LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
NRL fans were surprised to see Eddie Jones in the coach's boxes during the Manly and Parramatta games, where he seemed to be assisting Anthony Seibold and Jason Ryles.
Both coaches had previously worked under Jones during his tenure as England rugby coach and Ryles later during the Wallabies' World Cup campaign in 2023.
Ryles and Seibold credit Jones for shaping them as head coaches and helping them advance in their careers.
After their time with Jones in the 15-a-side game, they are now seeking his advice in the NRL.
Jones was seen behind Seibold during Manly's loss to the Dragons and his presence in Parramatta's box led to a win against the Wests Tigers, with Jones providing input on strategy.
Ryles acknowledged Jones' influence on the game-plan against the Tigers, indicating a continued partnership that may bring more wins for the Eels.
Despite this, Jones remains a controversial figure in Australia due to his decision to coach England in 2015, which didn't sit well with Wallabies fans.
Criticism also arose from Australia's failure to progress past the World Cup group stage in 2023 under Jones' leadership, marking a historic first for the Wallabies.
This unexpected collaboration between Jones and the NRL coaches has sparked curiosity and discussion among fans.
While some may be skeptical of Jones' involvement, others see the potential benefits of his experience and guidance.
As the relationship between Jones, Seibold, and Ryles evolves, it will be interesting to see how it impacts the performance and strategies of the teams involved.
Regardless of past controversies, the focus now remains on the present and the potential success that could come from this unique partnership in the NRL.