Parramatta Eels rookie address contract situation, aiming to earn Top 30…

Parramatta’s season from hell has continued, with star forward J’maine Hopgood expected to be ruled out for the remainder of 2024.

Just weeks after making his State of Origin debut for Queensland in their victory in the series opener, Hopgood is now out of action with a lower back injury.

The 25-year-old was ruled out of game two for the Maroons and despite hopes he could back for the Eels soon, the club have confirmed that won’t be the case.

“After meeting with specialists regarding a lower back injury, it has been decided J’maine will undergo a microdiscectomy,” a statement on Thursday night said.