The Parramatta Eels have been dealt another blow following their Round 2 blowout loss to rivals Manly, with versatile forward Brad Takairangi fracturing his eye socket.
Takairangi copped a stray elbow form Sea Eagles forward Joel Thompson while making a tackle in the second half of the match.
Takairangi was taken from the field following the tackle, with trainers showing immediate concern for the swelling around the right eye.
The club has since confirmed that Takairangi suffered a fractured eye socket in the incident and will be sidelined until Round 10.
Tepai Moeroa has been named to start for the Eels in their Round 3 match against the Sharks, with Kenny Edwards coming on to the bench.
Bad news for Taka but great news for Parra.
Edwards needed to come into the side anyway and moeroa is a better starter too
I cant believe Smith is dropped.Seriously was hoping when they signed Evans they could see something i couldnt but he has been dropped rightly so but we have him signed for 3yrs.