Ryan Matterson's early-season NRL ban is set to prove even more costly for Parramatta, with Shaun Lane and Matt Doorey both injured in their 36-14 NRL pre-season win over Newcastle.
Already feeling the pinch of a back-row exodus from last season and Matterson's decision to take a three-match ban from a crusher tackle in last year's grand final over a $4000 fine, Parramatta's pain continued on Friday night.
Lane lasted seven minutes in his first hit-out of the year in Gosford before he was left clutching at his jaw after copping a shoulder from Daniel Saifiti while attempting a tackle.