Seventeen-year-old Zacc was due to join the Eels’ 2010 SG Ball squad in November but Parramatta decided to move him earlier because he needed an operation on his knee to remove some floating bone which has been aggravating him for some time.

He was operated on last Tuesday by the Parramatta doctor and is now recovering under the direct supervision of the club and their physiotherapist’s team.

Zacc is racing the clock to be fit by the end of October as he has been selected to represent the Australian Institute of Sport on their three game tour of France and England in mid-November.

If he is fit he will leave Australia on November 13 for the four-week tour with the AIS squad.

On his return Zacc will remain in Sydney and train with the Parramatta SG Ball squad (under 18s) over the summer ready for the 2010 season.

Parramatta is currently organising a transfer for Zacc’s boilermaker apprenticeship he started with the local KML Industries.

Zacc, who loves his rugby league, is keen to learn more about the game and is excited by the opportunity presented by Parramatta Leagues Club and the Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra.