Parramatta players remain uncertain about when captain Mitchell Moses will return to action, adding to the challenges of their transition under new head coach Jason Ryles.
Moses was left out of the squad for the Eels’ season opener as he continues to deal with a lingering foot injury that disrupted much of his 2024 campaign. His absence comes at a difficult time, with the team set to face premiership favorites Melbourne in Round 1—yet the timeline for his comeback remains unclear.
“We’ve got a great medical team working to figure out what’s going on,” new recruit Zac Lomax told reporters on Wednesday. “It’s been a recurring issue from last year … we’ll get to the bottom of it. He’s frustrated because he wanted to start strong after missing so much footy.”
Lock-forward J’maine Hopgood, who also endured injury setbacks last season, admitted the squad is unsure when their star halfback will be fully fit.
“Hopefully, in the coming days, we’ll have a clearer picture,” he said. “Right now, we don’t know the full extent of it—that’s for the medical team to determine.”
With Moses sidelined, Ronald Volkman has been handed the playmaking duties—a remarkable turnaround for the young Kiwi, whose NRL career was in jeopardy just a year ago.
Volkman had signed with the Dragons in 2023, but after the club’s medical staff flagged a shoulder issue, his contract was never officially registered.
“A lot of players would have walked away from the game after something like that, but Ronnie has pushed through,” Hopgood said. “He’s got big shoes to fill, but all he needs to do is focus on his role.”
Volkman’s first challenge will be leading the Eels against a dominant Storm side aiming for a record-extending 23rd consecutive season-opening win. However, Parramatta is embracing the opportunity.
“We’re the luckiest team in the comp because we’re the ones who have a shot at breaking that streak,” Hopgood added. “It’s a bit of a David vs. Goliath battle, but we’re going down there to give it our all and hopefully come away with the win.”
