After a winless start to 2023, Cronulla premiership-winning captain Paul Gallen believes the Parramatta Eels aren’t a genuine title contender this season.

The Eels have started the year with narrow losses to Melbourne, Cronulla and most recently Manly on Thursday night.

Gallen says, “I think they’re really struggling in the back-row and their bench is not anywhere near where it was last year.

“I still think they can make the top eight, they’re a good enough side to be there, but I don’t think they can threaten for the Premiership.”

Last year’s Grand Finalists have had their forward pack decimated with Shaun Lane out through injury, Ryan Matterson to suspension, while Isaiah Papali’i’s joined the Tigers this season.

Matterson will return for next week’s clash with Penrith on Thursday after he chose to accept a three-game ban instead of paying a $4,000 fine from an incident stemming back to last year’s decider.

Fellow Continuous Call Team member Darryl Brohman was critical of Matterson’s decision to accept the ban, instead of paying a fine.

“You don’t sacrifice money for your team’s duty, it’s just ridiculous,” he said.

See more highlights from The Continuous Call Team below.

Image credit:  Cameron Spencer/Getty Images.