Parramatta Eels Address Injury Crisis with Immediate Signing
The Parramatta Eels have made a significant move to address their growing injury crisis, securing the services of Cowboys forward Harrison Edwards. This decision comes as the club faces an unprecedented number of absent players, with seven regular first-graders sidelined for Round 10.
Among those missing are Isaiah Iongi, Kitione Kautoga, Ryley Smith, Will Penisini, Sam Tuivaiti, Bailey Simonsson, Matt Doorey, and J’Maine Hopgood. Notably, Hopgood and Doorey are out for the season due to ACL injuries, while Simonsson is dealing with a long-term leg fracture. Iongi, Kautoga, and Tuivaiti are expected to return in Round 13, but Penisini is currently unavailable due to osteitis pubis.
This situation has forced the Eels to use the second-most players of any club this season, with a total of 28 players used so far. Only the injury-ravaged Broncos have used more, with 29 players on their books.
Reinforcements Arrive
Despite these challenges, the Eels have found some relief with the immediate signing of Harrison Edwards from the Cowboys. The 25-year-old forward has played 54 NRL games across stints with the Bulldogs and Cowboys, making him a valuable addition to the squad.
Edwards spent 17 games with Canterbury from 2022 to 2024 and 37 games since moving to North Queensland. However, he has only managed one first-grade appearance in 2026, struggling to secure a place in Todd Payten’s team.
“Three middle forwards are out for the season, and Harrison brings great versatility to our squad,” said Eels general manager Mark O’Neill. “He is a tough competitor who also has the ability to slot in at dummy half when required. That flexibility allows him to fill a role for the team wherever needed, and we see him making a strong impact.”
Looking Ahead: Potential Moves
In addition to Edwards, the Eels are reportedly interested in acquiring Dragons forward Jaydn Su’A. Su’A is set to join Parramatta in 2027 after opting out of the final year of his contract with the Dragons. However, the Eels have reportedly enquired about bringing him to the club immediately.
The Eels will face the Cowboys on Friday night, although it remains uncertain whether Edwards will be allowed to play, given that both teams have already named their line-ups. The bench for the Eels is severely depleted, featuring players such as Saxon Pryke, Toni Mataele, Charlie Guymer, Apa Twidle, and Teancum Brown.
Jordan Samrani will return in the centres to replace Penisini, while Ronald Volkman retains his spot at five-eighth. Jonah Pezet is still serving a one-game suspension for an incident during the NSW Cup last week.
