At least a dozen players from the top squad have moved on or been put on notice as part of a massive overhaul of the Eels roster this year. The club, on track for an unlikely finals appearance after finishing with consecutive wooden spoons, is attempting to free up salary cap space in order to retain and recruit the players required to be a legitimate premiership contender.

There was an outcry over Stuart's controversial cull, which resulted in 11 players – whose names were shown via an overhead projector – being told they were no longer a part of the club's long-term plans. Some of those subsequently stayed on. However, the turnover from the 2014 squad is likely to be higher still as new coach Brad Arthur and head of football Daniel Anderson attempt to get their roster right.

Jacob Loko (Canterbury), Daniel Harrison (Manly) and Brenden Santi (Wests Tigers) have already made the switch before the June 30 deadline. Others who have confirmed their destinations for next season include Willie Tonga (Catalan Dragons), Ken Sio (Hull KR) and Liam Foran (London Broncos), while veteran back-rower Ben Smith will retire as a one-club man. Fuifui Moimoi's playing future is unclear after being told he will not be given a new Eels contract, while fellow forward Kelepi Tanginoa is tipped to shift to North Queensland next year after being granted an early release. Prop Mitchell Allgood is contracted but has been given permission to look elsewhere, while it remains to be seen whether off contract trio Luke Kelly, Apirana Pewhairangi and Taniela Lassalo will be offered new Eels deals.

Form back-rower Joseph Paulo will also become a free agent at the end of the season and has fielded lucrative offers from Canberra and Newcastle. However, Parramatta powerbrokers are keen to retain him and are hopeful negotiations will soon lead to a contract extension for the Tomahawks skipper.

While Stuart's cleanout generated weeks of adverse headlines and upset many of the players – co-captain Jarryd Hayne was one of several who spoke out about the way that situation was handled – the club will be going about the current transformation in a less public manner. It is likely to come at a less financial cost as well. Currently, the Eels are paying more than $750,000 to players no longer on their books.

"The club will not comment on discussions it has with players around list management," an Eels spokesman said.

"It's important they remain private and confidential conversations between the player and the club."

On top of Parramatta's wish-list is Manly halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, who is off contract at the end of next year. Another Sea Eagle, NSW forward Anthony Watmough, has also been linked to the blue and golds.

It's expected that former Cronulla coach Peter Sharp will join the club for next season, to help fill the void left by former retention and recruitment manager Peter Nolan. Danny Wicks is also a strong chance of making the switch after doing time for drugs charges.

The Eels haven't wasted any time finding a replacement for former Queensland and Australian centre Tonga, signing Beau Champion on a one-year deal. Champion had been hailed a future Rabbitohs skipper, but had been struggling to get a start behind exciting three-quarters Dylan Walker and Kirisome Auva'a.

"Beau is a great competitor and athlete, and will be a valuable addition to our side for 2015," Arthur said.

"He will bring back line experience to our team, and maturity to our young squad."

Champion, who also had stints with Melbourne and the Gold Coast during a career spanning more than 100 games, added: "It's a fantastic opportunity to come to a club that I believe is on the rise, with a lot of young talent.

"I'm looking forward to the chance to play alongside these young players and be part of the Eels next year."

There are also changes afoot off the field – Parramatta City Council approved the first stage of development for a new high-performance centre for all grades. For many years, the club has been forced to train on a field that is only 80 metres long. However, there has been an agreement to establish a new training base at Old Saleyards and Dan Mahoney Reserves in North Parramatta, which will include two fields in the first stage of construction.

"This is the first time our NRL, NYC, NSW Cup and district representative teams will be able to train at the same facility, instead of various locations around the Parramatta area," Eels chairman Steve Sharp said.

Parramatta City has also agreed to give in-principle support to longer-term plans for a permanent high performance and community centre, with features to include a gymnasium, player recovery facilities, coaching and video rooms, a theatrette and office space for club administration.

"Our vision is to create a world-class centre that will give the Parramatta Eels the best training and high performance facilities in the NRL, which will be crucial to the long-term continued success of our club," Eels chief executive Scott Seward said.

EELS PLAYERS ON THE MOVE

Mitchell Allgood – contracted, but has been given permission to look elsewhere

Daniel Harrison – granted early release to return to Manly. Will join London Broncos next year

Luke Kelly – off contract, future at Eels unclear

Jacob Loko – granted an early release to join Canterbury

Fuifui Moimoi – will retire or shift clubs after Eels confirmed they would not be offering a new contract

Brenden Santi – granted an early release to rejoin Wests Tigers

Willie Tonga – contract won't be renewed, will finish career in France

Ken Sio – has signed a three-year deal with English club Hull KR

Kelepi Tanginoa – expected to join North Queensland next year

Liam Foran – has signed a two-year deal with London Broncos

Ben Smith – will retire at the end of the season

Apirana Pewhairangi – off contract, future at Eels unclear

Taniela Lasalo – off contract, future at Eels unclear