SO SAD TO SAY GOODBYE: He should go Panel clash over double standard as Storm set to release Ryles early….

Veteran journalist Phil Rothfield believes the Melbourne Storm must release Jason Ryles so the incoming Eels coach can begin overhauling the struggling club’s roster.

Speaking on Monday night’s NRL 360, The Daily Telegraph’s Rothfield was adamant Ryles shouldn’t remain at the Storm for the remainder of 2024.

“He’s now employed by another club to plan for next year,” Rothfield said.

“If you’re working for another employer, you’ve got to go.”

Rothfield cited how Ryles’ former employers, the Sydney Roosters, told him to leave when it was revealed he was talking to St George about their vacant head coaching role last year.

He believes Ryles has “got to be full-time” especially considering the several key roster decisions the rookie head coach will need to make when he assumes his duties at Parramatta.

However, Brisbane Broncos legend Gorden Tallis questioned whether the same conditions applied to Wayne Bennett, who is currently coaching the Dolphins but will return to the top job at South Sydney next season.

“Wayne’s different,” Rothfield answered.

Tallis then asked: “Didn’t (Dragons coach) Shane Flanagan do it at Manly last year? And he’s going alright.”

“You didn’t blow up about that one, did ya?” Read added.

“Is that because he’s your mate?”

However, Rothfield remained insistent Ryles must begin his role as Parramatta head coach earlier than anticipated, largely because of the mammoth roster rebuild he faces.

It comes as Brent Read informed the panel Ryles, who was announced as the next Eels coach earlier this month, will meet with Storm management on Tuesday to decide his immediate future.

“He’s got a meeting with Matt Tripp, the owner, to talk about his future and I’d expect if Rylesy wants to go they won’t stand in his way because they’ve got great respect for him and they appreciate what he’s done for the club,” Read said.