Jason Ryles has officially begun work as head coach of the Eels, as he prepares the side for the 2025 season.
The former NRL veteran held assistant coaching jobs at the Roosters and Storm before being poached by the Eels.
He believes spending time in those successful organisations has prepared him well for his first opportunity at the helm.
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"I think I've done my time ... I've got a lot of experience under my belt," Ryles said in his first official team interview.
"I've worked for some pretty elite coaches and had success there as well, and also worked with some pretty elite players.
"And not to mention the organisations – Melbourne and the Roosters. They've been at the top of the league now for 20-plus years and it's no fluke.
"It's one of those things where you put those experiences into action and add my own flavour to it and see where we can get to."
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Ryles also spoke about the influence that Storm coach Craig Bellamy and Roosters coach Trent Robinson have had on him, noting their different styles and points of emphasis.
"They've shaped me along the way," he said.
"That's why you do your apprenticeship. I've been really lucky and fortunate to do it with those guys.
"Craig [Bellamy] has set the foundation for what winning looks like without the scoreboard ... he's really effort-based.
"I felt like I learned so much under Trent [Robinson] – the tactical side, principles ... and how to apply it. And also to have the courage to do things differently."
