Bulldogs winger Jacob Kiraz is facing a potential stint on the sidelines after sustaining a knee injury during the match against the Eels. The incident occurred in the first half when Kiraz was held up by two defenders, and Saxon Pryke made a low tackle that impacted his knee. Despite the heavy strapping on his knee and noticeable limping, Kiraz opted to continue playing for the remainder of the half.
However, he was unable to complete the game and was confirmed by Nine’s Emma Lawrence to be suffering from a suspected medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury. It was a tough day for players on both teams, as injuries marred what was a particularly physical match.
Parramatta’s hooker, Ryley Smith, did not return for the second half after sustaining a sternum injury, which adds to the Eels’ already mounting injury crisis, as nine players are currently sidelined, including Matt Doorey, J’maine Hopgood, and Bailey Simonsson, who are all out for the season.
Additionally, Bulldogs five-eighth Matt Burton experienced discomfort after an awkward tackle by Mitchell Moses but managed to stay on the field despite crying out in pain.
Kiraz had opened the scoring for the match, but by half-time, the Eels were leading 18-4, courtesy of tries from Josh Addo-Carr, Ronald Volkman, and Joash Papalii. The Bulldogs displayed some resilience after the break, with Lachlan Galvin scoring early in the second half, sparking hopes of a comeback. However, the Eels responded with tries from Dylan Walker and Tallyn Da Silva, alongside a penalty goal from Moses, extending their lead to 32-10 with just eight minutes remaining.
In a flurry of late scoring, both teams exchanged tries through Jonathan Sua, Will Penisini, and Bronson Xerri, but it was the Eels who secured a decisive 38-20 victory.