The Parramatta Eels produced a dominant performance against the Newcastle Knights on Friday night in Gosford, but the victory came at a high price.
While the Eels will take a lot of confidence away from a 36-14 victory, the win was spoiled by back-rower Shaun Lane suffering a suspected fractured jaw.
Lane left the field in the early stages of the game after copping a heavy knock to the jaw in a head clash with Knights enforcer Daniel Saifiti.
The 28-year-old looked in immediate discomfort, coming from the field grasping his mouth.
The Eels confirmed he had been taken to hospital for scans on his face.
“The Eels just getting ahead of the game here. They’re taking Shaun Lane straight to Gosford Hospital for scans immediately for that facial injury,” Fox League sideline reporter Lara Pitt said.
With the pre-season challenge coming to a close, Parramatta will now be sweating on Lane’s fitness for the start of the season.
“That is a real shame for Shaun Lane, a real star for the Eels in their grand final charge in 2022,” Fox League commentator Warren Smith said.
Parramatta lost another back-rower in Matt Doorey early in the second half when he suffered an ankle injury in a tackle .
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