Dylan Brown’s potential recall to the Parramatta starting side has reignited a split between Bailey Simonsson and coach Jason Ryles, prompting the outside back to request a release for the third time in the last month.

The most recent request came this week after Simonsson was told by Ryles he would not be selected in the NRL team to play against the Cowboys this weekend, and that the departing Brown was ahead of him in the battle to replace the injured Sean Russell in the centres.

Simonsson was dropped by the Eels after the 40-16 loss to Canberra in round 20. He has since lodged three requests for a release. He also informed the club that his preferred position was on the wing, not in the centres – where he was playing before he was dropped.

Ryles has been playing Simonsson on the wing in NSW Cup since then and did not consider him to play in the centres for the Eels NRL team this weekend given his previous request to play on the wing.

Simonsson was informed that Brown and Jordan Samrani, who has been named at No.4 but is expected to make way for Brown, were being considered to play in the centres ahead of him.

Sources close to Simonsson who spoke on the condition of anonymity told the Herald the player is furious with his treatment from the Eels and that he had again demanded a release this week after learning Brown was likely to return to the NRL team before him.

The Eels are considering bringing Brown back into the NRL team this week despite Ryles having indicated he may have played his last game for the club given his forthcoming departure to Newcastle at the end of the season.

The Eels had knocked back Simonsson’s two previous requests for a release but are now giving strong consideration to releasing him given his behaviour in recent days.