Eels sign much-needed injury reinforcement
Jasper Bruce |
Parramatta will hope the mid-season signing of North Queensland’s Harrison Edwards can help combat their much-discussed injury crisis.
Edwards will be available from the Eels’ round-11 clash against Melbourne at Magic Round until at least the end of the 2027 season.
The 25-year-old forward’s arrival comes as the Eels face the Cowboys in round 10 with 10 players unavailable through injury or suspension.
Starting hooker Ryley Smith (sternum injury), centre Will Penisini (osteitis pubis) and Jonah Pezet (suspenson) are the most recent additions, sidelined from the weekend.
J’Maine Hopgood, Bailey Simonsson, Isaiah Iongi, Matt Doorey and Kitione Kautoga are among other unavailable first-graders.
Edwards’ versatility makes him an ideal signing for the depleted Eels; he has started in every position in the forward pack across 54 NRL games.
“(Edwards) is a tough competitor who also has the ability to slot in at dummy half when required,” said Eels football boss Mark O’Neill.
“That flexibility allows him to fill a role for the team wherever needed, and we see him making a strong impact.”
Edwards joined the Cowboys from the Bulldogs mid-season in 2024 and played in the club’s finals campaign that year.
He has struggled for game time in 2026, restricted to only one first- grade appearance this year from the bench.
AAP