In a surprising turn of events, Shaun Lane, the back-rower for the Parramatta Eels, has announced he will take an indefinite break from rugby league as he weighs his future in the sport. The decision comes after a challenging start to the season under coach Jason Ryles, where the Eels have struggled to find their footing, winning only one of their first six matches.
On April 18, 2025, the Eels confirmed Lane would not be playing this weekend, stating, "Shaun Lane is taking some time away from the game to consider his future and won’t be playing this weekend. As a club, we are supporting him through this period." This statement reflects the club's backing of Lane's decision to step back, although it remains unclear whether he is contemplating retirement or simply taking a break.
Lane was originally slated to play in the NSW Cup on Easter Monday, April 21, against the Western Suburbs Magpies, but after being dropped to reserve grade, he opted to withdraw from all competition. His absence will be felt, especially as the Eels prepare for a crucial clash against the Wests Tigers at CommBank Stadium.
Adding to the tumult within the Eels, former Queensland forward Joe Ofahengaue has also quit the club, securing a multi-year deal with the Leigh Leopards in the Super League. This departure clears salary cap space for the Eels, who are looking to revamp their roster after a disappointing start to the season.
Lane's struggles this season have been apparent; after missing the season opener due to minor knee surgery, he has played five consecutive games, but his performance has not met expectations. He averaged just 53 run metres per game, scoring only one try, one linebreak, and four offloads throughout the season. His lack of impact on the field led to his dropping in the wake of a disheartening 50-12 loss to the Raiders in Round 6.
Since joining the Eels in 2019, Lane has been a key player, winning the club’s player of the year award in 2022 and consistently contributing to the team’s efforts. Over his career, he has played 186 NRL games, scoring 36 tries. However, his recent form has raised questions about his future, especially as the club navigates a significant transition.
Lane is under contract with the Eels until the end of the 2025 season, having signed a three-year extension in 2022, which includes a mutual option for 2026. This contract situation adds another layer of complexity as he considers his next steps.
The Eels are currently facing a pivotal moment in their season. With only one victory to their name, the pressure is mounting on the players and coaching staff. Coach Jason Ryles is looking for solutions as he prepares the team for the upcoming match against the Wests Tigers, where they will also be without Lane.
As Lane takes this time to reflect, the Eels organization has expressed its commitment to supporting him through this challenging period. The club recognizes the importance of mental health in sports, and Lane has previously opened up about his struggles in this area.
The situation remains fluid, with Lane's future in rugby league uncertain. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he returns to the field or if this break signifies a more permanent departure from the game he has played since his debut in 2015.
As the Eels prepare for their next match, they will have to rally together and find a way to overcome the challenges posed by Lane's absence and the team's overall struggles this season. The upcoming games could be crucial in determining the direction of the club and the future of several players, including Lane.
