offer, whether that’ll be at Parramatta or elsewhere.

He’ll need to perform well to round out this season to show Ryles he deserves a new contract.

Debuting for Parramatta in Round 3 this year, Talagi has exploded onto the NRL scene to establish himself as a potential future star.

He’s the favourite to win this season’s rookie of the year award and even in his first season, he plays well above his age and experience levels.

He’s a deadset gun, who has impressed at both centre and fullback, as well as dipping his toes into a playmaking role, showing off his versatility.

The Eels are desperate to keep him and have tabled the 19-year-old a three-year deal which he is yet to sign after putting contract talks on hold following Brad Arthur’s sacking.

The teen star is currently being pursued by the Knights, Dolphins and Dragons.

The Eels are good at letting their junior talent slip through the cracks, but Talagi is an out-and-out star and if they let him walk, heads should roll in the front office.

Dylan Brown has been one of the only shining lights for the Eels this year and his combination with Blues Origin hero Mitchell Moses is one thing fans can be excited about.

But his contract is a sticky one and all in his favour.

The five-eighth signed one of the most unusual contracts in NRL history spanning nine years.

His current contract expires at the end of 2025, with player options that could see his tenure extend until the end of 2031.

A Brown-Moses halves partnership is a top three pairing in the competition, and one that led the Eels to a grand final just two seasons ago.

The Eels should be trying to do everything in their power to make sure Brown stays.

RYAN MATTERSON

Ryan Matterson has been far from his barnstorming best of late prompting club officials to give him permission to speak with other clubs.

But with options in his favour, the backrower, who turns 30 in October, is contracted to the club until the end of 2026.

SHAUN LANE

Shaun Lane had been a pillar of consistency for the Eels but his form has somewhat nosedived of late.

He just hasn’t added the punch or spark on the edge that he’s capable of.

In fairness, injuries haven’t helped over the past couple of seasons.

Ryles won’t be able to move him on easily either with the 29-year-old contracted until the end of 2026.

JOE OFAHENGAUE

Forward who has been patchy at best this season although his best can be quite good.

Off contract at the end of 2025, making him a free agent November 1, this year.

He could potentially be moved on early.

CHARLIE GUYMER

The 22-year-old Temora product was handed his NRL debut in Round 18 on the back of strong NSW Cup form.

He delivered in spades on debut against Souths, proving a real handful for the Rabbitohs defence after coming on off the bench.

It was an impressive display to see a first starter take on the game like he did.

Guymer would be named to start in just his second NRL game the following week, however his season would be cut short because of a foot injury.

He’s on a developmental deal which expires at the end of this season, which means he’s a free agent and able to sign elsewhere for 2025 and beyond if he chooses.

Considering there are some veteran forwards likely heading out the door, re-signing Guymer should be close to a top priority for Ryles.