The Parramatta Eels can confirm that NSW Cup Head Coach Nathan Cayless will depart the Club at the conclusion of the current season to take up the role of Head Coach with English Super League club Hull KR.
A member of the Parramatta Eels Hall of Fame and one of the Club's most respected figures, Cayless has made a significant contribution to the Eels both as a player and coach. Since returning to the Club in a coaching capacity, he has played a key role in developing emerging talent and strengthening the Eels Academy pathways program through his leadership of the NSW Cup side.
Cayless represented the Eels in 259 first-grade matches between 1998 and 2010 and is the Club’s longest serving captain. His dedication, professionalism and deep connection to the blue and gold have left a lasting impact on the organisation.
Parramatta Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos congratulated Cayless on his appointment.
“Nathan has been an outstanding servant of the Parramatta Eels and we are incredibly proud to see him earn this head coaching opportunity," he said.
"His work with our program has been invaluable, particularly in developing young players and preparing them for NRL football. While we will miss his experience and leadership, this is a fantastic opportunity for Nathan and his family, and everyone at the Club wishes him every success at Hull KR."
Cayless said the decision to leave Parramatta was not an easy one.
"The Parramatta Eels have been my home for most of my life, both as a player and coach, and I will always be grateful for everything the Club has given me," Cayless said.
"The opportunity to become a head coach in the Super League is an exciting challenge and one that I feel is the right step in my coaching journey. I want to thank the players, staff, members and supporters for their unwavering support, and I look forward to finishing my time at Parramatta strongly before taking on this new role."
The Eels thank Nathan for his outstanding service and commitment to the Club and wish him, his wife Erin and family every success in the next chapter of their rugby league journey.
A replacement Head Coach for the Eels 2028 NSW Cup team will be appointed at a later date.
A Blue and Gold legacy
A Parramatta Eels junior, Cayless emerged through the Club’s pathways system after representing Australian Schoolboys in 1995 and 1996 while attending Parramatta Marist High School. After playing just two reserve grade matches, he made a rapid rise to first grade, debuting for the Eels in 1997 and earning his first New Zealand Test jersey in 1998, only his second season in the NRL.
One of the game’s premier front-rowers, Cayless became the youngest captain in Parramatta Eels history when he was appointed skipper in 2000 at just 21 years of age. He would go on to captain the Club a record 221 times, leading the Eels through some of the most successful periods in their modern history, including Minor Premiership-winning campaigns and grand final appearances.
Across a remarkable one-club playing career, Cayless represented the Parramatta Eels in 259 first-grade matches between 1997 and 2010, scoring 28 tries, one field goal and 113 points. His loyalty, leadership and consistency made him one of the most respected figures to ever wear the blue and gold jersey.
On the international stage, Cayless enjoyed an outstanding career with New Zealand, representing the Kiwis in Tests, Rugby League World Cups and Tri-Nations campaigns. He played 38 Test matches for his country and achieved the pinnacle of international rugby league when he captained New Zealand to its historic 2008 Rugby League World Cup victory over Australia.
His contribution to the Parramatta Eels has been recognised through some of the Club’s highest honours. He was made a Life Member of the Parramatta Eels in 2006 and was inducted into the Parramatta Eels Hall of Fame in 2014.
