Parramatta second-rower Bryce Cartwright appears out of the running for a Round 1 starting spot after the forward shattered his jaw at training.
Cartwright has been locked in a battle with Jack Murchie and Matt Doorey for a starting spot in their season opener against the Melbourne Storm following the departure of Isaiah Papalii and suspension of Ryan Matterson.
Shaun Lane is a guaranteed starter on the left edge whilst J'maine Hopgood looks to have sewn up the lock role at least while Matterson is suspended until Round 4, leaving the right edge wide open.
After returning to pre-season training last month, Cartwright copped a heavy body check according to The Daily Telegraph, which left the forward's jaw in pieces.
He's already been ruled out for the Eels' two trial matches, against Penrith and Newcastle respectively, handing Doorey and Murchie an advantage in what's shaping as an inexperienced back-row.
Off-contract at the end of this season. Cartwright has enjoyed a mixed stint at Parramatta, featuring in 29 games across two seasons, yet starting just one game in that time period.
While he was recalled for the side's 24-20 preliminary final victory last year, Cartwright was subsequently dropped for the more aggressive Nathan Brown to face Bryce's former side, the Penrith Panthers, in the Grand Final.
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Seriously no great loss to be honest. What's he actually done since coming to Parra except keep company with Jake on the bench. Can't really see home getting many opportunities in 2023 anyway
That one no-look flick pass to Moses which was bloody magic. When we were already 30 odd in front.
Other than that...not much.
I think he would have gotten the 14 jersey to start the year, it is a shame as he badly needs an opportunity to get minutes and Round 1 was it.
Reckon the round 1 bench is; 14.Momoisea 15. Makatoa 16. Ogden 17. Murchie
Bad luck - geez whats going on at training , isnt that 3 down now. Cant afford to loose two many more prior to season start, throw in Matterson with his 3 week holiday and we are down 4 players prior to the season start and we havnt played a trial yet.
Those opposed sessions aren't just for shits and giggles, they go at each other as if it were an actual game. They have to get their bodies toughened for the season ahead. Injuries are part of the risk.
Yep. If there's injuries because of the ferocity of the training..
great.
I hope they're belting the bejesus out of each other right now.
Phew. Now maybe someone else gets a bench spot and plays actual minutes
This is old news happened weeks ago
Well, it only happened on Friday. I think you might be thinking of the Nathan Brown/Waqa Blake injuries.
Makes our Cup side a bit weaker
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