Kearney reveals Lewis interest

Parramatta Eels coach Stephen Kearney has admitted he is interested in signing Luke Lewis.

The Kiwi coach couldn't ignore Lewis' recent decision to quit the Penrith Panthers, but knows there will be a fight on to sign him.

"I'd be lying if I said we're not interested, "Kearney said. "But we'll just let that one play out.

"There's about 15 other clubs chasing him too so it would be difficult. He'd be a valuable asset, certainly at this club."

The Eels have had a torrid season and it only got worse with the news that Matt Keating will need surgery to repair a bulging disc in his back.

The hooker has been ruled out for the rest of the year and Kearney said his injury was a huge blow.

"It's a shame for Matty and obviously a shame for the team," Kearney said.

"I think he's been a real consistent performer for us all year, particularly over the last two months, and in a difficult season he's been a real stand-out for me."

With fullback Jarryd Hayne also out injured, it is far from the ideal time for Parramatta to take on the NRL's form team and rivals Canterbury.

Parramatta play the Bulldogs on Friday and Kearney knows full well how tough it's going to be for his struggling team.

"They've had a structure, particularly in attack, that they've stuck to pretty much all year," Kearney said.

"They'll certainly be in contention come the back end of the year."