'Such a shame': Devastating twist after NRL star's match-winning heroics
Ray Stone's worst fears have been realised after the two-try Parramatta hero was on Monday ruled out for the remainder of the NRL season, following his golden point heroics against the Melbourne Storm on Saturday.
In a brutal twist for the new Eels cult hero, it means Stone has played his last game for Parramatta after scans confirmed he suffered a ruptured ACL in Saturday night's match-winning moment.
'HE WASN'T HAPPY': Fresh twist emerges in Robbie Farah furore
CURIOUS: Was Thurston's slip-up telling about Ray Warren's future?
'THAT IS NASTY': Shock over NRL star's 'ugly' send-off incident
The unheralded lock - already signed with NRL newcomers the Dolphins for next season - became the Eels unlikely saviour as his two tries at AAMI Park helped secure a 28-24 victory over the Storm, before he was taken away for scans.
After immediately fearing the worst, Eels officials confirmed on Monday that Stone would require surgery in coming days on his injured knee.
Concern for Ray Stone is unfortunately an ACL injury with non-contact change of direction mechanism. Best case meniscus/bone bruise but didn’t look good. Walking around a few minutes later does not clear him of an ACL injury, commonly possible with ACL ruptures. Fingers crossed pic.twitter.com/87DBkt4ANw
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) March 26, 2022
It marks a bittersweet end to Stone's time at the Eels, where he was well regarded for his no-fuss work ethic and versatility.
That was most evident in his final play on Saturday night, with the regular middle playing at centre and being the only man to chase through on an attempted Mitch Moses field goal.
The ball hit the upright, bounced back into Stone's hands and he was hurt as he stepped past Jahrome Hughes to score in golden point.
Reacting to confirmation of his season-ending injury on Monday, league fans were understandably gutted for a player whose last game for the Eels will live long in the memory.
Such a shame. At least his last play in our jersey was a game winning try against the Melbourne Storm. We may not remember the score in years to come, but we will all remember the Ray Stone try from a failed field goal that won us the game. Thankyou Ray for your time with us.
— Fellidd Paddmaye (@AlanBailey2) March 28, 2022
Sad news … Wishing you a speedy recovery mate !!! That game on Saturday was something else 💪🏻 pity it could possibly be your last game for us. Thanks for all your efforts Big Bad Ray Stone 💪🏻💪🏻
— Tristan 🥃🥩 🇦🇺 (@ParramattaToWin) March 28, 2022
OMG Ray Stone. You unlucky bastard. I did fear the worst and it has since been confirmed 😔
— Louise Fernance ☯️4️⃣🇺🇦 (@weezie8219) March 28, 2022
Devastated for Ray Stone 😭
— Jay Smith (@KateyLouByrnes) March 28, 2022
Wishing Ray Stone a speedy recovery 💙💛 https://t.co/SG3jIcQF8y
— Dolphins NRL (@dolphinsnrl) March 28, 2022
#NRL Perhaps the news we all expected but round 3 hero, @TheParraEels utility, Ray Stone will miss the rest of the season after scans confirmed a ruptured ACL.https://t.co/3SLwd0YEWp
— NRL News (@NRLNEWS) March 28, 2022
Ray Stone’s last game for Parra confirmed. What a way to go out. Will always love you Stoney.
— Ryan Curran (@RyanCurranAU) March 28, 2022
Absolutely rotten luck for @TheParraEels Ray Stone with confirmation of his ACL injury. I dare say the bloke won't have to pay for too many beers ever again in Para-dise. Instant Legend status!
— David Neill (@Trickeytrev) March 28, 2022
Ray Stone adds to Eels' injury woes
Stone's injury shapes as another blow to the hard-hit Eels, who are already doing it tough without a number of regular starters.
There is some hope Ryan Matterson, after being hurt in round one, that he could return from a hamstring injury this week to replace Stone.
Winger Bailey Simonsson is in a battle to pass concussion protocols in order to face St George Illawarra on Sunday.
Given their shortages out wide, the Eels would likely need to blood an untested rookie if Simonnson does not return.
Fellow winger Haze Dunster remains out for the year with a knee injury while Maika Sivo is unlikely to be available until at least the midpoint of the season from his own ACL injury.
The Eels are hopeful Sean Russell could return to fix some of those issues within the next three weeks, after being left with a punctured lung and fractured rib after the opening round.
with AAP
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.
