‘Interesting swap’ sees Ryles sign first player

Incoming Eels coach Jason Ryles has locked in his first signing with young fullback Isaiah Iongi committing to the club on a three-year deal.
Affiliated with the Panthers until the end of the season, Iongi will join the Eels ahead of the 2025 season.
The 21-year-old made his NRL debut during the Panthers’ 22-14 win over the Knights in round 22 — finishing the match with 257 running metres and eight tackle busts.
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Isaiah Iongi runs the ball during the round 22 NRL match between the Penrith Panthers and the Newcastle Knights. Brett Hemming via Getty Images
Iongi’s signing could be a key piece in Ryles’ puzzle with the former Melbourne Storm assistant having made it clear he is willing to clear the decks for next season.
“That’s a big move,” league legend Phil Gould said in response to the signing news on Nine’s Six Tackles with Gus.
“I imagine they’ll feel his pathway was blocked there at Penrith.”
The Eels’ acquisition of Iongi also comes after Blaize Talagi informed the club he would join the Panthers next season after opting against a contract extension earlier this year.
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“It’s an interesting swap, isn’t it?,” Gould said.
“Blaize Talagi who was touted as Paramatta’s rising star in the outside backs — he’s gone to the Panthers which is a great buy for them [but then] they lose Isaiah Iongi going the other way towards Paramatta.”
Blaize Talagi of the Eels looks on. Getty
With fullback Clint Gutherson approaching the end of his career, Talagi was seen as his long-term replacement.
But now, Iongi’s signing has muddied Gutherson’s future at the Eels.
“Isaiah Iongi, to me, is a fullback and a fullback only. I think that’s not only his preferred position but looking at him, I think that’s his best and only position — and they’ve got Clint Gutherson there,” Gould said.
“It has been said that Gutherson could be moved away from fullback to lock, hooker or the centres. However, centre Zac Lomax is also joining the club and is not going there to play on the wing.
“It’ll be interesting to see what happens to Clint Gutherson because there is a fair bit of scuttle around as to whether or not he moves from Parramatta as well.
“Now, I don’t want to put that out there but a lot is happening in the marketplace.”
Highly regarded as a future talent, Iongi was a U19s QLD Maroons representative. He was also named the 2023 NSW Cup Fullback of the Year and the 2022 Panthers Jersey Flegg Cup Player of the Year.