Parramatta Eels coach Jason Ryles defended five-eighth Dylan Brown, who faced severe backlash from fans during the team’s recent match against the Wests Tigers. On March 16, 2025, at Commbank Stadium, Brown was booed loudly by the crowd during the announcement of the team lineup and again when he first touched the ball, following his decision to leave Parramatta at the end of the current season for the Newcastle Knights. This new contract is significant, worth at least $13 million over ten years, which has not sat well with the Eels' supporters.
Despite the negative crowd reaction, Ryles stated he could not hear the booing from his soundproofed coach's box but acknowledged the passionate feelings of the fans. “That’s just footy,” Ryles commented, describing the situation as reflective of emotional fans. He emphasized the importance of maintaining perspective on Brown's performance, particularly amid the team's overall struggles. Parramatta faced the Wests Tigers on the back of a disappointing 32-6 loss, having previously been comprehensively defeated 56-18 by Melbourne.
On Sunday, Parramatta's only solace came late when winger Sean Russell scored in the closing seconds of the match against the Tigers, which left fans yearning for more substantial team effort. Brown's apparent commitment to stay focused for the remainder of the season hasn’t shielded him from criticism. His gameplay during the loss was watched closely, with many fans blaming him for the poor performance. "Dylan Brown has no influence at all in the game, the odd run is about it. No wonder plenty of Parra fans want him gone," one frustrated supporter lamented online.
Brown, who had 11 runs and made 19 tackles during the match, was caught amid team dynamics without star halfback Mitch Moses. Without the top playmaker, Brown seemed to struggle with leadership on the field, and questions are swirling if he will finish the NRL season at Parramatta. Despite the scrutiny, Ryles pointed out, “There’s a lot happening around him before we can critique his performance too much.”
At the post-match press conference, the coach expressed disappointment not just with the result but also with the way the team was unable to execute game strategies. Ryles noted his team was undermanned, emphasizing the need for greater cohesion and concentration. “We’ve got a lot of younger players out there at the moment who are learning on the job,” Ryles said. “We couldn’t execute, which then gives you the rewards of the hard work you did to get you there.”
Brown's unfavorable reception from fans reflects the underlying tensions as the Eels experience turbulence both on and off the field. Since announcing his imminent departure, with significant investment from the Knights, the relationship between him and the Eels' supporters has visibly soured. Ryles acknowledged the fans' emotions but maintained he sees untapped potential in Brown for this season.
“He’s improved on last week,” Ryles said of Brown's performance but hinted there are many areas for the player to develop. The coach highlighted the team’s collective underachievement rather than singling out any individual for criticism. The previous week's defeat, where they conceded 40 points to Melbourne before this latest loss to the Tigers, certainly has heightened scrutiny of the Eels' ambition to turn their performance around this season.
This dire standing follows the 2024 season, wherein the Eels narrowly avoided finishing last—an outcome contributing to the current dissatisfaction among the loyal fan base. Many supporters have voiced their complaints publicly about the state of play at Parramatta, with some even describing the current roster as one of the worst they've seen over the last 30 years.
Meanwhile, the Wests Tigers capitalized on Parramatta's misfortunes, demonstrating resilience and teamwork under new head coach Benji Marshall. The Tigers scored four tries, with Sunia Turuva netting three, showcasing their ability to pressure the Eels at every turn. Marshall emphasized his team’s energy and determination. “What I was proud of is we asked for a way to play today,” he stated enthusiastically.
The Eels’ record following these successive defeats has left them at the bottom of the NRL standings after just two rounds. Chancellor appraisals and team dynamics are under the spotlight as they contemplate strategies to regain momentum and salvage the remainder of their season.
Overall, the combination of player movements, performances, and fan interactions has created a tumultuous atmosphere surrounding Parramatta Eels as they navigate their way through the early stages of the 2025 NRL season. Going forward, how Ryles and his squad handle the pressures of fan expectations and internal team cohesion will play significant roles as they aim to distance themselves from the growing frustrations of their support base.