Parramatta's Manu Ma'u has been cleared of a long-term knee injury but the Eels are still sweating on the result of secondary scans to find out how long they'll lose him for.
Ma'u and George Jennings both had scans on Sunday morning after suffering knee injuries in Parramatta's 20-0 NRL trial win over Penrith but were being sent for a second look on Sunday night.
Jennings' injury is considered the less serious just a fortnight out from the season but in good news for the Eels it has also been confirmed Ma'u didn't suffer anterior cruciate ligament damage.
His loss would test the depth of the Eels' second-row stocks, with Tepai Moeroa now likely to back up Shaun Lane and Marata Niukore.
Should Jennings fail to recover in time for round-one against the Panthers, rookie winger Maika Sivo could get an opportunity.
The towering Fijian nabbed a try in Saturday's trial but coach Brad Arthur was impressed with his defensive chase-down of a breakaway in the game's waning moments.
"I don't know where he come from but he managed to drag someone down and we got behind the ball," Arthur said.
"He missed the majority of pre-season with his shoulder so he hasn't had a real good opportunity. It would've been nice to get him a couple more games.
"Physically, obviously he's an athlete."
Rookie five-eighth Dylan Brown produced some classy touches in a composed display alongside Mitchell Moses.
The teenager has come under pre-season scrutiny after revelations the Warriors attempted to poach him on a mammoth deal.
"It's always going to be around the physicality and I thought he handled himself okay but round one's going to go to a whole new level," Arthur said.
Major signing Junior Paulo was a late scratching from the trial after picking up a hamstring injury but had a light run on Saturday and is likely for round one.
