NRL casualty ward Round 17: Dale Copley’s injury opens door for Konrad Hurrell’s revival
GOLD Coast centre Dale Copley has been ruled out for the rest of the NRL season, opening the door for Konrad Hurrell to kickstart his stuttering career. SEE THE FULL CASUALTY WARD
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THE door has been left ajar for exiled Gold Coast centre Konrad Hurrell after Dale Copley’s season-ending hamstring injury.
Sunday’s clash with the Sydney Roosters will be Hurrell’s first as a starting centre since he was dropped ahead of round 10, two months ago.
The likeable Tongan representative endured an error-riddled start to the season but, still contracted for another year at the club, now has a chance to finish the campaign where he started.
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The Titans have named Queensland forwards Jarrod Wallace and Jai Arrow for the clash, while Alexander Brimson is set to play three games inside a week as he prepares to represent the Queensland under-20s on Wednesday night.
Kane Elgey, off-contract and linked to a move to the Europe next season, is waiting in the wings if Brimson is unable to back up.
Brennan said the Titans were yet to table a new offer to Elgey, with the big- money five-eighth out of favour and restricted to just seven NRL games this season.
“Kane’s more than capable of slotting in there if AJ is a bit fatigued or sustains an injury, I’m sure Kane will grab his opportunity,” Brennan said.
Copley’s hamstring rupture rubbed salt into the Titans’ wounds after a horrid 34-0 defeat to Brisbane on Sunday.
“It’s not good for Dale; he’s been playing some good football too and battled injury in the past so it’s important we get it right,” Brennan said.
“The first thing he said to me was ‘how can I help out the team’.
“He’s a very smart footballer, Dale, and to have him helping out the players with preparation before games and doing homework on opposition is going to help us out as well.”
The loss to Brisbane all but ended the Titans finals hopes, with the side now four wins outside the top eight with eight games remaining.
“They’re down on the performance, they’re embarrassed about it and it’s important we go out and put on a better performance against another powerhouse in the Roosters,” Brennan said.
- AAP
NRL CASUALTY WARD ROUND 17
BRONCOS
Andre Savelio (ACL, season)
Matt Gillett (Broken neck, Round 21)
Payne Haas (Shoulder, Season)
Jack Bird (Sternum, Indefinite)
BULLDOGS
Kieran Foran (Foot, Season)
Raymond Faitala-Mariner (Hand/Knee, Season)
Marcelo Montoya (Hamstring, season)
Greg Eastwood (Calf, TBC)
COWBOYS
Sam Hoare (ACL, Season)
Michael Morgan (Bicep, Season)
Jordan McLean (Foot, Indefinite)
Josh Chudleigh (Knee, Season)
Matt Scott (Knee, Round 19)
DRAGONS
Zac Lomax (Hand, Round 20)
Jacob Host (Dislocated shoulder, Round 21-23)
EELS
Reed Mahoney (Suspension, Round 18)
Tony Williams (ACL, Season)
Beau Scott (ACL, Season)
Manu Ma’u (Cheekbone, Indefinite)
KNIGHTS
Kalyn Ponga (Hamstring, Round 20-21)
Slade Griffin (Knee, Season)
Tautau Moga (ACL, Season)
Jacob Saifiti (Shoulder, Round 24)
PANTHERS
Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Broken jaw, Round 22-23)
Sam McKendry (ACL, Season)
Tim Browne (Ruptured bowel, Retired)
Josh Mansour (Fractured cheekbone, Round 19)
Dylan Edwards (Shoulder, Season)
Peter Wallace (Shoulder, Retired)
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Hamstring, Round 21)
RABBITOHS
Richie Kennar (Foot, Round 19)
Jason Clark (Suspension, Round 20)
Greg Inglis (Broken thumb, Round 21-22)
RAIDERS
Ata Hingano (Ankle, Season)
Joseph Tapine (Suspension, Round 20)
Jack Wighton (Disciplinary, R24)
Brad Abbey (Concussion, Round 19)
Shannon Boyd (Calf, Round 21)
ROOSTERS
Bernard Lewis (ACL, Season)
Boyd Cordner (Rested, Round 19)
Dylan Napa (Knee, Round 19-20)
SEA EAGLES
Apisai Koroisau (Foot, Season)
Curtis Sironen (ACL, Season)
Lachlan Croker (ACL, Season)
Jack Gosiewski (Broken arm, Round 19)
Akuila Uate (Ankle, Season)
Lewis Brown (Shoulder, Round 20)
SHARKS
Josh Dugan (Stress fracture fibula, Round 19)
Luke Lewis (Calf, Round 19)
Jack Williams (Pec, season)
STORM
Dale Finucane (Hand, Round 19)
Sam Kasiano (Knee, Round 25)
TITANS
Bryce Cartwright (Broken hand, Round 20)
Dale Copley (Hamstring, season)
Max King (Shoulder, season)
WARRIORS
Nathaniel Roache (Back, Season)
Leivaha Pulu (Ankle, Round 20)
Tohu Harris (Knee, Round 21-23)
Bunty Afoa (Elbow, 23)
WESTS TIGERS
Mahe Fonua (Broken arm, Round 21-25)
Josh Reynolds (Shoulder, TBC)
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Originally published as NRL casualty ward Round 17: Dale Copley’s injury opens door for Konrad Hurrell’s revival