Parramatta's star fullback Isaiah Iongi could miss up to two months of footy following a serious ankle injury from their Round 4 loss to the Panthers.
He is set to undergo scans on Monday following a suspected syndesmosis injury that will confirm the timeline.
Parramatta are currently preparing for their traditional Easter Monday NRL clash against the Wests Tigers, and they'll be without several key players.
Alongside Iongi, influential forward J'maine Hopgood and edge forward Matt Doorey have both been ruled out for the season with ACL injuries.
The injury toll continues with Jordan Samrani (meniscus) and centre Will Penisini (groin) also unavailable.
With the squad stretched thin, all eyes turn to exciting youngster Joash Papalii, who is expected to step into the fullback role.
The talented prospect now faces a major test against a Tigers side that got the two points in an impressive Round 4 performance.
Iongi's injury stems from a tackle involving Panthers Mitch Kenny, who was charged with a Grade 2 dangerous hip drop tackle.
The incident has resulted in a one-match suspension for Kenny, but it adds to growing concerns around the tackle technique's impact on player safety.
Hip drop tackles have already had a profound effect on Parramatta's season.
In Round 3, Ryan Couchman was involved in a hip drop tackle himself that led to Hopgood suffering his season-ending ACL injury.
Despite their mounting injury list, Parramatta will need to dig deep against a Tigers outfit that showed resilience last round — even in the absence of star playmaker Jarome Luai.
With depth to be tested and young talent thrust into the spotlight, the Eels' Easter Monday clash is shaping as a defining moment on whether they can stay afloat.
