What is known (as of 2024-2025)
From Parramatta Eels’ official announcements:
- The Elite Pathways Program has been strengthened and expanded, with full-time coaches for each age group, both male and female.
- Key staff include:
Role Coach / Staff Age Group / Responsibility Pathways Coaching Director & NRLW Head Coach Steve Georgallis Oversees the Pathways program and leads NRLW side. Jersey Flegg (U21 Male) Jordan Rankin Guiding players near NRL level. Harold Matthews (U17 Male) Josh Hodgson Working with promising young male talent. SG Ball (U19 Male) Mitch (Mitchell) Lewis Focused on under-19 male players. U17 Female (Lisa Fiaola Program) Ryan Walker Female development at under-17 level. Tarsha Gale (U19 Female) Charlotte Henry Leading the under-19 female pathway. - Supporting roles include Head of Pathways (James Shepherd), Recruitment Manager (Isaac DeGois), Education & Well-Being Manager (David Gower), and female pathway support (Kate Mullaly and Christine Gwynne).
- The club is also investing in infrastructure: a new Centre of Excellence at Kellyville Park is scheduled to open in 2025, serving as a hub for elite pathway programs.
What is not confirmed (for 2026)
- No official announcement yet of who will be the pathways head coaches for the 2026 season.
- No public detail about potential changes to structure beyond what is set for 2025 or facility changes beyond those already disclosed.
- No media reports (that I found) pointing to significant revamps or new hires that are specifically labelled as “2026 pathways appointments.”
What we might expect for 2026: Predicted Trends & Likely Moves
Given the statements, strategies, and trajectory of the Eels’ pathways program, here are some logical projections for what 2026 might hold for their elite pathways head coaches:
- Continuity in Current Coaches with Potential Upgrades
Many of the current coaches (Rankin, Hodgson, Lewis, Henry, Walker) are young enough and in development roles that it makes sense they might continue into 2026, provided performance and retention are strong.
- Slight Reallocation of Roles
As players graduate from one age group to the next, it’s likely some coaching roles will shift. For example, a coach currently in SG Ball might move into designing or leading youth performance or specialized positional coaching.
- More Female Pathway Roles
Given the growth in women’s rugby league, the Eels seem to be placing more emphasis on female pathways (Lisa Fiaola, Tarsha Gale). It’s probable they’ll expand these roles, possibly appointing more age groups or specialists (e.g. skills coaches, strength & conditioning dedicated to female pathway squads).
- Enhancement of Education & Well-Being Support
With the Eels already having managers for education, well-being, player welfare, likely there will be further integration of these aspects, possibly more full-time staff or more specialized roles in mental health, academic tutoring, life skills, etc.
- Facilities & Training Resources
The 2025 opening of the Kellyville Park COE is a major step; for 2026, we may see the Eels maximizing its use, assigning more coaches to be based there rather than ad hoc locations; possibly appointment of coaching specialists that use those facilities (analytics coaches, high performance coaches, etc.)
- Recruitment & Talent Identification Emphasis
With pathways recruitment managers and early talent ID in place, likely more hires in those areas—scouts, talent ID coaches, community coaches feeding into elite pathways.
Possible 2026 Head Coach Line-Up (Hypothetical)
Here’s a speculative look at what a 2026 pathways head coach structure could look like, based on extrapolating from current roles:
| Role | Likely Coach / Potential Candidates | Notes / Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Pathways / Coaching Director & NRLW Head Coach | Steve Georgallis (continuing) | He already holds dual roles and is deeply involved. If nothing dramatic changes, he seems likely to continue. |
| Jersey Flegg (U21 Male) | Jordan Rankin | Likely to remain, unless moving to higher level. Possibly replacing when someone else steps up. |
| SG Ball (U19 Male) | Mitch Lewis or perhaps a specialist if LGAs produce standout coaches | Continuity would help stability. |
| Harold Matthews (U17 Male) | Josh Hodgson | Could continue, or possibly share duties with another coach specializing in physical development. |
| U17 Female (Lisa Fiaola / Next generation) | Ryan Walker or an assistant moving up | Could be continuity or a new appointee if Walker moves into larger program or assistant role. |
| U19 Female (Tarsha Gale) | Charlotte Henry or new female coach stepping into role | As demand grows, may be broadened. |
| Additional Specialist Roles | Positions such as Skills & Technique Coach, Sports Science Coach, Female Development Specialist | Could be new additions. |
Why the Delay or Lack of 2026 Specifics
A few reasons why we don’t yet have information specifically for 2026:
- The pathways coaching appointments for 2025 are relatively new; sometimes clubs advertise appointments one year in advance, but major changes are often timed after evaluating results or at mid-season.
- Contracts: many of these roles may have multi-year contracts covering 2025-2026, so there may not be public announcements until closer to when renewals or changes are solidified.
- The Eels appear to be focused more on implementing their infrastructure (COE, etc.) as of late 2024-2025; major structural announcements might be prioritized once the facility is operational and initial outcomes of 2025 are clearer.
What to Watch For: Signs of 2026 Changes
Here are indicators to monitor that would suggest shifts or new announcements for 2026 pathways head coaches:
- Club releases around June–July 2025, as they often do for coaching appointments, about who is confirmed for following year.
- Performance of current pathway squads: if some teams underperform, they might reassign or replace coaches.
- Any announcements regarding new pathways age groups (e.g. U15 female, U21 female, etc.).
- Expansion or promotion of current assistant staff into head pathway roles.
- Media coverage or insider reports of club strategy meetings or board decisions focused on junior development.
Leave a Reply