The Parramatta Eels’ injury woes persist as another blow hits the team, this time affecting forward Bryce Cartwright, who is expected to join Mitchell Moses on the sidelines for an extended period.

Reports from both The Sydney Morning Herald and The Daily Telegraph indicate that Cartwright, a second-rower, is facing a potential absence of up to six weeks due to a rib injury, adding to the club’s already challenging situation.

Despite the severity of the injury, which the club has confirmed without specifying, there’s a possibility that Cartwright might still be included in the lineup for the upcoming match against the Wests Tigers if he can manage to play through the discomfort.

Sources suggest that Cartwright sustained the injury during the Parramatta Eels’ recent victory over the Manly Sea Eagles, a 28-24 win on Sunday afternoon.

“It’s a real shame because Bryce has had an outstanding start to the season,” Cartwright’s manager, Allan Gainey, said on Tuesday morning, per The Daily Telegraph.

“Sadly, injuries are part of the game and I know Bryce will work hard and get back on the field as soon as possible.”

Kelma Tuilagi appears poised to step in as the primary candidate to fill the vacancy left by Cartwright, presumably taking up a starting position in the back-row.

Having previously played for the Wests Tigers and the Manly Sea Eagles, Tuilagi joined the Parramatta Eels at the beginning of this season. Thus far, he has featured in three matches for the club, all as a substitute coming off the interchange bench.