Eels keep door open for out-of-favour Brown

Ryles has taken a clear eye to the future with Parramatta of realistic finals contention, leaving Brown as 18th man for Saturday's clash against ladder-leaders Canberra.

With Brown set to join the Knights from 2026 on his record-breaking $13 million, 10-year deal, Ryles handed 20-year-old rookie Joash Papalii the No.6 jersey last week.

Brown started at hooker and played only 35 minutes across two stints, but youngster Ryley Smith's return from suspension now leaves Brown out of the side altogether.

With eight rounds remaining, there is a chance the 25-year-old has played his last game for the Eels.

But not according to Ryles.

"No, he hasn't, I don't think, but I don't have a crystal ball," Ryles said on Friday.

"The option to use him again is certainly there.

"If that does come up and we get an injury or two and he fits into that picture, then we'll do that, definitely."

Brown finds himself on the sidelines after turning down an opportunity to make the mid-season switch to Newcastle.

But Ryles could only praise Brown's attitude since telling him the club was now casting an eye to the future.

"How's Dylan taking it? He's been outstanding," Ryles said.

"He's done everything that we needed him to do this week in regards to training and meetings and for the team and that sort of thing.

"He couldn't have handled it any better. And I think the clarity around it for him early days was really important.

"There was an opportunity to go to Newcastle early. He chose to stay with us, which was absolutely fine, but we gave him the opportunity.

"And then we spoke about what that might look like going forward in regards to now, and this was a possibility, so it's pretty simple for me.

"One thing's clear ... he won't be playing Cup. He'll either be with us (in the NRL) or with no one."

Smith's return from suspension has given Ryles the chance to see how he and mid-season recruit Tallyn Da Silva work as a combination, with Smith coming off the bench.

"They'll be good. It's something we're looking forward to," Ryles said.

"It's our future there, so they'll get the first opportunity to play together this week."

The Eels will still be without captain Mitch Moses (calf), but Ryles remains confident their star half is on target to return next week.