“One with their nose in front”: Riccio reveals preferred candidate to take over Eels

The Parramatta Eels head coaching job is reportedly down to two following the first round of candidate interviews.

The head coach position at Parramatta is one of the most attractive vacancies in recent years given the large profile of the club as well as the strength of the roster that boasts Mitchell Moses, Clint Gutherson and Dylan Brown.

The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio told SEN that Eels management has whittled the list down to Jason Ryles and Josh Hannay.

“It’s down to Hannay and Ryles,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“(Interim coach) Trent Barrett is sitting at close third at this stage.

“Both Michael Cheika and Jason Demetriou have been removed from the candidates list.

“It’s coming down to the original two-horse race that we always thought would eventuate. Parramatta are working tirelessly behind the scenes to get this done.

“We are at least two weeks away from getting this done. If I had to pick one with their nose in front, it’s Hannay.

“This is because of his interim coaching role with the Sharks, his assistant coaching role with the Cowboys and his assistant coaching role with Billy Slater.

“That’s putting him in good stead with Eels management.”

SEN’s Andrew Voss is not convinced that the Eels will return to premiership contention with a coaching change.

Voss believes the newly appointed Parramatta coach must have the ability to attract rival talent to the club.

“Jason Ryles and Josh Hannay seem like good coaches but who would know,” Voss added.

“My first reaction though is do they attract players? No.

“I don't know what coach would attract players (but) winning would turn every corner.”

Riccio added that Parramatta will announce their new coach following the conclusion of State of Origin Game II.