Steve Georgallis takes over NRLW reins at Parramatta

Parramatta confirmed on Wednesday the ex-Penrith and Canterbury men's interim coach would replace NRLW foundation coach Dean Widders after he stepped down in September.

Georgallis will also work as coaching director of the Eels' elite pathways program, a role vacated by former NRL coach Nathan Brown this week.

The appointment comes as part of a review into Parramatta's 2023 NRLW campaign, which ended in a 1-8 record and last-placed finish.

Injuries to key recruits Elsie Albert and Rachael Pearson hampered the Eels' season, as did a long suspension to captain Kennedy Cherrington.

In total, the Eels won five of Widders' 21 games in charge but qualified for the 2022 grand final, albeit with a 1-4 record in the smaller six-team competition.

"I'm really looking forward to connecting with the Eels playing group and working closely with assistant coach Kate Mullaly and the rest of our staff to ensure we build a successful football program next season," Georgallis said.

Georgallis took charge of the Panthers and Bulldogs mid-season in 2011 and 2020 respectively following the sackings of Matthew Elliott and Dean Pay.

He has been an assistant to North Queensland coach Todd Payten for the past three seasons, helping guide the side to a preliminary berth in 2022, and coached Greece at that year's World Cup.

As a player, Georgallis made 206 first-grade appearances in Australia and was Western Suburbs' final club captain before their merger with Balmain in 2000.

"Steve brings a wealth of rugby league knowledge and experience that we know our NRLW team will greatly benefit from," said Eels chief executive Jim Sarantinos.

Australian Associated Press