The Parramatta Eels have faced a significant setback following their victory over the St George Illawarra Dragons on Sunday.
This setback involves a potential ACL injury for prop J'maine Hopgood, who suffered the injury due to a 'hip-drop' tackle executed by Ryan Couchman, which led to the Red V forward receiving a stint in the sin bin.
Eels coach Jason Ryles addressed the injury during his press briefing, emphasizing that while it wasn't done deliberately, it stems from the NRL's push to increase fatigue in the gameplay.
"It's not intentional. But unfortunately you keep throwing fatigue into the game and you keep making them (more tired)," Ryles commented.
"They happen. So that's reality. You just have to practise and mitigate it as much as you can and hope that it doesn't happen. It's really disappointing (for Hopgood)."
At the conclusion of the first half, Hopgood was awkwardly bent during a tackle, requiring assistance to leave the field.
The emphasis on fatigue in the game has led to players frequently defending against consecutive sets, increasing the likelihood of mishaps.
Hopgood's ACL injury warrants thorough investigation by the NRL, especially as there has been widespread criticism regarding the numerous 'six again' penalties being issued at the start of the season.