Parramatta’s season of woe has suffered a further blow with the news that fullback Jarryd Hayne will be sidelined for up to four weeks with a foot injury.
Hayne suffered the injury during NSW’s 21-20 loss in the State of Origin decider and MRI scans on Friday revealed he has torn a ligament in his right foot. Initial reports had Hayne only missing one or two matches.
Embattled Eels coach Stephen Kearney is yet to name a replacement for Hayne in his side to take on premiers Manly in their round-18 NRL match at Brookvale Oval on Sunday.
Centre Cheyse Blair has been cleared of any structural damage to his eye socket following a collision with Newcastle’s Timana Tahu and will play.
Running last on the NRL ladder with just three wins, Parramatta’s record without Hayne will be a further source of despair for Eels fans. The club has won just one of 11 matches without their superstar since 2009.