Parramatta will be without Dylan Brown indefinitely after the teenaged playmaker was forced to take time off to deal with a back problem.

Brown has been hampered by the ailment for some time, often missing opposed training sessions to avoid aggravating the issue. The 18-year-old has shown no ill effects on the field, combining well with Mitchell Moses during the opening three rounds.

While the bone bruising isn’t considered serious or career-threatening, the Eels will err on the side of caution as they manage one of their most valuable assets through the early stages of his NRL development.

Sidelined: Parramatta playmaker Dylan Brown. Credit:NRL Photos

Jaeman Salmon is expected to take Brown’s place for the clash with Cronulla, a chance to return to the starting side against his former club. Salmon returned from suspension for the Eels in round two and has experience playing in the halves, although Parramatta view him as a centre longer term.