NRL 2025 pre-season Wests Tigers v Parramatta Eels: Brent Naden leaves field after horror knee injury

The Wests Tigers’ pre-season victory over the Parramatta Eels came at a cost, with one of their veteran star forced from the field with a horror knee injury.

The Wests Tigers’ 30-18 win over the Eels has been soured with reports veteran centre Brent Naden suffered a dislocated kneecap on a night a couple of the club’s key signings stole the show.

A stretcher was brought out but Naden limped off Leichhardt Oval with the help of two trainers and headed straight up the tackle.

NRL Physio commented on the “extremely graphic” injury via X.

“Horrible knee injury for Brent Naden - can see clear patella (kneecap) dislocation but risk for other ligament injury (MCL/ACL) with traumatic nature of contact.

“Lengthy recovery ahead, fingers crossed it’s somehow not as bad as it looks.”

Naden is off contract at the end of the year but has impressed club officials after a turbulent 2024 where he seemed destined to be squeezed out.

Brent Naden of the Wests Tigers is assisted off the field. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

He produced an incredible chase down in the All Stars game last week but is now in doubt for the start of the season after he was caught awkwardly in a tackle that saw his left leg bend in ways it shouldn’t.

He had looked good in the first half and scored off an Adam Doueihi grubber as the teams traded tries in the first half.

SUPERCOACH WRAP

Combinations

There was a lot to like from the Tigers with Doueihi combining beautifully with Lachie Galvin who looks set to have a monster second season in the NRL.

Doueihi started the game at halfback and was involved in everything as he nailed a 40/20, kicked for a try and backed up a Galvin break to set up Jeral Skelton just before half-time.

He shifted to left centre when Naden came off and will likely start the season there, while for the Eels, Zac Lomax was kept quiet in his first game at right centre but did put a big shot on Galvin.

Lachlan Galvin. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Recruit Watch

The Tigers have been desperately searching for an enforcer up front, and they’ve finally found their man with Terrell May showing why he could be one of the buys of the year.

Plenty of people were stunned that the Roosters let the tireless prop forward go, and he has not slowed down at all with May getting through a mountain of work on Friday night.

He led the way with 18 runs for 130 metres to go with 24 tackles and looks set to step up as the main man up in front with reports veteran David Klemmer could be leaving.

Fellow recruit Jack Bird scored a soft try in the first half, while speedster Josh Addo-Carr came on for the final 20 minutes for the Eels.

Josh Addo-Carr. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Rookie Watch 

Life after Clint Gutherson might not be as bleak as first predicted after Isaiah Iongi produced a moment of magic that will have Eels fans praying that he’s the man to fill the gaping hole at the back.

Iongi set up a try with a brilliant cut-out pass late in the first half having sliced through three would-be defenders to score a slashing solo try to open the scoring off a scrum.

His path in first grade at Penrith was blocked thanks to Dylan Edwards, but his future looks bright if he can link up with Parramatta’s elite halves.

Isaiah Iongi. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Hot Take

Terrell May will be in Laurie Daley’s extended squad for the Origin opener on the back of his brilliant start to the season.

Final Say 

The Leichhardt faithful are some of the best fans in the world. While it wasn’t a sell-out, 4812 people braved the rain and expensive tickets to watch their team in a trial after three years of hell.

They deserve something better in 2025 and should get it with Jarome Luai to provide the polish the team needs.