Eels’ rising star Fletcher sidelined for two months as 2026 pre-season begins
Parramatta Eels have suffered a major pre-season setback with highly rated junior halfback Lincoln Fletcher ruled out for two months with an injury sustained on Thursday, casting a shadow over the club’s preparations for the 2026 NRL season.
Head coach Jason Ryles confirmed the news, describing the loss as “massive” for the Eels’ pathway program, which has pinned high hopes on the 18-year-old’s development. While the specific nature of the injury was not disclosed, Ryles emphasized the impact on Fletcher’s progression as he prepares to step up to the SG Ball Cup this year.
“Lincoln is one of our most exciting young talents – his work ethic and natural ability make him a cornerstone of our future plans,” Ryles said. “Missing two months of pre-season is tough, but we’re focused on getting him back fit and ready to continue his journey with us.”
Fletcher has emerged as a standout in the Eels’ junior ranks, establishing himself as a dynamic halfback and reliable goal-kicker. He finished as the second-highest point scorer in the 2024 Harold Matthews Cup (U16s) and earned selection in the Australian Schoolboys squad later that year, joining three other Eels juniors in the national team.
In September 2024, the club secured his long-term future with a contract extension through to the end of 2027, signaling their confidence in his ability to progress through the grades to the NRL. With the Eels entering a new era under Ryles – who joined in 2025 with a focus on nurturing young talent – Fletcher was set to play a key role in the club’s youth development strategy this pre-season.
The injury will see him miss the early stages of SG Ball training and potentially the opening rounds of the competition, but the Eels’ medical staff are optimistic about a full recovery in time for the latter half of the junior season.
