While the Eels avoided the ignominy of finishing last in 2024, after smashing the Tigers 60-26 in the last-round “Spoon Bowl”, bookmakers doubt they can again escape the dreaded utensil, judging by their first two performances this year. After a 56-18 trouncing from Melbourne in their season opener, TAB wound the Eels in to $6 favourites in its “most losses” betting market. They tightened to $3.75 after Sunday’s display, followed by the Dolphins ($5.50), St George Illawarra ($6.50) and North Queensland ($7). With Mitchell Moses estimating that he faces another “five or six weeks” on the sidelines because of a foot injury, Parramatta’s season could be as good as over before the incumbent Test halfback is cleared to return. All of which represents the toughest of initiations for rookie coach Jason Ryles, who served his coaching apprenticeship at perennial heavyweights Melbourne and Sydney Roosters, as well as stints with the English national rugby union team and the Wallabies.