"No, and I don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing," Parramatta forward Joe Ofahengaue replied when asked if he had heard from incoming coach Jason Ryles.
The Eels are in a desperate battle to stay off the bottom of the ladder with the club currently locked on 16 points alongside the Wests Tigers.
Yet while attention is focused on this week’s clash against St George Illawarra and avoiding the wooden spoon, a summer of upheaval is bubbling away in the background at Parramatta and is hard to ignore.
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Joe Ofahengaue left in the dark about Jason Ryles' plans for the Eels
Ryles will step into the role of NRL head coach for the first time in his career next season after taking over a squad which has severely underachieved in 2024.
Mitch Moses’ injury troubles have seen him restricted to just eight appearances for the blue and gold, while a number of second half fade outs under former coach Brad Arthur eventually culminated in the long-standing mentor being axed.
"It’s been a very tough year and we’re not going to shy away from that," Ofahengaue said.
"We know we’ve only got ourselves to blame, along with a bit of bad luck."
Ever since Arthur departed, rumours have swelled around who will and who won’t be at the Eels next year.
Reagan Campbell-Gillard is reportedly on the verge of an exit, while Blaize Talagi has already jumped ship to join Penrith at the foot of the mountains.
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Ofahengaue admitted that while he was yet to speak to the incoming new coach, he was fully committed to the cause.
"I’m not too worried about that at the moment," the forward said.
"I’ve still got a contract here and I’m just going to let my footy do the talking."
Meanwhile, Will Penisini revealed he had heard from Ryles with the centre contracted through until 2025 whilst also having a player option in his favour for the following year.
"I’ve spoken to him on the phone, but it was just a brief check-up.
"We’ll focus on whatever happens next year though."
