Vella to miss two matches

Parramatta's late run at the National Rugby League finals has hit a hurdle with prop Michael Vella ruled out for two matches with a knee injury. Vella has been diagnosed with a minor knee strain.

The club will conduct further tests, but is confident Vella will only miss matches against Melbourne and Cronulla. The Eels expect to have captain Nathan Cayless for their next NRL game against the Storm.

Cayless has been sidelined since April with a broken arm.