There are fears Reed Mahoney could miss the rest of the NRL season after the Parramatta hooker was taken from the field in agony during Friday night’s loss to South Sydney.
The 23-year-old came off second best while attempting to tackle Latrell Mitchell late in the Eels’ 40-12 defeat at Cbus Super Stadium and was visibly upset on the sidelines.
Mahoney has already missed a month of footy with an injury to the same left shoulder in June and is only three weeks into his return.
It was a heartbreaking sight as he cried on the sidelines on Friday night with coach Brad Arthur saying he fears the worst.
“Initially we don’t think it’s great but he’ll have to go and get scans tomorrow,” Arthur said on Friday.
“It could be the end of him for the year but we won’t know that until probably tomorrow.”
(Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
The loss of Mahoney further compounds the pain for Parramatta, who have now slumped to their fourth loss from their past five games.
While still in the top four, the Eels could finish the round as low as sixth with the Sydney Roosters and Manly yet to play and both sides in hot form.
The Eels, however, are spiralling at the wrong time of the season again.
With four rounds left the Eels still have to face the Sea Eagles, Melbourne and Penrith – a worrying list of dates for a side down on confidence.
After Friday night’s loss Arthur has his work cut out for him trying to bring his side back to life.
“Our start was better tonight in terms of effort and energy, but we can’t be first to crack,” he said.
“The last couple of games we haven’t been good, but we can’t panic.
“We did a lot of work early to get ourselves in a reasonable position but we just need to work out what we need to go and get right for next week.”
Adam
Roar Guru
That's because leaning into the scrum is the safest place on the park. I'm surprised there's not 6 backs in there each time...
Paul
Roar Guru
some pack down in scrums very occasionally now and then spend the next week on the couch at their therapist.
kk
Roar Pro
Beautiful Paul, If they had to spend time in the front row it would be cardiac chaos.
Paul
Roar Guru
legends in their own lunchboxes, kk. :happy:
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Wretched luck for the young bloke. I hope he’s in for a better 2022
kk
Roar Pro
Born grandstanders, Paul
Paul
Roar Guru
He was a back, kk. They're pretty happy if they make two tackles a game
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
It was an enjoyable game to watch especially early on but then the Eels remembered that they are plodding at the moment and just sort of went thru the motions. Alex Johnson is a big loss for Souths at the moment , he would have scored as many as 5 tries last night.
Tony
Roar Guru
That will depend upon the particul sport you're interested in John. For some, the only "reliable" information was that which was passed on around the campfire.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Vastly underrated player, the best player on his team. Massive loss
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Good afternoon Tony. Which website should I access to obtain your career stats? Or perhaps you are too modest to share that info?
Tony
Roar Guru
Not sure kk. Memory is fading. May have been a few more along the way. :happy:
Sam McCosker
Roar Rookie
If he's forced to tears he really cares about his footy. Poor bloke, he'll come back stronger.
kk
Roar Pro
Tony, Was that your only tackle? (joke)
kk
Roar Pro
This is a tragedy for Parra. Every opponent respected his ability and importance. The Parra Machine without him just ain't the same. Get the shoulder right for 2022.
Tony
Roar Guru
Yep, I made the mistake of making a tackle once and can still feel the shoulder on a cold day.
Paul
Roar Guru
Have to really feel for the young fella. He might not think it now, but best to take as long as it takes to get that shoulder right