The Parramatta Eels' challenging season is marked by the latest setback: star fullback Isaiah Iongi has been sidelined for the year due to a knee injury.
During a recent match against South Sydney, Iongi experienced a fall in a tackle that resulted in his immediate exit from the game.
On the sidelines, he was observed wearing a knee brace on his right leg and utilizing crutches for support.
According to fresh reports from the Daily Telegraph, Iongi has fortunately avoided a severe ACL injury, which typically requires a lengthy recovery of nine months.
Instead, the Tongan international has sustained both medial and posterior knee injuries, alleviating concerns about an ACL complication.
This injury effectively ends Iongi's season, with a projected recovery timeline of four to six weeks, concluding his campaign with the Eels for 2026.
This year, injuries have dominated the Eels' narrative, resulting in one of the most extensive casualty lists in recent NRL history.
At the beginning of the season, Maroons representative J'maine Hopgood suffered a ruptured ACL from a severe hip-drop tackle in March.
Just a week later, teammate Matt Doorey also ruptured his ACL, creating a significant void in the Eels' pack early in the year.
Moreover, winger Bailey Simonsson endured a severe ankle fracture and dislocation on Easter Monday, leading to his exclusion for the entire season.
