Paul Gallen and Phil Gould split over Parramatta Eels' chance at top eight finish

NRL legend Paul Gallen has delivered a scathing assessment of the Parramatta Eels' chance at qualifying for the finals, declaring "they're gone" after a 26-24 loss to the Titans at Magic Round.

The Eels were made to pay for a slow start when the Titans went ahead 16-4 at the break. Despite mounting a comeback, the side came up short and now sit 13th on the ladder.

After finishing runners-up last season, Gallen can't see the Eels getting close to that.

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"I don't know if they can make the eight, I really don't," he said on Nine's 100% Footy.

From the 2022 grand final side, Isaiah Papali'i, Reed Mahoney, Nathan Brown and Oregon Kaufusi are no longer at the club. New Dolphins utility Ray Stone was also a member of the squad.

Gallen believes it's players like Stone that the Eels are missing.

"You've got to remember they lost a couple of really good players ... guys like Ray Stone, we forget about guys like Ray Stone that aren't there anymore," he said.

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"Bringing guys like that into the side is so much better than bringing in some of the guys they are at the moment.

"I've said all show, if you can win two or three in a row you're back but I just don't know if they can."

Reagan Campbell-Gillard has also been missing for the team after suffering an injury against the Broncos in round eight.

Mitchell Moses will also be absent for the Saturday clash against the Raiders due to concussion.

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While the Eels have struggled for consistency this season, Phil Gould believes the talent is still there.

"I think they're a top eight side ... they've got the ability to make the top eight, no risk," he said.

For Gould, the solution to the Eels problems lies in being able to adjust their game plan when it doesn't suit them.

"They're another team that want to play it on their own terms, they're not comfortable being uncomfortable at the moment," he said.

"They sort of got over that a little bit towards the back end of last year but you don't always get it your own way, you're not always on your game, they just don't seem to be able to handle it when the game's not flowing for them."

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