Parramatta back-rower Shaun Lane will take an indefinite break from rugby league as he considers his future in the NRL. In a club statement, the Eels confirmed that Lane would have some time off. "Shaun Lane is taking some time away from the game to consider his future and won't be playing this weekend," the statement read.

While the club supports his decision to press pause, it is not known if Lane plans to retire or if he is just taking a break. Lane had been dropped to reserve grade, named to take on the Western Suburbs Magpies on Monday, before he decided to step away altogether. The big-name NSW Cup outfit was also supposed to feature Joe Ofahengaue.   However, the former Queensland forward was released by the Eels on Thursday to join Super League club Leigh Leopards on a multi-year deal, effective immediately. Lane is contracted until at least the end of the 2025 season after signing a three-year extension in October 2022, with a mutual option for 2026, which both parties would need to agree to. The 30-year-old underwent arthroscopic knee surgery during the off-season. This caused him to miss Parramatta's season opener against Melbourne, though he has since gone on to feature in the side's past five games.   The 2022 Ken Thornett Medallist has previously opened up about his mental health struggles while playing. Parramatta take on the Wests Tigers at CommBank Stadium on Easter Monday.