Parramatta's buy of the year Nathan Peats will miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury, it was confirmed on Monday.
The classy hooker, 23, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in Friday's western derby loss against the Panthers and will undergo a knee reconstruction. He will then undertake rehab in order to be fit for the 2015 season.
"Disappointed to be out for the rest of the season. Going in for a knee reconstruction soon & than rehab begins. 2015 can't come quick enough," Peats posted on Twitter on Monday.
The Eels also confirmed the news, saying Peats' rehab woud begin as quickly as possible.
Peats' injury is a massive blow for the Eels, with the former Rabbitoh quickly becoming an integral part of the re-emerging team. Having played second fiddle to Issac Luke at South Sydney, he had become an 80-minute player at Parramatta, performing so well that he was touted as a potential call-up for NSW Origin duties.
His injury is also a blow to NRL Fantasy players, as he was a must-have recruit in 2014.
Disappointed to be out for the rest of the season. Going in for a knee reconstruction soon & than rehab begins. 2015 cant come quick enough
— Nathan Peats (@peats05) June 2, 2014