"Everything changed": The Eel that sparked Parra's revival

Following their win against the Brisbane Broncos, Matty Johns has praised the impact that one Parramatta Eel has had since signing with the club.

With Jason Ryles starting his tenure with the Eels last year, he did not get off to the best of starts, having had a 0-4 record, seeing the side sit in 17th.

But within the space of just under a year, the Eels look a far different side that some believe is capable of making a finals appearance.

One of those reasons behind their quick rise has been the addition of Dylan Walker.

Entering the start of his third season with the Warriors in 2025, the utility was granted an immediate release from his contract on compassionate grounds, which saw him return home and sign with the Eels.  

Since his signing, the former NSW representative has proved to be an impactful player from the bench.

And Thursday night proved to be no different for Walker, who ran for 118 metres in Parramatta’s 40-32 win over the reigning premiers.

Reflecting on his influence on the side, Johns believes that without him, the Eels would not have made the same progress so quickly.    

“They were going nowhere last year,” he said on SEN’s Morning Glory with Matty Johns.

“And they picked them up, and as soon as he ran on the field against the Dragons (in Round 5), everything changed. And last night, same thing.

“In the last two to three years, you think about some of the biggest signings of the game, you don’t think about Dylan Walker.

“He’s been one of the most important ones.”

Johns wasn’t the only one to note the impact of Walker on the side.

“We’ve been sitting here talking about how great the Eels have been in the rebuild,” Denan Kemp added.

“That rebuild doesn’t happen as quickly if Dylan Walker doesn’t arrive at the club.”

After playing on the road for the last two rounds, the Eels will host their first home game of the year at CommBank Stadium against the Dragons on Sunday.

Kick-off takes place at 4:05pm AEDT.