Parramatta’s hopes of rocketing back up the ladder now they have Mitchell Moses and Clint Gutherson back have taken a hit with Ryan Matterson and Bailey Simonsson out indefinitely.
Simonsson may have played his last match for 2024 after suffering a suspected partial tear of his ACL in Thursday night’s win over Cronulla.
Off contract at the end of the season with the Cowboys reportedly keen to sign him next year, according to a Sydney Morning Herald report, it is a cruel blow for the former Raider.
Matterson has not played for a month after copping a head knock and has been suffering from dizzy spells which put his immediate playing future in doubt.
Neither player will be selected for the Eels’ Easter Monday clash with traditional rivals Canterbury.
Drinkwater bounces back to form at Cowboys
He had been touted as a potential Blues bolter but a recent form slump put paid to Scott Drinkwater’s hopes of getting a bench utility spot in Origin.
But he bounced back to his best on Sunday to guide the understrength Cowboys to a surprise 18-16 victory over the Roosters at Allianz Stadium.
“That was one of his best games of the season tonight,” stand-in Cowboys captain Chad Townsend said.
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“His leadership, his communication with the team, I thought he really took the game on tonight. He was huge for us.”
The Cowboys face a tough turnaround, heading back home for a Saturday showdown with the rejuvenated Warriors, who have won their past two matches, have seven stars back on deck and will be well rested after the bye.
Todd Payten’s side meanwhile has to deal with another disrupted week of preparations with six players in action in Origin I on Wednesday night.
with AAP
