Keating out for the season

by NRL

hooker Matt Keating will be sidelined for the rest of the 2012 season after Club medical staff determined he requires back surgery.

The 25-year-old has a bulging disc in his lower back which will be operated on this Tuesday, resulting in an approximate recovery time of 12 weeks.

Pirtek Eels coach Steve Kearney said it was a disappointing blow for a player who has been one of the Club's most consistent this year.

"Matt's had probably his best season for the Club and it's disappointing he won't be able to finish out the year," Kearney said.

"It's an injury he's been managing over the past few rounds but it's at the point now where surgery is the only option to get him right for next year."

Nathan Smith will replace Keating for this Friday's clash against the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium.

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