The Tip Sheet - 2024 Ep 116: The Season Wrap With Mark O'Neill

Our triple header of special episodes from Eels HQ concludes with what has become a staple on the calendar in our annual end of season wrap up with Mark O'Neil. The General Manager of Football joins The Tip Sheet is a period of unprecedented change for the Parramatta Eels. Jason Ryles is leading the club into a new era backed by one of the most aggressive recruitment drives in years and O'Neill breaks down where the new look NRL squad is at heading into the Christmas break. From how the Top 30 is shaping up to exactly what position the Eels are now targeting and the overall balance of the roster, the boys look at the transition into season 2025. The development of the Centre of Excellence and the announcement of Parramatta Live augment the palpable aura of excitement at the club and the show takes a vibe check on how everyone is holding up. What has Jason Ryles brought to the Eels in his first preseason? What in particular has impressed O'Neill and how have his support staff brought their own flair and different approaches to Kellyville? O'Neill also discusses the NRLW and the huge strides taken this year under Steve Georgallis as well as the Junior Pathways and the appointment of full-time coaching staff in another massive investment into the talent pipeline. We always express sincere gratitude to all of the Parramatta staff that graciously share their time with TCT and that is doubly true for Mark O'Neill. As mentioned in the podcast, Mark has joined the show through a gamut of backdrops ranging from grand final heartbreak to frustrating seasons outside the Top 8 and now on the back of a whirlwind of change sweeping through the club. More than that, we also extend our sincerest sympathies and condolences to Mark and his family for the loss of his brother-in-law Paul Griffin.