Harrison Edwards on Eels Radar for Immediate Signing

harrison edwards has landed on the Parramatta Eels’ radar as an immediate signing target while the club battles an injury crisis in the forwards. The Cowboys forward has made just one appearance this year, and Parramatta are looking for help now rather than later.

Parramatta's forward squeeze

The Eels have already lost middle forward J’maine Hopgood and edge forward Matt Doorey for the year to ACL injuries. They are also without Sam Tuivati and Kitione Kautoga in the forwards, which has pushed Jason Ryles toward short-term depth options.

Ryles has already dipped into his depth before. He had veteran forward Jack de Belin outside his 19-man squad before recalling him when injuries struck, and Saxon Pryke, Toni Mataele, Charlie Guymer and Teancum Brown are all part of this weekend’s six-man bench.

Edwards' Townsville position

Edwards’ own role in Townsville has been limited. He played 21 games last year, but this season he has managed just one appearance for North Queensland, with 13 minutes against the Wests Tigers in Round 2.

He was also a bench player without minutes in Rounds 6 and 7, and he was overlooked for this weekend’s clash against the Eels. Todd Payten is still searching for a combination in Townsville that can find success, and Edwards has not locked down a regular place in that mix.

Negotiations and next steps

The timing gives Parramatta a chance to move if the numbers work. Edwards is off-contract at the end of the year and has been able to negotiate with rival clubs since November 1, while the Cowboys will not block him from leaving if he lands a deal elsewhere.

The Eels are also hopeful they can get Jaydn Su’A into their squad immediately, though his situation sits with the Dragons. For Parramatta, the immediate task is simple: add bodies to a depleted forward group before the injuries start dictating every selection call.