Parramatta are scoping South Sydney’s Matt McIlwrick as a solution to their hooker woes after failing to convince Kiwis rake Isaac Luke to join the club.
The Eels had been deep in talks with Luke before the Warriors countered with an improved deal to keep him at the club.
According to Sydney Morning Herald, Eels coach Brad Arthur is reportedly concerned about his lack of options at hooker, after Kaysa Pritchard announced he would be taking an indefinite break from the game while he deals with injury issues.
Interest in McIlwrick comes with the hooker yet to play a game for the Rabbitohs, joining the club after stints at the Raiders, Roosters, Sharks and Wests Tigers.
However, it remains to be seen whether Souths would be willing to part with the 27-year-old, with promising young talent Billy Brittain another hooking option.
The Eels open their 2019 campaign with a trip to Penrith next Sunday 17th March.