Parramatta‘s season from hell has continued, with star forward J’maine Hopgood expected to be ruled out for the remainder of 2024.
Just weeks after making his State of Origin debut for Queensland in their victory in the series opener, Hopgood is now out of action with a lower back injury.
The 25-year-old was ruled out of game two for the Maroons and despite hopes he could back for the Eels soon, the club have confirmed that won’t be the case.
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“After meeting with specialists regarding a lower back injury, it has been decided J’maine will undergo a microdiscectomy,” a statement on Thursday night said.
“He will be unavailable for 12 weeks as he recovers from the surgery.”
Given the fact Parramatta are sitting on the bottom of the NRL ladder with 10 rounds remaining in the season, Hopgood has next to no chance of playing until next year.
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https://twitter.com/nrlphysio/status/1806225971219173661?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Hopgood is one of the Eels’ most important players, producing 21 offloads in 12 appearances, while also averaging 116 run metres and 36 tackles per game.
The lock-forward joins Bailey Simonsson and Kelma Tuilagi in the casualty ward at the Eels, who are still yet to find a head coach for next season.