The extent of Parramatta rookie Sean Russell’s injuries have been revealed following a nasty incident against Gold Coast yesterday.
The Eels confirmed the winger has fractured ribs and a punctured lung, and will be sidelined indefinitely.
“At this stage, the club is unsure when he will return but will provide an update when his prognosis is clearer,” Parramatta said.
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Russell was hit by the knee of Titans fullback Jayden Campbell during the first half at CommBank Stadium.
The young Eels flanker scored his third try of the game as he was collected by the opposition No.1, who had rushed across in cover defence but arrived too late.
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Russell was immediately taken to hospital.
Campbell was not penalised or charged over the incident.
For the Eels, Russell’s injury was the last thing they needed.
The club is already in the grips of a winger crisis, with first-choice flankers Maika Sivo and Haze Dunster both out long-term with a knee and leg injury respectively.
Russell and Bailey Simonsson filled the void in yesterday’s win over the Titans, but they’ll now need to find a fifth-choice winger to compensate for the latest injury.
Parramatta had been linked to Broncos utility back Jamayne Isaako, who wore the No.1 for the Broncos on Friday night.
Isaako has signed with the Dolphins from 2023, but it was rumoured the Eels were keen to bring him to Sydney for one season in the interim.
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