Media reports this afternoon suggest Parramatta star Nathan Peats played almost a full half of footy last weekend with a fractured neck.

Scans on Monday revealed a fracture in his C6 vertebrae.

It’s another terrible blow for the fledgling Eels who shocked many almost pulling off a huge upset last weekend against the Sydney Roosters.

But with Peats gone for the year, the Eels will shorten again for the wooden spoon.

The Eels are one win clear of Wests Tigers, Newcastle and Gold Coast who are all anchored to the bottom of the table on 18 points.