Dropped Eels forward Shaun Lane is taking an immediate break from rugby league as he weighs up his future in the game amid Jason Ryles’ clean-out of the club.
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The Daily Telegraph reported Lane won’t play for the Eels this weekend after being dropped to reserve grade, but has decided to step away from the game.
Parramatta are supporting Lane’s decision to put his rugby league career on hold, but it is unclear if he plans to retire or if the break is only temporary.
The Eels confirmed Lane would take time away from his playing duties with the club.
“Shaun Lane is taking some time away from the game to consider his future and won’t be playing this weekend,” the Eels said in a statement.
“As a club we are supporting him through this period.”
Lane was due to play NSW Cup on Easter Monday in what would have been a star-studded Parramatta outfit featuring former Queensland forward Joe Ofahengaue in their clash with Western Suburbs.
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Bryce Cartwright, Wiremu Greig and Ryan Matterson are the other experienced players in the Eels’ reserve grade team.
Ofahengaue has since quit the club immediately with the Eels allowing him to take up a multi-year deal with Leigh in the Super League.
Ofahengaue’s immediate departure clears more salary cap space for the club, while they also have a million a season to spend after Dylan Brown’s switch to the Knights in 2026.
Lane still has 12 months left on his contract worth about $500,000 while Cartwright and Greig are off-contract.
Matterson could also be on the outer despite having a season remaining.
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Lane had minor knee surgery in the off-season to repair a damaged knee and missed the season opener, but he has since played in their past five matches.
Lane has struggled to reach the form that led the Eels to the 2022 Grand Final in recent seasons and was dropped after a poor showing in the 50-12 loss to the Raiders in Round 6.
The 30-year had previously been one of the Eels’ most consistent players since joining the club in 2019, having not played reserve grade during his seven years at the club.
He won the club’s player of the year award in 2022 and has also claimed the coaches award, community award, and players player award.
Lane has scored 36 tries in 186 NRL games for the Bulldogs, Warriors, Sea Eagles and Eels since his debut in 2015.
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