Penrith's rotten start to the 2019 season could come at a cost.
An NRL.com report revealed that Dallin Watene-Zelezniak could be facing the axe following another lacklustre performance on Friday night, with the Panthers swept aside by Wests Tigers 30-4.
However, despite the Panthers' ongoing woes, the Eels are set to pounce at the Kiwis skipper.
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Penrith's 2019 has not gone to plan, the Panthers losing seven of their first nine games this season.
Should Watene-Zelezniak be axed, the NRL.com report revealed Parramatta could put forward an offer for the 23-year-old.
It comes during the ongoing contract impasse between the Eels and skipper Clint Gutherson, with the two parties locked in a logjam.
Should Watene-Zelezniak find a new home in Parramatta, he could play right centre, or at fullback if Gutherson decides to leave.
While Parramatta don't have permission to offer Watene-Zelezniak a deal just yet, the report suggests Penrith - should Watene-Zelezniak request a release - would be open to holding discussions with Parramatta.
Gutherson has been a shining light for the Eels with Parramatta sitting fifth on the ladder with a 5-3 win-loss record.
After the Tigers defeat, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary admitted adjustments must be made and did not rule out dropping players.
"We need some answers. That's pretty obvious. That's what we've got to get to," he said.
"We're going to have to change something. Whether that's personnel or something else, we definitely have to make changes.
"If we keep doing what we're doing, it's not good enough."
