Parramatta have confirmed Shaun Lane has fractured his jaw with their back-row stocks perilously low as round one of the NRL season looms.
Lane was an early casualty in the Eels' Pre-season Challenge outing against Newcastle in Gosford on Friday night, suffering the injury while attempting to bring down Daniel Saifiti.
He was taken for scans with the club confirming the diagnosis on Saturday.
"The Parramatta Eels can confirm Shaun Lane suffered a fractured jaw in last night's win over the Knights," the Eels statement read, adding his return to play is still be determined.
The Eels face Melbourne in round one, less than two weeks away, and are scratching for second-rowers with Matt Doorey also hurt in the 36-14 win.
He limped from the field early in the second half with an ankle injury.
Ryan Matterson is sidelined after he opted to take a three match ban from a crusher tackle in last year's grand final over a $4000 fine while Isaiah Papali'i and Marata Niukore are off-season departures.
Bryce Cartwright would have been an option to replace Lane, but he's also battling to return from a jaw injury.
That could leave Jack Murchie and Jirah Momoisea to join recruit J'maine Hopgood in the back-row against the Storm.
