LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a bittersweet victory for the Wests Tigers over the Eels, the night took a sour turn as seasoned centre Brent Naden suffered a dislocated kneecap, leaving a gaping hole in the Tigers' backline.
Just when it seemed a couple of the club's star signings were stealing the limelight, Naden's injury cast a shadow over the team's triumph.
Naden, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, had managed to turn heads with his performance despite facing uncertainties during the tumultuous 2024 season.
His standout display in the recent All Stars game had raised hopes, but now his availability for the upcoming season hangs in the balance after a painful tackle left his left leg bending in unnatural angles.
As the stretcher made its way onto the field, Naden valiantly limped off with the support of two trainers, disappearing into the tunnel with a mix of determination and disappointment.
His first-half performance had showcased his skill, culminating in a try off an Adam Doueihi grubber, adding to the seesaw battle of tries between the two teams.
With Naden's absence looming large, the Tigers will need to regroup and adjust their strategy to compensate for the loss of their key outside back.
In the unpredictable world of Rugby League, injuries are an unfortunate but inevitable part of the game, testing the depth and resilience of a team in the face of adversity.
But as they say in the world of sport, it's not about how many times you get knocked down, it's about how many times you get back up.
And the Tigers will need to summon that fighting spirit as they navigate the challenges ahead.