Parramatta recruit Bryce Cartwright is in major doubt for Round 1of the 2021 NRL season after suffering a suspected broken jaw at training.
As first reported by Wide World of Sports, the 26-year-old was taken to hospital on Friday after copping some friendly fire.
It is another bitter blow for Cartwright, who has been plagued by injury throughout his 112-game NRL career.
He signed a one-year deal with the Eels in November after the Gold Coast Titans agreed to release the former Penrith Panther from the final season of his four-year deal.
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Cartwright managed just seven games for the Titans in 2020, with his last appearance coming in Round 9 against the New Zealand Warriors.
He appears almost certain to make a delayed start to his eighth NRL campaign after the freak training accident.
The popular NRL Physio tweeted on Saturday: “Bryce Cartwright suffered a broken jaw at Eels training, will miss trials and in doubt to start the regular season. Any jaw fracture usually 4-6 weeks recovery for adequate bone headling, can become extended recovery (8-10+ weeks) if complex/multiple fractures.”
Bryce Cartwright suffered a broken jaw at Eels training, will miss trials and in doubt to start the regular season. Any jaw fracture usually 4-6 weeks recovery for adequate bone healing, can become extended recovery (8-10+ weeks) if complex/multiple fractures
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) February 13, 2021
The Eels are scheduled to open their 2021 season against the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium in less than four weeks.