Hagan declares Wagon a certain starter

Parramatta coach Michael Hagan says lock Daniel Wagon is a certain starter in Sunday's National Rugby League preliminary final against Melbourne.

Wagon had been in doubt with a neck injury but has improved remarkably over the past 24 hours and completed the Eels' final training session in Sydney this morning.

The Eels have just departed Sydney Airport to head to Melbourne and while Wagon did not arrive with the team Hagan said there was nothing sinister about his absence and he would definitely play on Sunday.

"Daniel Wagon is fine, he trained this morning. He just lives near the airport so he made his own way here," Hagan said.

Hagan expects his side to be unchanged from the team who beat the Bulldogs last week.