Parramatta make forced changes ahead of Panthers clash

Injuries to key forwards have forced Parramatta Eels Head Coach Michael Hagan into making a couple of changes to the side that defeated the Canberra Raiders for Friday night's match against the Penrith Panthers at CUA Stadium.

Both Mark Riddell and Chad Robinson will be sidelined for between 4 and 6 weeks after x rays confirmed fractures. Riddell has a fracture to his thumb while for Robinson the break is to his hand.

Eels coach Michael Hagan says the injuries are a blow but there is also some good news.

"We've been in pretty good shape so far and we are hopeful of getting back Nathan Cayless, Timana Tahu, Brett Finch and also Fuifui Moimoi so that may compensate for those couple being out," Hagan told www.parraeels.com.au.

"The Panthers performance against the Titans on the weekend was disappointing so they will be very fired up against Parramatta on Friday night," Hagan added.

NRL vs PANTHERS
CUA Stadium
Fri 13 April 7:30pm

1 Luke BURT
2 Jarryd HAYNE
3 Ben SMITH
4 Timana TAHU
5 Eric GROTHE
6 Brett FINCH
7 Tim SMITH
8 Nathan CAYLESS ©
9 PJ MARSH
10 Aaron CANNINGS
11 Nathan HINDMARSH
12 Ian HINDMARSH
13 Daniel WAGON

14 Blake GREEN
15 Josh CORDOBA
16 Richard FA’AOSO
17 Feleti MATEO
18 Fuifui Moimoi

COACH – MICHAEL HAGAN