**IMPACTING NEWS: Parramatta Eels Fans Choking Up and Praying as Head Coach Jason Ryles Shares Heartbreaking News About His Beloved Son**
In a moment that transcended sport and touched the heart of a nation, **Parramatta Eels head coach Jason Ryles** revealed devastating personal news that has left the rugby league world in collective shock and prayer. During an emotional press conference earlier today, Ryles announced that his young son, **Lucas Ryles**, has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive medical condition, igniting a wave of compassion, grief, and support from fans, players, and communities across Australia.
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### A Press Conference That Broke a City’s Heart
The press room at CommBank Stadium, typically filled with game plans and post-match analysis, fell into a solemn hush as Ryles approached the podium. His voice trembled slightly, his eyes already glassy with emotion. The room braced for a routine injury update or perhaps a team selection issue. Instead, Ryles leaned into the microphone and, with quiet strength, delivered the news.
> **”This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to say,”** Ryles began. **”My son, Lucas, has been diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive form of pediatric leukemia. He’s only 7 years old, and our family is devastated.”**
For a moment, there was only silence—followed by the sound of reporters audibly choking back tears.
> **”We’re fighters in this family,”** he continued. **”And just like we fight on the field, Lucas is going to fight off it. But we need all the love, prayers, and strength this incredible rugby league family can give right now.”**
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### The Ryles Family: United and Brave
Jason Ryles has always been a pillar of strength. A former representative player for the St. George Illawarra Dragons and the Kangaroos, he has brought that same discipline and fire to coaching. But today, the world saw a different kind of strength—a father’s vulnerability.
Ryles was flanked by his wife, **Sarah**, who clutched a framed photo of Lucas smiling in his Eels jersey. The couple, visibly exhausted yet determined, shared that Lucas’s symptoms began subtly: unexplained bruises, fatigue, fevers. A visit to the doctor quickly escalated into emergency testing, followed by the life-altering diagnosis.
> **“Everything changed in 24 hours,”** Sarah Ryles said. **“We went from planning footy camp drop-offs to bone marrow biopsies and chemotherapy schedules.”**
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### Rugby League Community Responds
The outpouring of support has been immediate and overwhelming. Messages of love and solidarity have flooded in from clubs across the NRL, with fans and players taking to social media to share their heartbreak and prayers using the hashtag **#LoveForLucas**.
* **Nathan Cleary**, Penrith Panthers star: *“Sending all my strength to Jason and his beautiful family. We’re all behind Lucas. Stay strong little man.”*
* **Billy Slater**, Queensland coach: *“As a father, this breaks me. Jason, we’re with you. Every step.”*
* **Clint Gutherson**, Eels captain: *“Lucas is one of us. And we’ll be fighting this battle right beside him.”*
The **NRL Commission** released a statement confirming that they will provide all necessary support to the Ryles family, including access to top medical providers, mental health services, and logistical assistance.
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### Parramatta Fans in Tears, Organizing Vigils and Fundraisers
Eels fans, often considered among the most passionate in rugby league, are mobilizing fast. Outside CommBank Stadium, supporters began gathering within hours of the press conference, laying flowers, posters, handwritten notes, and Lucas’s favorite snacks—Twisties and chocolate milk.
A **candlelight vigil** is planned for Friday evening, with thousands expected to attend, wearing Eels colors and carrying candles bearing Lucas’s name.
Local community leaders and businesses have stepped up as well:
* **A GoFundMe** page launched by the Eels’ supporters club surpassed **\$500,000 AUD** in less than 12 hours, with proceeds going toward Lucas’s treatment and family expenses.
* **Eels junior squads** will now wear armbands with “LR7” stitched into their jerseys.
* **Westmead Children’s Hospital**, where Lucas is being treated, has received a surge of donations in his name.
> **“The Ryles family has given so much to us. It’s time we give back,”** said Eels fan Emma Jones, 34, holding her own son outside the stadium.
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### Coaching Through Crisis
Despite the emotional toll, Ryles has chosen to remain in his head coaching role—for now—saying that football provides structure and purpose amidst the chaos.
> **“This team is like a second family. They’ve wrapped their arms around me. I want to be there for them, just as they’re being there for me,”** he said.
Assistant coaches **Dean Young** and **Steve Price** have stepped up in operational duties, allowing Ryles flexibility to attend treatments and spend time with Lucas.
Team insiders say Ryles has continued running film sessions and attending training, but now brings Lucas’s favorite cap to each meeting—a small gesture that speaks volumes.
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### The Players’ Emotional Reaction
Several Eels players were seen visibly emotional during Thursday’s closed-door team meeting where Ryles first shared the news with his squad. Captain Clint Gutherson reportedly led a team prayer while others embraced Ryles one by one.
> **“We’re not just playing for ourselves anymore. We’re playing for Lucas,”** said forward Junior Paulo. **“Every tackle, every try—it’s for him.”**
Players have requested the NRL allow the team to wear **custom warm-up shirts featuring Lucas’s drawing of a kangaroo in an Eels jersey** before Sunday’s game—a symbol of strength and resilience.
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### What Comes Next
Lucas has begun an intensive treatment regimen, including **chemotherapy and a possible bone marrow transplant**. The Ryles family is seeking international consultations and has opened communication with specialists in the U.S. and Germany.
The family has asked for **privacy** during Lucas’s treatment, but promised to provide regular updates through an official platform, which will launch next week.
The Eels have postponed some community and media events and are shifting internal resources to assist the Ryles family however possible.
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### A Message from Lucas
In the most heart-melting moment of the press conference, Jason Ryles shared a handwritten note from Lucas, who asked his dad to read it aloud.
> *“Dear Eels fans, thank you for loving me even though I’m little. I will fight hard and be strong like Daddy’s team. Please don’t be sad. Just cheer loud. I love blue and gold forever.”*
The note, complete with smiley faces and a stick-figure drawing of the team, has since gone viral, touching hearts far beyond rugby circles.
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### Final Thoughts: A Battle Bigger Than Sport
Jason Ryles has always been a symbol of resilience, leadership, and strategy. But today, the world saw something far more powerful: **a father’s love, a team’s loyalty, and a community’s heart**.
In a world often dominated by headlines of rivalry and controversy, this story reminds us of what matters most—**love, faith, unity, and family.**
As candles begin to flicker outside CommBank Stadium, one thing is certain: **Lucas Ryles is not fighting alone.**
> **“My son’s name will be on our jerseys, in our huddles, and in our hearts,”** Jason Ryles said, voice cracking. **“We believe in miracles. And we believe in Lucas.”**
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