struggling Parramatta are desperately scouring the NRL for immediate playing stocks in a bid to save their flatlining season.
Parramatta management and their recruitment team spent Monday analysing rival clubs’ rosters and the possibility of immediately recruiting players or signing a player on a loan deal.
Several player agents have reached out to the Eels to offer their clients’ services, particularly players who have had limited opportunities this season with their current clubs.
A market analysis suggests the Eels could use the talents of the likes of Cronulla’s Braden Uele, Manly’s Blake Wilson, Canterbury centre Bronson Xerri, Newcastle outside back James Schiller or Canberra duo Matt Timoko and Chevy Stewart during their current state of roster damage.
The
Eels have signed St George Illawarra forward Jaydn Su’A from next season and won’t give up on trying to lure him to the club immediately.
Parramatta players were booed off the field by their own fans following a 52-10 loss to the Gold Coast Titans at CommBank Stadium on Sunday, the second time in six games they have conceded at least 50 points.
However, head coach Jason Ryles said he wasn’t willing to use the absence of eight players from their top-30 squad as an excuse.
However, he did concede the club would look at recruiting to cover their extensive injury list.
“We do have the ability to do that, but that’s something we’ll have to look at with our recruitment team in the week and the week’s coming,’’ Ryles said after the embarrassing loss to the Titans.
Of the injured list, centre Sean Russell is pushing to play against Canterbury on Sunday, pending a medical clearance following a heavy concussion two weeks ago.
Kelma Tuilagi (head knock), Sam Tuivaiti (head knock), Jordan Samrani (knee), Jonah Pezet (hamstring), Isaiah Iongi (ankle), Bailey Simonsson (ankle), Matt Doorey (knee), J’Maine Hopgood (ACL) and Apa Twidle (shoulder) are all sidelined for an extended periods.
The Eels debuted outside back Araz Nanva against the Titans, and also had exciting young five-eighth Lorenzo Talataina as an unused substitute.
Talataina led the Eels’ SG Ball team to the 2025 grand final, and was quickly elevated into Parramatta’s NSW Cup side, where he has made 11 appearances.
He was a chance of making his NRL debut against the Titans but Ryles opted to partner Ronald Volkman alongside Mitchell Moses in the halves.
The Eels also have a slew of young forwards progressing through their ranks, with the likes of Teancum Brown, Jezaiah Funa-Iuta and Will Latu building towards making their mark in the top grade.
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