Ryley Smith has ascended into first grade to begin the 2025 NRL season, stepping up to fill the dummy half void that was left after Reed Mahoney left Parramatta.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, the young number nine reflected on his first eight games in the NRL.
"It’s been pretty surreal," he said.
"It’s been a roller coaster so far,"
"The NRL you find out really quickly they’re full of little moments."
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Smith's work ethic has been one of the talking points coming out of the Eels camp and no doubt played a significant role in giving him the nod.
"I’ve sort’ve earned my way into the team," he said.
His teammate Junior Paulo also praised the budding hooker for his effort, particularly throughout preseason training.
"He had a massive preseason," said Paulo.
"Ryley’s started the year exceptional for us,"
"If you’re on the opposition team, annoying to play against because he’s just a ball full of energy and he’s competing for everything,"
"He’s growing into his own and the hooker role for him right now is what he’s there to do."
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First-year head coach Jason Ryles made it clear to his players at the start of the offseason that jerseys weren't going to be handed out, they were going to be earned, which is exactly what Smith has done.
"Ryley’s worked his way in there. He’s earned where he’s got to at the moment," Ryles said.
"Ryley’s just done a great job to get himself into NRL. I think he was hoping to play cup and he’s pushed past that already,"
"Where he’s going to get to, we’re not too sure, but we’re going to give him every opportunity."
The NRL wasn't the only option for Smith. He grew up playing cricket and was part of Australia's youth system before turning his attention to rugby league.
"As I was getting older I felt like footy was the best choice for me," he said.
With magic round on the horizon, Parramatta's dummy half is eager to keep building on recent performances.
"We’ve had a really good performance two weeks ago, so hopefully we can build on that going into Magic Round," he said.