Jason Ryles breaks silence on Jarome Luai move, Kurt Capewell signs extension with Warriors, Ivan Cleary speaks on NSW Blues links

Jason Ryles has broken his silence after the Eels unveiled the signing of Jarome Luai, revealing the recruitment decision wasn’t another “sugar hit” for the embattled club.

After Luai was informed he was free to leave the Tigers for the 2027 season, Parramatta immediately emerged as a landing spot for a single season.

The talented five-eighth had already signed a contract with the PNG Chiefs for 2028 onwards, and Luai’s arrival at the Eels marks the second year in-a-row that a playmaker will spend one year at the club before departing.

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Jonah Pezet joined Parramatta ahead of the 2026 season, with his deal with the Broncos set to begin in 2027 — and Ryles played down suggestions the Eels had become a pit stop for players without a contract.

“We’re in a position now to really accelerate our recruitment with how the cap was structured,” Ryles said to Code Sports on Wednesday.

“Obviously, we’ve gone long-term in our spine, which is really important. All I’m focusing on is making sure that we set the club up for sustainable success, not just a sugar hit.

“Whilst we’ve done a lot of work on our culture and we’ve done a lot to work on the foundational part of our game in regards to our fundamental skill.

“When we drop some more experienced players in there to help these younger guys and accelerate their development, I think you’ll see a bit of a spike.”

Previously, Pezet’s arrivial was seen as a stop gap before two emerging Eels stars in Lincoln Fletcher and Lorenzo Talataina step up to the plate.

Now that duo will have to wait a further 12 months for an opportunity, but Ryles was confident Luai’s arrival will only assist in their development.

“It’s actually a long-term view with the foresight of looking to win now but then also developing these young kids for the future,” he said.

“So that’s where we’re going and that’s what the strategy is moving forward. He’s come out of obviously four premierships and five grand finals.

“He’s got some experience there that he’ll be able to pass on to these younger guys and help them develop.”

WARRIORS LOCK DOWN VETERAN EDGE FORWARD

The red-hot Warriors have locked down star back rower Kurt Capewell to an extension which will keep him at the club until at least the end of 2027.

The veteran forward is fresh off another Origin series for Queensland where he was one of the Maroons’ most consistent performers.

The 32-year-old has played in 46 games for the Warriors and has been used in the back row and in the centres.

“Throughout his career Kurt has proved his value as a player and a person,” Warriors coach Andrew Webster said via a club-issued statement.

“We love having him here. He’s such an important player and we’re delighted to have him

for at least another season.”

Capewell’s signing is a huge boost for the club given they’ll lose rep prop Mitch Barnett to the Broncos at the end of this season.

CLEARY MAKES BLUES COACHING CALL

Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has revealed he will not coach the NSW Blues for the 2027 State of Origin series, after speculation emerged linking him to the role following the state’s series victory last week.

Following the NSW Blues’ win over Queensland, reports emerged that Laurie Daley is expected to step away from the head coaching role, prompting speculation over who could replace him.

One of the leading candidates to find themselves linked to the role was Cleary, who has led the Panthers to four premierships in clubland.

However, speaking on Wednesday, he made it clear that he won’t be coaching the representative side.

“That’s very humbling, but I’m fully focused on the job at hand the rest of this year and next year,” Cleary said.

“I’m going to give Panthers my all and I’m looking forward to doing that.”

His decision removes one of the biggest names from contention, leaving New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) to consider other candidates such as Boyd Cordner, Matt King and Trent Barrett.

TWIST IN DRAGONS COACHING RACE

The St George Illawarra Dragons have moved one step closer to appointing the full-time head coach for the 2027 season.

Yet to make a call on who will lead them next season, The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the club has finished the final rounds of interviews with potential candidates and will present the options to the board on Monday.

It is understood that a committee, led by CEO Tim Watsford, interviewed interim coach Dean Young, South Sydney Rabbitohs assistant coach and 2010 premiership winner Ben Hornby, and at least one other contender for the role. The third candidate remains anonymous.

The decision now rests with a representative from the St George District Rugby League Football Club and Bruce Gordon’s shareholding.

The two parties must come to an agreement.

Speaking to the NewsWire last week, new signing Scott Drinkwater revealed that he would love to be coached by Young when he joins the club next season.

“I do watch a little bit closely now,” the Cowboys fullback, who is seen to be a member of the Dragons roster told the NewsWire.

“Youngy’s picking players who are defensive effort-based players and who go after the game that way. They’re in games a lot now and it’s much tighter than what they have been.

“He’s a great coach and I hope he gets the job. The way he’s able to talk to his players is great and he has a good relationship with players.

“He understands different players and how they need to be approached or brought up in video sessions or even just one-on-one with him.

“He’s a good dude, hard, and a good communicator, so he’s got every trait. He’s from Wollongong, loves the club, so it’s great to have people who have a really big love for something.

“Fingers crossed he gets it. But if not, I can’t dwell on it. Whoever comes in to coach, I can’t be sulking about that. We’ll see what happens, but fingers crossed Youngy gets it.”

RABBITOHS EXTEND YOUNGSTER

The South Sydney Rabbitohs have officially confirmed that Ashton Ward will remain at the club beyond this season after agreeing to a contract upgrade and extension.

Upgraded to a top 30 contract for the remainder of the season, the exciting young playmaker will remain at the Cardinal and Myrtle until at least the end of 2028.

The decision from the Rabbitohs comes after Ward was the only first-choice halfback in the NRL who remained unsigned for next year.

Debuting in Round 21 last year against the Sharks, the 22-year-old has since featured in 15 NRL matches and formed a lethal combination with Cody Walker in the halves.

“I could not be happier to be staying here at Souths. They showed faith in me and gave me my shot in the NRL and I want to repay the Club for that,” Ward said.

“I love my teammates and learning under Wayne (Bennett) and the other coaches, and everyone around the Club has been very supportive.

“I also love playing for our fans and our Members. We see how passionate they are about this club every week and I love going out on the field and playing for them.

“There is a bright future here at Souths and I can’t wait to be part of it.”

MANLY LAND EELS FORWARD

The Manly Sea Eagles have announced the signing of middle forward Toni Mataele on a two-year contract for the 2027 and 2028 seasons.

Spending the past few years at the Parramatta Eels, Mataele will return to the club eight years after helping the Sea Eagles win their first Under-17s Harold Matthews Cup title.

Coming up through the ranks as a centre, he has since transitioned to the forward pack will he add further depth to Kieran Foran’s side over the next couple of years.

“Toni is a young, athletic prop who will add quality, depth and aggression to our pack,” Foran said.

“We look forward to welcoming Toni and his family back to the Sea Eagles at the end of this season.”