Parramatta begin Jason Ryles era with a thumping win over Knights

After one of the biggest off-season upheavals in the club's history, Parramatta has begun its Jason Ryles era in the best possible way - with a win.

Facing the Knights in Newcastle, the Eels were without several of their biggest stars, including Mitchell Moses and Zac Lomax, but still managed to dominate much of the contest.

Dylan Brown opened the scoring in just the second minute, before Jake Tago, Kelma Tuilagi and Joash Papalii all crossed to give the Eels a 22-4 lead into the break.

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The Knights flew out of the gate in the second half - Logan Aoake and Kyle McCarthy scored within minutes before Jermaine McEwen crossed just shy of the hour mark to close the gap to four points.

But that was all she wrote for the hosts, as Parramatta scored four straight in the final 20 minutes, including a stunning aerial effort from Samuel Loizou, to run out 44-18 winners.

Speaking to Fox League post-match, stand-in skipper Dylan Brown said he was relieved to notch a win after a pre-season with so much change.

"Loved the energy – whenever something went wrong, the players all got around each other and we had some fun," he said.

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"There has been a lot of change this pre-season, so hopefully some good things come from it."

Since his arrival at Parramatta, Ryles hasn't been scared to make big calls, including showing incumbent captain Clint Gutherson the door.

He's also hired an all-new coaching staff - Nathan Brown, Scott Wisemantel, Sam Moa and Nathan Cayless.

But despite the massive upheaval, Brown said the new Eels playing group has brought into the brains trust's vision.

"Nathan Brown has ... changed our attack a bit, so we've been working real close with him and enjoying every part of it," he explained.

"Honestly, heaps has changed ... a whole knew coaching staff. They've brought in a lot of different things and I feel like the boys have got straight behind it and we're all willing to learn.

"Expect a lot of change, hopefully for the good."

The Eels will play the Tigers at Leichhardt Oval next Friday night, before kicking their season off proper against the Storm in Melbourne on March 9.