The Dyldam Parramatta Eels will face a nervous wait on injury reports after a brutal and absorbing clash against the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium last night.
The Eels had a night of running repairs, with five players being tended to during the game.
- Anthony Watmough came from the field in the first half with a cut to his knee, however the lock returned in the second half.
- Chris Sandow exited the field in the first half with an ankle concern after being sandwiched in an awkward tackle, however the halfback returned to the action 10 minutes after the break after receiving a pain-killing injection
- Semi Radradra exited the field three minutes before half-time with a right knee injury and did not return to the action in the second half. He will undergo scans
- Beau Champion was assisted from the field minutes before full-time with the centre nursing a knee injury
- Tepai Moeroa had a shoulder concern however played the majority of the game
“It’s pretty bad I think. We need to get some reports done,” said Brad Arthur of the Eels injury toll.
“Beau Champion doesn’t look good, Semi doesn’t look good.”
“Once Chrissy’s needle wears off that’s probably not going to look good.”
Moeroa played through the pain during the game, and Arthur was impressed with the 19 year old’s effort.
“He has played 12 games now and he is getting used to the rigours of NRL week in week out and at this stage he just has to keep pushing and backing up for us. He is very tough,” Arthur said.
“Tepai had to have a needle to get himself through, but there is no structural damage with his shoulder, but its nearly black and blue” he added.
Eels v Bulldogs Match Highlights
Arthur praised his side’s spirit, but admitted that after Friday night’s bruising encounter there was work to do to get them physically prepared for next weekend’s clash with the New Zealand Warriors.
“I was very proud of our boys efforts,” Arthur said.
“I thought they played tough, and they hung in there and they tried hard.”
“We’re just lucky we’ve got an eight day turnaround.”