Parramatta will be sweating on the fitness of Jarryd Hayne and Kane Evans after the pair failed to finish Saturday's 10-point NRL loss to Cronulla.
Hayne is believed to have picked up a hip flexor injury taking the opening kickoff at ANZ Stadium and played on for almost half an hour at fullback.
In what was his first game in front of his home fans since leaving for the NFL in 2014, Hayne called for the trainers after another kickoff before moving into the frontline.
However the former Gold Coast marquee lasted just one set before limping off. Towering prop Evans followed not long after with a rib complaint.
While winger Bevan French also battled through a shoulder issue, Eels coach Brad Arthur was unsure of the full extent of his injury toll.
"I think (Hayne has) got a hip flexor or something, I'm not sure. We haven't really asked at the moment," he said.
"We got a couple of bumps and bruises. I haven't even spoken to the doctors yet. Kane couldn't come back on, Bevan got a bump."
With first-choice fullback Clinton Gutherson not due back until round eight, utility Will Smith may be relied on to wear the No.1 for next week's clash against the Wests Tigers.
Asked whether French would be available next week, Arthur said: "I don't know, it's too early."
The loss was the Eels' third straight to open the season, leaving them at the bottom of the ladder alongside Canberra as the only two winless teams through three rounds.
Arthur admitted there was a defensive improvement from their 54-point hiding the previous week but lamented their spluttering attack.
Parramatta have now scored just four points in their past 253 minutes of football.
"We've just got to keep fighting hard. We've got to make sure we come back next week with the same defensive resolve," he said.
"We've got a long turnaround so we've got an opportunity and time to work on some attack."
Share
