League: Eels claim minor title, lose Hindmarsh

The Eels claimed the 2005 National Rugby League minor premiership but may have lost test backrower Nathan Hindmarsh for the rest of the season after an impressive 28-14 victory over Brisbane at Parramatta Stadium last night.

Hindmarsh suffered suspected damage to his posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in what would be a crushing blow to the Eels' title hopes.

Eels doctor Michael Johnson -- a knee specialist -- is still to determine the full extent of the damage which left a sour taste in the mouths of Parramatta as it toasted its second minor premiership in five seasons.

Hindmarsh - who had just overcome a hamstring complaint - was carried off the field after three minutes following a heavy tackle by Brisbane halfback Brett Seymour, almost silencing the sell-out crowd of 20,340.

But the Eels faithful quickly found something to smile about thanks to rookie halfback Tim Smith who played a hand in all five tries, showing experience beyond his tender age of 20 to seal the crucial victory.

While Parramatta collect the A$100,000 prizemoney for the minor premiership, an injury-ravaged Brisbane contemplated the fact that it could finish as far down the NRL ladder as fourth despite leading the competition for the majority of the season.

The Broncos welcomed back ex-Test prop Shane Webcke and Seymour from injury last night.

But Brisbane still had a galaxy of stars watching forlornly from the sidelines including skipper Darren Lockyer who didn't play despite speculation he would make a surprise return from a hamstring complaint.

After trailing 14-6 at halftime, Parramatta brought the sell out crowd to its feet when scheming halfback Smith set up super sub Dean Widders to score near the posts in the 47th minute.

Parramatta scored in the set after Broncos backrower Brad Thorn was penalised for back chatting referee Paul Simpkins.

The Eels then reclaimed the lead when forward Michael Vella (60th) pounced on a Smith grubber and Widders (70th) bagged his second after bouncing off Brisbane defenders Petero Civoniceva and Seymour.

Smith capped off a sublime performance when his perfectly weighted chip was gobbled up by winger Luke Burt to score in the 72nd minute following a Wade McKinnon bust.

The Broncos took a surprise 14-6 halftime lead after they overcame early resistance to monster over for two tries.

After Eels centre Ben Smith pounced on a Tim Smith grubber spilt by Scott Minto to score in the 12th minute, the Broncos hit back through forwards Civoniceva (32nd) and Sam Thaiday (35th) to make 14-6 at the main break.

Broncos backrower Thorn may be in trouble for a 52nd minute dangerous throw on Eels winger Eric Grothe.

- AAP