Jason Ryles is free to begin planning Parramatta's roster of the future after being released from his job as Melbourne assistant coach.
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Nine days after he was appointed as Eels coach on a four-year deal starting in 2025, Ryles was told by the Storm on Wednesday he could leave at week's end.
That will allow him to get his feet under the table at Parramatta, where he has a glut of key contractual decisions to make in coming months.
Trent Barrett will remain as interim Eels coach until the end of this campaign, while Ryles works in the background on all planning decisions for next season.
"On behalf of everyone at the Melbourne Storm, we congratulate Jason on his appointment to senior coach at the Eels," Storm CEO Justin Rodski said.
"Given the significance of this opportunity for Jason, we have agreed an early release is in the best interest of both parties."
Ryles' first job will likely be to try and retain rising star back Blaize Talagi, who has not taken up an option to stay at Parramatta next year.
The 19-year-old has attracted interest from multiple rival clubs, but Ryles would no doubt like to keep him at the Eels.
Other decisions loom on senior players.
Only two in Parramatta's roster are locked in beyond the end of this season, in the form of Mitch Moses and Junior Paulo.
Others including five-eighth Dylan Brown have contracts for longer, but have options in their favour that they must decider whether to take up.
Still it means the vast majority of the Eels' squad become free agents in November, meaning decisions must be made quickly.
Their top-heavy cap means Ryles may decide to release some of the club's more experienced players if he is to allow for a greater balance in the roster.
Captain Clint Gutherson has already conceded changes may come, while also confirming he is open to a move away from fullback to keep Talagi if required.
"There's a lot of older boys there that might get a tap on the shoulder, might not, it's just the way it is, and you have to deal with it," Gutherson said last week.
"I'm no different to every other player here - if they want me to move position, I'm more than happy to."
Ryles must also decide the make up of his coaching staff for next season, with players keen for Barrett to stay on.
Australian Associated Press
