EIGHT weeks ago, Parramatta leader Beau Scott was told his season was over after rupturing his bicep.
At the same time, Eels starting hooker Kaysa Pritchard was also shattered that surgery was required for a major knee injury.
But in an enormous boost to Parramatta’s premiership claims, both Scott and Pritchard are preparing for remarkable comebacks ahead of the finals.
The unexpected return of the duo and in particular Scott, who will add invaluable finals experience, has emerged as the Eels look to secure a top-four berth against Brisbane on Thursday night
Eels coach Brad Arthur has confirmed the duo will train today and tomorrow, with the possibility of playing against the Broncos, but almost certainly in the final round of the season against South Sydney.
“They’re not far off, Beau and Kaysa,’’ Arthur said. “There’s a chance I’ll name them to play against Brisbane.
“We’re training Sunday and Monday and I’ll make a final call after those two sessions.’’
It was in round 15 this year that the Eels feared the worst for both Scott and Pritchard.
The duo were injured in the Eels 24-10 win over St George Illawarra. A dejected Scott walked from the field with his right arm limp in a sling, while Pritchard needed to be assisted from the field with a torn lateral collateral ligament and posterior cruciate ligament.
The diagnosis was bleak. Both were told that surgery would end their season — a predicament they refused to accept.
“It’s good for our club to show that’s where we’re at the moment — everyone is desperate to play,’’ Arthur said.
“Kaysa was supposed to have an operation, but he chose to take a route of relentless rehabilitation to try and get himself to play.
“Beau could’ve put the cue in the rack for the season, but instead he worked hard and now he’s close.’’
Pritchard’s return to the dummy-half role will provide Arthur with the option of using the speedy No.9 in combination with current hooker Cameron King.
As for 2010 premiership-winner Scott, Arthur said the 33-year-old epitomised everything the Eels would look to ahead of the club’s first finals appearance in eight years.
“We like to play the game tough and physical - and that’s Beau,’’ Arthur said.
“He’s a leader of that and we know exactly what we’re going to get from him.
“Our plan is to push as deep into the finals as we can and he’s one of very few blokes who have got experience in that area for us.
“He knows that you don’t need to change your game once you get to that stage. He’ll be good for us coaches too.
“We’re not going to risk them, but they’re progressing well with their contact training and I suppose it’s just a case of giving them as long as they need, to ensure they’re right when they do come back.’’
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