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SYDNEY - Parramatta National Rugby League coach Michael Hagan will leave Nathan Hindmarsh to make the final decision on whether he plays against Newcastle tomorrow night following the death of the test backrower's father.
Hindmarsh was absent from the Eels' final training session today while spending time with family in Robertson in southern New South Wales.
But the 28-year-old has vowed to play in the NRL match at Parramatta Stadium.
Hagan said if Hindmarsh changed his mind tomorrow, the players and club would understand and support the decision.
"Initially he's said he'll play, but having been through that myself it does take a bit to sort out and come game day he'll go through a whole range of emotions," Hagan said.
"If he's fit and wants to play, I'm happy for him to play, but if he doesn't feel that he can, we understand that too."
Hindmarsh missed the Eels' loss to the New Zealand Warriors last Sunday with a virus.
Bill Hindmarsh passed away early yesterday after a battle with cancer.
- AAP
