Parramatta teen sensation Dylan Brown is set to miss eight weeks of football due to bone bruising in his lower back.
The Daily Telegraph reports Brown suffered the setback in a practice match against Penrith in February.
Brown could have continued to play with the injury common among cricket fast bowlers, but the Eels decided to play it safe with the youngster and allow his body to rest.
20-year-old Jaeman Salmon will be promoted to the starting lineup to partner Mitchell Moses in the halves.
Salmon missed round one due to suspension for a drink driving infringement but has been used off the interchange bench in the last two weeks.
The Eels face Cronulla at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.
Another season full of injuries for us.
Salmon was set to start the season for us at 5/8 but got suspended. That’s why Brown was in the side.
Hopefully it won’t hurt us to much and it is better to rest Brown now rather than risk further injuries.
Good thing about salmon at 5/8th is he’s a big body at 95kg.. salmon should be taking the line on as much as possible
Parramatta should bring in Mcllwrick off the bench to give Mahoney a break
Also if Moeroa is out, put taka at lock and put George Jennings into the centres