Michael Chammas SMH
Parramatta's top four aspirations has hit another road block with fullback Bevan French not expected to return to the paddock until at least the first week of the finals.
It comes as Parramatta backrower Manu Ma'u faces up to two weeks on the sidelines for a shoulder charge on Titans halfback Ash Taylor, but the Eels are set to take the early guilty plea and ensure he only misses one game.
Hamstrung: Bevan French. Photo: Jessica HromasWith Clint Gutherson already ruled out of the remainder of Parramatta's campaign, the injury to French is a major stumbling block for the Eels who need to win at least one of their final two games against Brisbane and South Sydney to make the top four.
French missed last week's game against Newcastle with the hamstring injury and lasted just 36 minutes on his return, aggravating the same injury that now looks like keeping him off the paddock for the remainder of the regular season.
Eels coach Brad Arthur will give Will Smith, who scored two tries in the second half of Thursday night's win against the Titans, the chance to wear the No.1 jersey over the next fortnight as the Eels prepare to play finals football for the first time in eight years.
Parramatta won't fight the Ma'u shoulder charge, a challenge which Arthur referred to as "dumb" in the post match press conference on Thursday night.
Next Thursday's blockbuster against the Broncos in Brisbane will go a long way to deciding the make up of the top four, but Arthur was adamant he wouldn't risk any players at the expense of securing a top four spot.
"It's just tight. We can run the gauntlet and push him and leave him out there, but the risk of injury is greater," Arthur said after the game.
"There's not much in it, but at this stage of the year we have blokes there that can do a job. I'll be guided by what our medical department say and we don't want to put Bevan at risk.
"The other thing is that we need to show confidence and belief in Will that he can get the job done ... We'll get some time during the week to help him out and work on a few areas of his game."
Replies
There's nothing more exciting than when a good young rookie debuts yet we rarely seem to blood them .
If the Broncos win tonight as they should I would rest Bevan and Norman to the first week of the Semi's. If it looked like Scott and Kaysa are fit for Round 26 I'd rest Mannah and Matagi for the last Round. With Ma'u out next week with suspension I'd seriously consider Niukore for his debut. I'd push Smith to 5/8 next game and bring Hoffman in at fullback if he gets through the game with Wenty tomorrow. I'd also consider resting Edwards for a week for Frank the Tank to get some game time in the top grade. Its all about risk management leading into round 1. If the Broncos win tonight we don't need to push French and Norman. Mannah desperately needs a rest. But as we know BA does have a reputation of playing busted players.
More fucking injuries, you'd think we were due a break by now ffs.
I'm hardly surprised that Bevan is starting to suffer these type of injuries (hamstring or calf). It was only a matter of time since he has gone on this mission to bulk up.
When he is ready to come back I would bring him back on the wing, which will be much less strain on his hammies than all the extra running he needs to do as fullback. That may reduce the risk of a further tweak. Smith (Oh the pain) is OK at the back and Bevan would fix our vulnerability on the flank. I am sure Smithy will be gettting some extra catching and positional training this week.