Auckland Nines casualty ward: Alex Johnston injury leaves South Sydney sweating on scan results

SOUTH Sydney are sweating on the scan results of a shoulder injury which left Test centre Alex Johnston ruled out of the Auckland Nines tournament after just one game yesterday.

Alex Johnston of Souths tackled by Eloni Vunakece of Roosters during the Souths v Roosters during the Auckland Nines at Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand. pic Mark Evans

SOUTH Sydney are sweating on the scan results of a shoulder injury which left Test winger Alex Johnston ruled out of the Auckland Nines tournament after just one game.

Johnston was the highest-profile casualty on the opening day of the Nines with Manly forward Jamie Buhrer, Wests Tigers duo Chris Lawrence and Tyler Cassel and Parramatta centre John Folau also finishing the day with injury concerns.

Elsewhere, St George winger Kiti Glyman suffered a hamstring injury, Manly’s Jake Trbojevic suffered a concussion while Brisbane duo Corey Oates (back) and Carlin Anderson (ankle) could also both miss Sunday’s final game.

Having waited all summer to cheer on their team, the anticipation and excitement from Rabbitohs fans was quickly subdued when Johnston trotted from the field clutching at his left shoulder in the first match against the Sydney Roosters.

Souths coach Michael Maguire confirmed to The Sunday Telegraph that Johnston had “jarred” his shoulder. However, the full extent of the injury wouldn’t be determined until scans are undertaken on Sunday morning.

The loss of Johnston would prove a significant blow for Maguire whose depth in the outside backs, following the off-season departure of Dylan Walker, is the club’s greatest question mark this season.

Alex Johnston hurt his shoulder in the Rabbitohs’ Auckland Nines opener. Picture: Mark Evans

The Eels are unlikely to see anymore action from Folau prior to their NRL season-opener against the Brisbane Broncos.

Folau, who scored four tries in seven appearances last season, limped from the field in Parramatta’s second pool match, a 14-11 win over the Roosters. Folau will also require scans to determine the severity of the injury.

The Tigers, who will start the NRL premiership as rank outsiders, are one club which can’t afford injuries.

Lawrence failed to return after the club’s opening pool game 23-17 loss to Penrith.

“I just copped a knee when I dived on the ball,” Lawrence said.

“I don’t think it’s anything too serious. (The medical staff) just said stay off and put some ice on it.”

Originally published as Auckland Nines casualty ward: Alex Johnston injury leaves South Sydney sweating on scan results