Casualty Ward: Wounded Dragons Jack Bird and Hame Sele set for time on sideline

St George Illawarra’s game against the Bulldogs was a horror show in more ways than one, with Jack Bird and Hame Sele both preparing to spend time on the sideline.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 23: Zac Lomax of the Dragons checks up on Jack Bird of the Dragons as he is stretchered off the field after an injury during the round 12 NRL match between Canterbury Bulldogs and St George Illawarra Dragons at Accor Stadium on May 23, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

St George Illawarra’s woes continue with Hame Sele and Jack Bird needing surgery which will sideline them for an extended period.

Sele has a fractured shoulder which will need to be operated on. While a timeline is not yet clear it is understood he will be sidelined for at least two months.

Bird was taken from the field just before halftime with an ankle injury in immense pain. There was no fracture to his ankle however there was a significant sprain. He is due to meet with a specialist with the Dragons hopeful he will only miss about a month of action.

Jack Bird left the field in immense pain. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The pair have been two crucial starters for a Dragons side who have struggled to find consistency this year which was highlighted during their 44-12 loss to Canterbury on Thursday night.

Coach Shane Flanagan is expected to run out of patience with his side having largely stock solid to start the season.

A host of players are now on the chopping block despite the long-term injuries to Sele and Bird. Senior players including Mikaele Ravalawa and Blake Lawrie have been under pressure to keep their spots already at times this year.

Hame Sele will be out for at least two months. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Flanagan may be hamstrung by the amount of changes he can make given the likes of Ben Hunt and Jaydn Su’A are pushing for Queensland Origin spots while Zac Lomax remains in the mix for NSW.

Ryan and Toby Couchman are in line to play their first games of the season next week while young winger Sione Finau scored a treble of tries for the Dragons in NSW Cup on Thursday night. Jesse Marschke is the likely replacement for Hunt in the halves.

The Dragons play Penrith on Saturday night with the Panthers to be heavily impacted by Origin selection.