In the forwards, the Eels added former Queensland centre Carl Webb and former Canterbury and Cronulla as well as one-time Kangaroo Reni Maitua.

2011 can be considered to have been a year of "almost" for Parramatta, with the team losing over half of their matches by four points or less, many of which were conceded after attaining leads over their opponents.

The Eels pushed a record four games into Golden Point during the season, however were unable to win any, resulting in a draw against the St George Illawarra Dragons and one-point losses to the Penrith Panthers, Sydney Roosters and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

Other switches include the moving of Luke Burt to fullback, second-rower Ben Smith to right centre, and the resting of five-eighth Daniel Mortimer.

During their final match, the Parramatta side emerged victorious over the Gold Coast Titans who were also direct contenders for last place.