Eels hopeful on injured duo

Scans have cleared crocked Parramatta duo Jarryd Hayne and Tim Mannah of serious knee injuries.

Hayne and Mannah were both forced from the field during yesterday’s trial defeat at Penrith forcing club medical staff to arrange for the pair to undergo immediate MRI scans.

Luckily for the Eels, the scans show that both Hayne and Mannah have suffered only minor ligament strains.

Hayne will be sidelined for up to three weeks while Mannah is expected to be fit for the Eels opening round clash with Brisbane on March 2.

“It’s looking like they are both a chance to be fit for Round one,” coach Steve Kearney said.

“With Jarryd it depends on how quickly he recovers but we’re certainly hopeful.”

The prognosis on utility Ben Smith‘s pectoral injury meanwhile has yet to be determined.

He will see a specialist during the the week.