LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Parramatta Eels have successfully cultivated a young and dynamic team, guided by head coach Jason Ryles, while also integrating some seasoned veterans into the mix.
Mark O'Neill, the Eels' General Manager of Football, has praised 2025 signings Dylan Walker and Josh Addo-Carr, highlighting Walker's exceptional football intelligence, describing it as "off the charts," after both players made a significant impact in their inaugural seasons with the club.
These experienced athletes played vital roles during Ryles' debut season, contributing to the Eels' improvement from 15th place in 2024 to 11th this season as the team works to establish a new, culture-focused environment.
Walker joined the Eels early in the 2025 campaign after parting ways with the New Zealand Warriors, motivated by homesickness.
At 30 years old, he participated in half of the season, primarily coming off the bench, but offered invaluable versatility and leadership both in the middle and the halves.
O'Neill considers the mid-season acquisition to be a remarkable success.
"When that opportunity came up, we were agile in terms of the salary cap space and had position," O'Neill remarked during an interview on SEN 1170's The Run Home.