Canberra Raiders outside back Harley Smith-Shields reportedly had his car packed and was ready to drive to Sydney, only for a loan deal to be pulled off the table at the last minute.
The Eels, who are looking for an edge on the run to the finals, reportedly had the Raiders' back in their sights on loan for the remainder of the season.
Smith-Shields is contracted in the nation's capital until the end of the year, and while all the talk was that he would feature in the best 17 last year, an injury ultimately prevented him from making it onto the field in the top grade.
The back, who can play wing, centre and fullback, would have added plenty to the depth at Parramatta, but according to Fox Sports, the Parramatta board pulled the offer off the table despite the desire of coach Brad Arthur to add him to the squad for the remainder of 2023.
