Parramatta will be without Dylan Brown indefinitely after the teenaged playmaker was forced to take time off to deal with a back problem.
Brown has been hampered by the ailment for some time, often missing opposed training sessions to avoid aggravating the issue. The 18-year-old has shown no ill effects on the field, combining well with Mitchell Moses during the opening three rounds.
While the bone bruising isn’t considered serious or career-threatening, the Eels will err on the side of caution as they manage one of their most valuable assets through the early stages of his NRL development.
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Arrrgh crap....
#@$@. It feels like we're cursed.
Your not wrong HOE
HOW : We are cursed. We have a coach who will play anyone of any age to get a win to improve his horrible record. Eighteen is too young to play Ist grade--maybe OK on the wing but 5/8 is a no no for an 18 year old.
Cleary was 18 and played in the halves
Good point Trent. I am certain there is a plethora of talented NRL players debuting at 18. Unfortunately, Brown's body isn't quite up to yet. I hope it is. One-day.
Robert Lloyd, Yeah, You're right. In hindsight. It's not easy to predict injury.
We all thought Brown was ready.
I haven't googled how old Freddy was when he debuted nor many other talented NRL players, but I imagine many would have debuted at a young age.
I suppose it gives some credence to Bennett's tendency to slowly blood rookies. Avoid risk.
To mentally and physically slow-cook prepare them for the hardened weekly battle grind.
Brown mentally is up to the task, but seems he'll need more time to physically be up to it.
Problem is our team has no time. We need him badly.
Just #$@#, #@$#, #@@$.
Freddy was 17 after ball he played one reserve grade game the next week debut against West and killed them.
I was at that Wests game, and saw Fittler playing in the Reserves the week before. You could tell he was a phenominal talent.
He was a freak!