Parramatta have lost their second player for the NRL season in two days after confirmation co-captain Beau Scott will undergo major surgery on a ruptured bicep.
A day after hooker Kaysa Pritchard was ruled out for the year with two torn ligaments in his knee, scans showed the worst possible news for the Eels veteran.
The former NSW State of Origin back-rower came off midway through the second half of the Eels' 24-10 win over St George Illawarra after falling awkwardly in a tackle on Jack de Belin.
He attempted to play on but fell off one more tackle that resulted in a try before exiting, and will now focus on coming back in time for pre-season late this year.
The double-blow comes just as the Eels looked to be gathering momentum in their season, with the win over the Dragons their third in four games.
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Scott and Pritchard join a casualty ward that already includes David Gower (hand), Josh Hoffman (knee), Frank Pritchard (foot), Kirisome Auva'a (knee) and Peni Terepo (pectoral).
First-choice hooker Isaac De Gois also has yet to appear this season as he fights severe concussion, with Cameron King tipped to make his first NRL showing since June 2015.
Scott's absence is likely to open the door for Kenny Edwards to keep his starting spot alongside the expected return of Tepai Moeroa, who missed last game with a rib issue.
The Eels enjoy the bye this week before meeting Canterbury on Thursday week.
