Overnight Wrap

Parramatta are in danger of missing the NRL finals following last night's disappointing 14-6 loss to St George Illawarra, a prospect inspirational backrower Nathan Hindmarsh admits is scary.

The Eels could have moved into the top four with a win over the Dragons but now need to beat Brisbane in the final round on Sunday to avoid the possibility of being bundled out of finals reckoning.

A loss to the Broncos and wins for South Sydney and Wests Tigers would knock the Eels out of the top eight, though the Tigers would also need to overhaul a 64-point differential to overtake the Eels.

Hindmarsh will also be sweating on the match review committee clearing him of any wrong doing after he was placed on report for a lifting tackle on Ashton Sims. Heading into the final round, only the top three sides are locked into their position while the New Zealand Warriors have also secured a finals spot.

All but two of the matches in the last round, Melbourne's game against Gold Coast and the Dragons' clash with Manly, will have a bearing on the finals make-up.

Meanwhile, South Sydney coach Jason Taylor will today decide whether to recall veteran fullback David Peachey to replace injured star Nathan Merritt in this Saturday's crucial clash with Sydney Roosters.

Merritt has been ruled out for the rest of the season and faces four months out with knee surgery.

Peachey looms as the leading option to replace Merritt, handing the retiring star a chance to end his career in first grade. Peachey has played strongly for North Sydney in premier league, but Taylor could favour former Queensland Origin centre Shannon Hegarty or Reece Simmonds when he picks his team later today.

The Rabbitohs can guarantee they qualify for their first finals series since 1989 with a victory over the Roosters.