Eels’ Bold Gamble: Ryles Shakes Up Team with Dylan Brown’s Shocking Hooker Switch in Loss to Panthers
In a bold move during the Parramatta Eels’ 32-10 loss to the Penrith Panthers, coach Jason Ryles decided to shift star playmaker Dylan Brown to hooker and later to lock for a portion of the game. The strategic decision, which saw Brown play these unfamiliar positions for a total of 40 minutes, was driven by Ryles’ focus on building for the future, as the team enters the final stages of the season.
Brown started the game at hooker, with Joash Papalii filling in at five-eighth. However, after just 30 minutes, Brown was pulled from the field to make way for the debut of new recruit Tallyn Da Silva, who came on to play dummy-half. Brown’s return was limited to the final six minutes of the match, a tactical move intended to give the team’s younger players a chance to step up.
“We’re looking ahead to the future, and we want to get on with it,” Ryles explained after the match. His rationale for the change was clear: with Brown already committed to joining the Newcastle Knights in 2026, the Eels needed to start giving other players more opportunities as they prepare for the future. Brown, who had a candid conversation with Ryles before the game, was on board with the decision and embraced the new role, which showed in his performance on the field.
Ryles emphasized that the decision wasn’t about disrupting the team’s performance but about development. “He’s been really good ever since he made his decision to move on. He understands where we are as a club,” Ryles said. The coach further explained that the substitution was less about planning a specific return for Brown and more about getting Tallyn Da Silva into the game at the right time. By rotating the players and providing opportunities for growth, Ryles made it clear that the Eels were already looking toward next season and beyond.
Brown’s temporary switch to lock in the second half was part of a broader strategy to balance the team’s spine, which included several younger players. Ryles has been upfront about the club’s vision to develop and expose fresh talent, even at the expense of short-term results. “Our spine was young tonight for periods there, but that’s where we’re going with the club,” he said. Despite the loss, Ryles remains confident in his decision and the overall direction of the Eels, understanding that these changes are key to their future success.
As the 2025 season winds down, Ryles is committed to giving his young players valuable lessons on the field, and the team’s adaptability and long-term development are at the forefront of their plans moving forward.
