Annual Ken Thornett Medal night for Parramatta
Forward Jack Williams won the big award
Parramatta is feeling sad about missing the NRL finals this weekend, but spirits were high on Tuesday as the Eels marked a positive end to their 2025 season with their stylish partners.
Commbank Stadium hosted the event where players like Mitchell Moses, Josh Addo-Carr, soon-to-depart Dylan Brown, and coach Jason Ryles relaxed during the Ken Thornett Medal celebration.
Jack Williams grabbed the Player of the Year award for the club, and Moses received the Nathan Hindmarsh NRL Players’ Player award.
Fullback Isaiah Iongi won the Eric Grothe Snr NRL Rookie of the Year and Blue & Gold Army NRL Player of the Year awards, while prop Junior Paulo took home the Jack Gibson NRL Coaches Award.
Players like Brown and Shaun Lane were also said goodbye.
After his team crushed Newcastle 66-10 to finish the season, Ryles pointed out that there is still a lot of work ahead for Parramatta before they can truly compete for a championship.
Parramatta marked a satisfying end to their 2025 journey at their presentation night on Tuesday, featuring halfback Mitchell Moses.
Star player Dylan Brown was appreciated for his time with the Eels as he gets ready to join the Knights next year on a huge 10-year, $13 million contract.
Many partners of players turned heads before the Ken Thornett Medal night at Commbank Stadium.
Coach Jason Ryles felt positive about the team’s progress, especially in the final games, which included victories over the Roosters and Warriors.
Shaun Lane recently revealed his retirement from the NRL; he started with Parramatta in 2019, and a standout moment for him was playing in the Grand Final in 2022.
“I think we had a lot of games where we were close. . . . you look back and wonder, what if? ” Ryles said.
“We are getting better each week, making small improvements.
“Results are coming slowly because the scoreboard changes last.
“For me and the team, we are on a journey. This isn’t over, and we need to work hard to be in great shape so we can continue improving for next season. “
“We will keep focusing on helping each player grow and give them the best chance to excel,” he mentioned.
“There was a lot of confusion this season which caused significant changes.
“It was a crazy start. We just had to stay calm.
“I don’t want to experience that again anytime soon, but it was a valuable experience. “
