A shock loss to the Parramatta Eels and a game-ending concussion to influential playmaker Sam Walker has complicated the Sydney Roosters’ quest for a ninth-straight finals campaign.

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MATCH CENTRE: Eels vs Roosters teams, scores, videos, updates

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The Eels’ 30-10 upset win was compounded by the loss of Walker in the 8th minute, who came off second best in his attempt to tackle a rampaging Kelma Tuilagi.

The Roosters, who would have all but sealed their place in the Top 8 with a win over Parramatta, will now be without Walker for their must-win game against the Melbourne Storm next Friday night.

The Tricolours’ defeat has offered a sliver of hope for three other clubs to stake a late claim at finals football.

The Sea Eagles, Dolphins and even the Wests Tigers remain in mathematical calculations to play beyond the first week of September.

The four-way race for eighth place could quickly become three if the Tigers fail to take care of North Queensland on Sunday afternoon.

Ryles hoping to keep the momentum going | 05:53

Even before Walker’s quick exit, the Eels looked the likelier of the combatants after being denied two tries within the first five minutes by the bunker.

Four-pointers to J’maine Hopgood and Josh Addo-Carr shortly followed with the Roosters’ lone first half response coming in the 24th minute from skipper James Tedesco. Addo-Carr’s second ensured a 10-point advantage come the break.

The Eels continued where they left off in the second half when captain Mitch Moses extended his side’s lead with a sneaky solo effort in the 52nd minute, before a double to Jordan Samrani in the final 15 minutes, including a helter-skelter effort including three kicks, put the game beyond doubt.

ALL EYES ON MARK

Despite the dour outcome for the Roosters, Mark Nawaqanitawase’s first full season of NRL football continued to flourish against the Eels.

The Olympic gold medallist laid on both Roosters tries, with special passes that his veteran counterparts could only dream of.

His assist for Robert Toia’s try in the 60th minute will be sure to feature heavily in end-of-season highlight reels.

On the receiving end of a shift out wide, Nawaqanitawase was able to draw in three Eels defenders and soon defied belief upon throwing a ball behind his back in-field for Toia to secure the points.

Nawaqanitawase’s form now sets up a scintillating showdown with the in-form Xavier Coates down in Melbourne next week.

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TEAMS

Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Zac Lomax 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Dylan Brown 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Joash Papalii 7. Mitchell Moses 8. J’maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Jack Williams 13. Dylan Walker 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Charlie Guymer 16. Matt Doorey 17. Jordan Samrani. 18th man: 21. Toni Mataele

Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Junior Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Hugo Savala 7. Sam Walker 17. Spencer Leniu 14. Benaiah Ioelu 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 13. Victor Radley 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Connor Watson 12. Siua Wong 15. Salesi Foketi 16. Egan Butcher. 18th man: 18. Ethan King