The Parramatta Eels have been dealt a significant injury blow ahead of their Round 21 clash with the Brisbane Broncos, with dynamic fullback Isaiah Iongi ruled out for up to six weeks after suffering a fractured hand.
The 21-year-old rising star sustained the injury during a mid-week training session and underwent successful surgery earlier today. The club confirmed the timeline for his recovery is expected to be four to six weeks, putting his availability for the remainder of the regular season in serious doubt.
> “Isaiah’s been electric for us at the back this year. It’s a tough loss,” head coach Jason Ryles said during a press conference. “We’re confident he’ll return stronger, but right now the focus is on his rehab.”
The injury could not come at a worse time for the Eels, who are sitting at the bottom of the NRL ladder and desperately searching for form in the final rounds of the 2025 season.
With Iongi sidelined, speculation is mounting over who will fill the fullback role. Utility playmaker Dylan Brown is reportedly being considered as a stop-gap option, with Mitchell Moses also returning to fitness and expected to feature in the halves.
Parramatta faces the high-flying Brisbane Broncos this weekend in what many are calling a must-win to restore confidence and salvage pride from a challenging season.
