Eels Pursue Immediate Signing Amid Injury Woes

The Parramatta Eels are keenly considering Harrison Edwards as a potential immediate signing, given the club's ongoing struggle with a serious injury crisis.

This season, Edwards has made just one appearance for the North Queensland Cowboys, as Todd Payten continues to seek a successful player combination in Townsville.

Although he played 21 games last year, Edwards seems to have slipped down the hierarchy, featuring for only 13 minutes against the Wests Tigers in Round 2 and remaining a bench player without minutes in Rounds 6 and 7.

For the Eels, acquiring the versatile forward would be a significant boost, especially with injuries sidelining middle forward J'maine Hopgood and edge forward Matt Doorey for the entire year due to ACL issues.

Additionally, they are currently missing forwards Sam Tuivaiti and Kitione Kautoga, and while some players, including Will Penisini, Isaiah Iongi, and Ryley Smith, are expected to return soon, there are lingering concerns about Parramatta's depth moving forward.

Head coach Jason Ryles had veteran forward Jack de Belin outside the 19-man squad but had to bring him back after injuries hit, with Saxon Pryke, Toni Mataele, Charlie Guymer, and Teancum Brown rounding out this weekend's six-man bench.

It's reported that the Cowboys will not obstruct Edwards' departure should he secure a new deal, as he is off-contract at the end of the year and has been able to negotiate with other clubs since November 1.

The Eels are also optimistic about the possibility of adding Jaydn Su'A to their roster immediately, though it remains uncertain if the Dragons will permit an early release.