The Parramatta Eels have confirmed Ray Stone will miss the rest of the 2022 NRL campaign after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in the win over the Melbourne Storm.
The Eels are priced at 3/1 to win the 2022 NRL grand final but Stone will not play any part in their push for silverware after the club confirmed their worst fears on Monday.
Huge setback
Stone grabbed two tries, one of them being the decider in the golden-point win against the Storm at AAMI Park on Saturday night.
The 24-year-old pounced when an attempted field goal by Mitch Moses hit the post but in the process of scoring the try, he also injured his knee.
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Speaking to reporters after the game coach Brad Arthur said: "It's always good when a little bit of luck goes to one of our players that you can rely on," Arthur said. "Stoney is one of those guys, he works hard, he is sometimes in and out of the team but he never complains, he just gets on with his job."
Worst fears confirmed
Arthur was completely unaware of the seriousness when he spoke to the media but scans have since confirmed his season is over.
"Ray Stone has today been ruled out for the 2022 season following confirmation that he has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during Saturday nights game against Melbourne," the club said in a statement.
"He will undergo surgery in the coming days and then begin his rehabilitation for the 2023 season. The Parramatta Eels will be supporting Ray and his family at this difficult time."
