Jason Ryles, the head coach of the Parramatta Eels, has announced that Bailey Simonsson's season is likely concluded after he suffered a severe ankle injury during a golden point loss to the Wests Tigers on Monday.
The incident occurred in the second half when Simonsson, engaged in an aerial contest, was subjected to an illegal hit by Tigers' winger Luke Laulilii, resulting in his ankle ending up in an unnatural position.
Laulilii received a sin bin for the infraction, while Simonsson was transported off the field via medicab, visibly in agony following a lengthy stoppage.
It was later disclosed that he had been admitted to the hospital with a dislocated ankle, an injury that will sideline him for the rest of 2026.
This incident compounds a series of long-term injuries for Parramatta, many of which have stemmed from foul play in recent weeks. Both J'maine Hopgood and Matt Doorey have also been ruled out for the season due to hip drop tackles, while Jordan Samrani is not expected to return before Round 10.
Frustrated yet understanding, Ryles remarked on the situation, stating, "It just happens that it's foul play that is injuring the guys. There are two season-enders and an eight-weekers, and now another one."
He continued, "Those contests happen every week. The players don't mean to do it, we understand that, but there is a reason those actions are outlawed - because of what we are going now."
Finally, Ryles expressed his resignation to the brutality of the sport, saying, "I'm not sure what you want me to say or do, but that's what we sign up for each week."