LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a real nail-biter for the Parramatta Eels, versatile backrower Shaun Lane is facing an uphill battle to be match-ready for the kick-off of the 2025 NRL season after a stint on the operating table for a dodgy knee.
The 29-year-old warrior went under the knife to sort out a pesky meniscus issue, which reared its head during his rehab from a hamstring knock towards the end of last year.
Unfortunately, Lane is looking likely to sit out of the Eels' pre-season trials as he knuckles down on his recovery.
But fear not, folks, as the big man is already pounding the pavement with a tailored running regime and has set his sights on rejoining the main squad in a pinch - within the next two to three weeks.
With Parramatta's season opener against the Melbourne Storm looming large at AAMI Park on March 9, time is definitely not on Lane's side as he battles to prove he's fighting fit to hit the field.
Will the hero rise from the injury ashes like a phoenix, or will he be sidelined, watching from the sidelines as his teammates do battle on the hallowed turf? Only time will tell in this high-stakes game of footy fate.