LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Josh Addo-Carr, an Eels veteran, emphasizes the need for Parramatta's upcoming outside backs to rise to the occasion following the departure of Zac Lomax.
The Eels find themselves contending with Lomax on multiple fronts, as they have allowed the State of Origin star to seek a release amid negotiations concerning rugby union's delayed R360 competition.
Currently, Parramatta is also engaged in a legal battle with the winger in the NSW Supreme Court over his intention to join Melbourne, which contradicts the agreement that he would not sign with an NRL rival before his original deal with the Eels concludes.
Simultaneously, the team is working to mitigate the effects of Lomax's exit from their backline, as he was poised to play a significant role in their ongoing rebuild under coach Jason Ryles.
"It leaves a massive hole in the team," Addo-Carr stated to AAP regarding Lomax's departure. "He's a world-class player, his resume speaks for itself, played for Australia, NSW."
While Parramatta has acquired Brian Kelly, the former Gold Coast player is better suited for the center position. Bailey Simonsson appears to be a frontrunner to fill Lomax's previous wing spot.
The Eels are precariously close to relying on fringe-first grader Sean Russell, who is moving to Perth, should another injury occur. Other options include inexperienced players such as Jake Tago, Richard Penisini, and Jordan Samrani.
However, it's worth noting that Penisini remains uncapped, Samrani has started just two games on the wing, and Tago's only appearance last season was a heavy 56-18 defeat against Melbourne in round one.