Eels forward Shaun Lane admits there is a “strange” atmosphere at the club following the appointment of Jason Ryles as Parramatta head coach from next season.

Former Roosters and Storm assistant Ryles beat out several candidates for the job, including current Eels interim coach Trent Barrett, who was forced to sit out this season despite knowing he would not be needed next year.

Since then, some players who have spoken out publicly have admitted they do not know where the relationship with the club and the new coach stands, while others have said they have spoken to Ryles.

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This has created an atmosphere of uncertainty where there are more questions than answers.

Ahead of Parramatta’s Spoon Bowl clash with the Tigers, Lane said it was a unique situation for the players to navigate.

“It’s a strange situation because we know we have a new coach and in the meantime Baz (Barrett) is our coach,” Lane said.

“There could be player movement and all that. It’s definitely weird, but we weren’t looking too far ahead.

“When it’s time to move on after this week, we’ll do that and then we’ll look to the future.”

In an interview with NRL360, co-presenter Braith Anasta believes new coach Ryles would probably like to see a little more “enthusiasm” from Lane.

“I look at it and think, ‘damn, we could use a little more enthusiasm,’ but then I talk to Rylesy and he’s enthusiastic,” Anasta said.

“You probably want to get more out of your players. Even if you’re a coach going there and watching, you’re probably thinking, ‘Come on, buddy, let’s lift weights.’ I know it’s the end of the year, but I don’t think it’s the end of the world.”

“I think he’s just being honest,” Fox League’s James Hooper responded.

“Of course he thought to himself, ‘Well, we’ve had a hell of a season.’

“Yes, the players have to be held accountable, but a lot of the problems that have arisen at this club stemmed from the decision by the administrators to sack the previous manager Brad Arthur and the failed attempt to sign Wayne Bennett.”

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Hooper added that he found it odd that Ryles did not step foot in the Eels’ centre or address the media, which had sparked a heated debate Daily Telegraph Michael Carayanis.

Bin: It seems strange to me that he was appointed head coach. We didn’t see him on camera, he didn’t have to answer any questions, we didn’t see him in an Eels polo shirt.

Karajanis: I think it’s out of respect for Trent Barrett.

Bin: Is that right? They threw Trent under the bus when they fired Brad Arthur.

Karajanis: They didn’t throw him under the bus. He didn’t have to take the job.

Bin: Who else was going to do it?

Karajanis: Are you criticizing them for firing Brad?

Bin: I am critical of this administration. I have been critical all year.

Karajanis: Where is Jason Ryles supposed to sit? In the coach’s office? He’s met with the players many times.

Bin: Everyone? It doesn’t look like he met up with Shaun Lane.

Karajanis: Shaun just seems like a guy who wants to get this over with as quickly as possible, which is how the whole club feels.

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