Another Eels Veteran Moves On as Ryles’ Squad Shake-Up Continues; Ennis Looms as Manly’s Next Coach
The Parramatta Eels’ dramatic roster overhaul under new head coach Jason Ryles has claimed another experienced name. Bryce Cartwright, once seen as a potential future State of Origin representative during his early years with the Penrith Panthers, is officially leaving the NRL. The 30-year-old forward has opted to step away from the professional level, announcing he will continue his rugby league journey by returning to his junior club, St Mary’s, in the Ron Massey Cup.
Cartwright expressed heartfelt gratitude in a farewell statement released by the club. “I’m really thankful to the Eels for the opportunity to be part of this club. It always felt like a home away from home,” he said. “I’m leaving with positive memories, lifelong mates and gratitude for everyone’s support, especially the passionate fans who have always shown me love. While I’ve loved my time at Parramatta, this decision is about making the best choice for my family and our future.”
Cartwright’s departure adds to the growing list of veteran players pushed out or moved on during Ryles’ first season at the helm. Though Cartwright has amassed 185 NRL games since debuting in 2014, he failed to feature in a single first-grade match this year. Instead, he spent the entire season in the NSW Cup—a clear indication he was not part of the club’s long-term plans.
His NRL career includes 69 games for the Panthers, 43 appearances at the Gold Coast Titans, and 73 games for the Eels since 2021. However, his recent lack of first-grade minutes signaled the end was near at Parramatta.
Cartwright follows Joe Ofahengaue, who transferred to the UK Super League earlier this year. Similarly, Shaun Lane has taken a break from the Eels after being demoted to reserve grade. Another veteran, Ryan Matterson, has been given the green light to leave should he secure a deal with another club.
In the off-season, Ryles reportedly informed two key senior players—Reagan Campbell-Gillard and club captain Clint Gutherson—that their services were no longer required. Both have since signed elsewhere, with Campbell-Gillard set to join the Gold Coast Titans and Gutherson bound for St George Illawarra.
Ryles’ overhaul seems intent on reshaping the team with a youthful core and fresh energy. Though controversial, his no-nonsense approach has made it clear that no player is safe if they don’t fit into the long-term vision. The Eels are moving toward a new era, leaving behind some big names and emotional farewells.
Meanwhile, down at Manly, major coaching questions are brewing. Current head coach Anthony Seibold’s future is increasingly under scrutiny as the Sea Eagles struggle through a significant mid-season slump. After a disappointing loss to the last-placed Gold Coast Titans, pressure is mounting fast on Seibold to turn things around.
The Sea Eagles were expected to contend for a finals berth, but their recent form dip has seen them slide dangerously out of the playoff picture. Last Friday’s 28-8 defeat to the Titans only highlighted the severity of the team’s issues.
In the wake of these struggles, one name has emerged as a potential successor should Seibold fail to see out his contract: Michael Ennis. The former Cronulla Sharks premiership-winning hooker and current Fox League commentator is already working with the Sea Eagles in a part-time coaching capacity. According to reports, the club views him as a long-term coaching prospect—and perhaps even a short-term replacement if things deteriorate further.
Seibold, whose contract runs until the end of 2027, has previously indicated he would be open to stepping aside at the conclusion of his deal. But with the pressure mounting and the Sea Eagles’ season slipping away, speculation is growing that a change could come sooner rather than later.
Sea Eagles CEO Tony Mestrov offered a measured response to the speculation, telling the Sydney Morning Herald: “At the moment, Seibs is safe at this point.” However, the qualifier “at this point” leaves little doubt that Seibold’s position is being closely monitored.
To stave off growing concerns and rebuild confidence, the Sea Eagles must secure wins in their upcoming matches against the Wests Tigers and South Sydney Rabbitohs at their home ground, Brookvale Oval. These games are seen as critical tests before the club’s final bye in Round 19.
Seibold is expected to shake things up with a positional switch involving star fullback Tom Trbojevic. The plan is to shift Trbojevic to the centres, giving Lehi Hopoate a shot in the No. 1 jersey. It’s a bold move designed to ignite some much-needed spark and possibly offer Trbojevic a less physically demanding role as he continues to manage his body.
As Manly’s finals hopes hang by a thread, fans and club officials alike are watching closely. The club’s leadership is banking on short-term improvements, but they are also preparing contingencies. Ennis, known for his tactical insight and on-field leadership during his playing career, is seen as a natural fit to guide the Sea Eagles into their next phase should a coaching change become necessary.
The unfolding scenarios at both Parramatta and Manly underscore a broader theme in the NRL this season: the era of sentimentality is giving way to bold, sometimes ruthless decisions aimed at fast-tracking rebuilds and changing club culture. For the Eels, that means saying goodbye to familiar names like Cartwright. For Manly, it may soon mean welcoming a fresh voice in Ennis if Seibold cannot right the ship.
As both clubs navigate periods of transition, the next few weeks may prove decisive—not just for individuals like Cartwright and Seibold, but for the direction of two proud franchises looking to rediscover consistency, identity, and success.
