NRL casualty ward: Eels star J’maine Hopgood set for season-ending surgery, Kyde Dykes’ season over

Parramatta’s season has gone from bad to worse with a star set to miss the rest of the season, while a Sharks rookie joining him on the sidelines.

Parramatta lock J'maine Hopgood. NRL Imagery

Parramatta and Queensland State of Origin forward J’maine Hopgood’s season is likely over, with surgeons confirming the Eels star needs lower back surgery that would see him sidelined for 12-weeks.

The talented Eels lock missed Origin II due to a back injury following the club’s loss against the Bulldogs in Round 14.

At the MCG to support the Maroons after being chosen in game one, Hopgood told Triple M radio that he had a defining meeting with surgeons on Thursday.

Parramatta lock J'maine Hopgood. NRL Imagery

“I’m catching up with the surgeon (on Thursday), so I’ll be assessing all options around that,’’ Hopgood said.

“Potentially, if I have to get it done, it’s a 12-week return with the sort of surgery that I have to get.

“So it would pretty much do me for the season.

“We had a couple of weeks there where we were waiting to see if it was getting better and it’s just one of those things that takes time.

“But the more time you give it, the less chance surgery works, so it’s a tough one.’’

Hopgood has proven to be one of the Eels’ most consistent forward’s this season, which led to his State of Origin debut in game one.

J’maine Hopgood is likely out for the season after specialists advised he undergo surgery on a lower back disc issue.

Had been getting sciatic type pain for some time now & aggravated recently. Microdiscectomy surgery to remove bulging part of disc - usually 12 weeks recovery. pic.twitter.com/bLRCdPeE3x

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) June 27, 2024

SEASON OVER FOR SHARKS STAR

Sharks rookie Kade Dykes has suffered yet another major injury blow with the talented playmaker ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Forced to miss the entire 2023 season after suffering a torn ACL in the pre-season, Dykes’ latest setback is unrelated to his ACL, but rather damage to his cartilage which has required revolutionary AutoCart surgery.

Cronulla Sharks star Kade Dykes has been ruled out for the rest of 2024. Picture: NRL Imagery

Top surgeon David Broe, who has performed surgery previously on NRL star Tom Trbojevic, operated on Dykes.

It’s anticipated Dykes will require six months for a full recovery, with the hope of returning to training by November.

“Sharks player Kade Dykes recently underwent a surgical procedure on his knee to restore his cartilage,’’ the Sharks announced on their website.

“This procedure will result in Kade being unavailable for the remainder of the 2024 season.’’

Dykes played two NRL games in 2022 and six games in NSW Cup this season where he scored four tries.