PARRAMATTA could receive a pre-finals boost with hooker Kaysa Pritchard pushing hard to make a shock return from a knee injury.And inspirational leader Beau Scott also rated himself “a slim chance’’ to overcome a biceps muscle injury and join the blue and gold cavalry.The Eels announced six weeks ago Pritchard would undergo surgery after he tore the lateral collateral and posterior cruciate ligaments in his left knee.Kaysa Pritchard is hoping to make an early comeback. Picture: Brett CostelloBut Pritchard told The Daily Telegraph he never went under the knife, and would wait to see how his knee stood up to light training over the coming weeks.The livewire No. 9 was spotted running straight lines by himself at training in the rain on Monday.Even Eels boss Bernie Gurr praised Pritchard for doing everything possible to get back on the park, which would be “the cherry on top’’ as the club embarks on its first September campaign since 2009.“I’ll find out in the next three weeks or so if I need surgery. If I can run, I won’t have it,’’ Pritchard said.FIRE UP: Fans aren’t happyBETRAYED: Daley filthy at boozing Blues“I only ran straight lines (on Monday). I need to do everything else. If I tick all the boxes in the next three weeks I’ll be back.“I thought my season was gone. To get back would mean everything to me.“I’m still devastated I’m not playing. I felt I was just starting to get a feel for the game, then I got the knee injury.’’Pritchard praised replacement hooker Cameron King who will again start at hooker against Canterbury at ANZ Stadium on Thursday night.Scott had previously been ruled out for the season with a bicep injury.Gurr launched the Eels’ community round at charity sponsor Ronald McDonald House on Wednesday, and said of Pritchard: “Before Kaysa got hurt, if you look through all the games he played, him, (Clint) Gutherson and (Nathan) Brown were the heart and soul of the club at that point, making tonnes of tackles and playing tough every week.“He’s a younger guy, one of the younger fellas we see as an integral part of our future, he’s a Parramatta kid, loves the Eels, I know how hard he has worked since he got wounded, so if he can come back, it will be the cherry on top and a real bonus for us.’’Scott, who broke down in the same round-15 game against the Dragons as Pritchard, was not as optimistic about a return, but did not rule it out.“There could be a slim chance I sneak back towards end of the year,’’ Scott said.“I’ll go back to the surgeon and try to twist his arm.“(Pritchard) is hopeful as well, so it would be a big boost to have a couple of players available. It’s a headache for the coach, but a good headache.’’

You need to be a member of 1Eyed Eel to add comments!

Join 1Eyed Eel

Votes: 0
Email me when people reply –

Replies

  • Have the year off boys. Get ready for next season. The team we have now is gelling nicely.
    • Is Scott definitely going round again next season?
    • I think he will retire.
    • I herd he just retired
  • I think we are better defensively with king in and there's also another kicking option.

    Kaysa has a long career in front of him and should rest up
    • Yeah Kaysa shouldn't rush back especially with his history of injuries make sure the knee is 110% before even thinking of coming back.


      Would like to see Scott back for the finals tho
  • Slim chance as you said, not worth posting
  • Why wasn't Kaysa put under the knife? What a waste off time.
    • He can't until the swelling goes down anyway.

  • Dont think so but kaysa would take smiths place coming on for a little stint would bring alot of energy but i wouldn't make any unnecessary changes
This reply was deleted.

More stuff to read

HKF replied to Hell On Eels's discussion Cooper Cronk: On the Parramatta Eels, Pezet, Lomax and Recruitment
"I'm not suggesting throwing Lorenzo or any other young player in there now, they aren't ready, my point is they still won't be ready for a start in 2027 either so are we going to sign another 1 year stop gap 6 for 2027?."
26 minutes ago
Hell On Eels replied to Hell On Eels's discussion Cooper Cronk: On the Parramatta Eels, Pezet, Lomax and Recruitment
"Thanks KN/ EA. Just checking my gut feeling. Hopefully, he stays & makes good on his potential. I like his upside: footy nous, big body, kicking game, goal-kicker. Ain't many sixes offering all that. He's called by many in RU as a "Sua'ali'i clone…"
35 minutes ago
LB replied to Hell On Eels's discussion Cooper Cronk: On the Parramatta Eels, Pezet, Lomax and Recruitment
"Rasati might find his path to NRL replacing Russell or Penisini.
Do you see Talataina as the better talent and the must keep if only keep 1 EA?"
36 minutes ago
Slippery. replied to Eelawarra's discussion NRL LEGENDS EXPLAIN WHY THEY HATE BRETT KENNY

 Brett Kenny is the reason I support the Eels. He was the most naturally gifted player I have ever seen. In my opinion Imortal status he is worthy of. However, what I find even more bizarre is the fact that Brett Kenny was not once named in the…"
37 minutes ago
More…