An update from the Chairman, Matthew Beach
Dear Members,
Firstly, I want you all to know that no one at the Club was happy with the performances of our NRL and NRLW teams this season. I am not only the Chairman of this Club, but I am also a lifelong fan, and I’m committed to making this one of the best performing Clubs in the NRL.
We were significantly impacted by injuries in our NRL program this season, particularly in key positions and to our most experienced players. That is a reality, but it is not an excuse. No one is hiding behind it. What it did, however, was provide valuable game time for our younger talented players, and their development will be important for the future of this Club. More on that later.
As we move towards the end of another important year for our Club, I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for your unwavering support and loyalty to the Parramatta Eels.
Our members and fans are the heartbeat of this Club. Through every challenge and every success, you continue to stand proudly beside us, and for that we are incredibly grateful. Your passion, dedication and commitment to the Blue and Gold inspire everyone involved with the Parramatta Eels every day.
We remain focused on success, and as we prepare for the season ahead, I wanted to share some important updates from across the Club.
New CEO
One of the most significant developments for our Club has been the appointment of Mike Rush as our new Chief Executive Officer.
Mike is one of the most respected football leaders in the game, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the Parramatta Eels. Throughout our recruitment process, the Board was clear on the type of leader we were seeking. We wanted a football-focused CEO with extensive rugby league experience, someone who understood how to align strong junior pathways with elite men's and women's programs, creating a high-performance environment capable of delivering sustained success.
Mike's outstanding record at St Helens demonstrates exactly that.
His strong background in recruitment, roster management, player development and fostering high-performance cultures reflects a deep understanding of what is required to build and sustain a successful football program. Most importantly, that is exactly what he intends to do here at Parramatta.
As a Club, we have a proud history and our ambition is simple: to build a Club that consistently competes for premierships and delivers success for our Members and supporters. Mike is the right person to lead the Club through its next chapter, and the Board looks forward to working closely with him.
While Mike's visa process is currently being finalised, he is already working tirelessly from the United Kingdom and is actively engaged in shaping the Club's future. He is looking forward to relocating to Australia and connecting with our Blue and Gold family.
Recruitment and Retention
There has also been some good progress on recruitment and retention.
We were delighted to secure the signing of Spencer Leniu and retain Eels stalwart Junior Paulo. These are significant commitments that strengthen our football program and reinforce our ambition to compete at the highest level.
We know the work does not stop there.
Mike and the Board are acutely aware of the importance of building premiership-calibre rosters across both our NRL and NRLW programs. I can assure you that our recruitment team, football department and executive leadership remain laser-focused on attracting elite talent that complement the style of football, culture and vision Jason Ryles is building at our Club. Mike’s first week with the Club has been focused on turning this vision into reality.
Equally important is ensuring we continue to develop and support the next generation of Eels through our Academy.
Over the past two seasons, through our Academy programs, we have had nine players make their NRL debut and five players make their NRLW debut. This is a significant achievement for the players, their families and our club. I’m very pleased that the majority of debutants who have come through our system have been retained long term.
We have established clear goals around recruitment and retention and are actively monitoring our progress to ensure the Club remains on track to achieve sustained success.
Player Achievements
Congratulations to the 22 Eels players selected for representative honours, including those named in World Cup squads and the Australian PMXIII. Representing your country on the international stage is an extraordinary achievement and one that deserves recognition.
I would also like to acknowledge our emerging talent, with six players from the Eels Academy selected in the 2026 Australian Schoolboys and Schoolgirls teams.
These selections are a testament to the dedication of the players, their families, coaches and support staff, and we are incredibly proud of all they have achieved.
Looking Ahead
As we enter a new era with a new CEO and a renewed focus across the Club, there is plenty to be excited about off the field as well.
By now, you will have seen the announcement that adidas is our official apparel partner for the next four years. To have one of the world's leading sporting brands choose to partner with us highlights how we are perceived as a Club and brand and is a tremendous opportunity for us all. We cannot wait to reveal the new jersey and teamwear designs later this year.
Earlier today we also announced GWM as the Club's new official Automotive Partner and NRL & NRLW Sleeve Partner. To have two global brands choose to invest in our Club is a strong endorsement of our vision and reinforces our position as one of the most recognisable and commercially attractive sporting brands in Australia.
We have also recently unveiled our 80th anniversary logo as we are preparing to celebrate an incredible milestone in 2027. Eighty years of history is something every player, coach, volunteer, member and supporter should be immensely proud of. Throughout next year, we will celebrate the people, moments and achievements that have shaped the Parramatta Eels into the Club it is today.
We have also been thrilled by the response to our upcoming trip to Las Vegas. We cannot wait to see our members and supporters bring the Blue and Gold spirit to the world stage as we prepare for another memorable chapter in the Club's history.
There is so much to look forward to in the months ahead. While there is still plenty of work to do, there is also genuine momentum across many areas of the Club.
We remain committed to building a successful future on and off the field and delivering outcomes that our members can be proud of.
Thank you once again for your ongoing support, trust and passion. Together, we will continue building a stronger Parramatta Eels.
Go Parra!
Matthew Beach
Chairman
