Parramatta Eels went into 2026 carrying one of the thinnest rosters in the competition, despite the additions of Jack de Belin and Jonah Pezet.
It was never going to be a quiet year for the club, with Jason Ryles coaching the blue and gold for his second season, a chance to prove the retooling period was real and that Parramatta were ready to compete after finishing 11th at the end of last season.
The Eels have 26 players in their top-30 squad, and a forward pack that has struggled to match it with the competition's elite, the club finds itself in the position that no recruiting department wants to be in mid-season scrambling.
With twelve players injured for a significant period of the season, including two players out for the rest of the season with ACL injuries, the market has options, a combination of expiring contracts, frozen-out stars and players looking for opportunity.
Here are six player the Eels should target for the remainder of this season either for loan or for long-term security.
1. Jaydn Su'A (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Despite the Dragons being winless and having struggles of their own, Su'A has already made his decision about leaving the Dragons after this season, with reports he has signed with the Parramatta Eels.
The Dragons officially announced Su'A's decision of leaving the club after this season, and at 28 years of age, the back-rower has plenty in the tank and could slot next to Mitchell Moses and address the lack of experience in the back-row position.
The Eels are eyeing the arrival of Su'A to the club as soon as possible, with the Dragons expected to make major decisions around their club after the ANZAC Day clash against the Sydney Roosters.
His performances this season has made him a standout and getting arguably the Dragons best player earlier than expected could help the Blue and Gold address squad depth and injury issues, while also benefitting from bringing a State of Origin calibre forward to their team.
So far in the first six games of the season, Su'A averages almost 15 runs for 110 running metres per game, makes 30 tackles per game and 2 tackle busts per game.
