Parramatta Eels Set Membership Record as Ryles’ Style Excites Fans

The Parramatta Eels will close out their 2025 campaign with one of their strongest home crowds of the season, underpinned by a record membership base despite missing the NRL finals for a third consecutive year.

The club confirmed it has surpassed 37,000 members in 2025, the highest in its history. While the Eels sit six points outside the top eight in 13th position, CEO Jim Sarantinos said the membership uplift demonstrates optimism among fans.

“We want our fans and members coming to watch our team win every week, particularly at home, and we haven’t been able to deliver on that this season. 

“But there is a lot of optimism in the fan base, and I think they are going to turn up in big numbers next season knowing that we have got a lot to look forward to,” Sarantinos said.

Crowd figures also reflect steady resilience. Parramatta’s biggest home attendance of 2025 was 24,059 against the Bulldogs in Round 3, while Sunday’s Father’s Day clash against Newcastle at CommBank Stadium is forecast to attract between 20,000 and 25,000 fans. Free junior entry is expected to further boost turnout for the NRL and NRLW double-header.

The challenge for 2026 will be converting that optimism into improved results, ensuring the current membership base remains engaged as the club seeks a return to finals football.

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