NRL trials 2023: Injury carnage as Xavier Savage and Justin Olam suffer serious injuries

The curse of the NRL pre-season has struck with a number of key players facing extended stints on the sideline and two confirmed for surgery. Injury latest here.

Xavier Savage suffered what appeared to be a serious injury.

Canberra and Melbourne are reeling from key injuries suffered during the NRL Pre-Season Challenge, leaving them scrambling to fill spots for the start of the NRL season.

It comes as Raiders coach Ricky Stuart confirmed his flying fullback Xavier Savage will have surgery on Tuesday for a broken jaw, while Melbourne have also confirmed Justin Olam will have an operation on his broken arm.

Savage suffered the injury after an accidental head clash in Sunday’s trial loss to Canterbury.

Savage was in hospital with Stuart clearly shattered for his young fullback who is now expected to be sidelined for an estimated eight weeks.

“Xavier was disappointed,” Stuart said. “He has worked hard in the off season but he will be back after four or five weeks (of the season). It is a blow but that’s football.

“We will just continue to monitor him with his weight and his health over the next month.”

Stuart is now facing the challenge of finding a replacement fullback to start the new NRL season with Jordan Rapana, Albert Hopoate and Harley Smith-Shields the most likely options.

The Raiders take on Wests Tigers in their final trial at Belmore this Sunday.

Strike centre Olam had scans after Sunday’s loss to the Sydney Roosters in Geelong where he suffered the injury early making a tackle in the trial and was sent for scans after the match.

“Justin will undergo surgery which will then provide a clearer indication on his recovery period.The current estimation is he will be sidelined for six weeks,” the Storm club statement said.

Xavier Savage to have scans on a suspected broken jaw, mechanism = head clash after passing. Had a rough game with 2 heavy head knocks.

If jaw fracture confirmed 4-6 weeks usually best case, can extend out if complex or multiple fractures. pic.twitter.com/ytkKaLWDCj

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) February 12, 2023

Ciraldo era starts in style

Canterbury’s re-build under rookie coach Cameron Ciraldo has passed its first test with an impressive 34-18 win against Canberra in Moruya on Sunday afternoon.

Ciraldo’s troops looked well drilled, and confident, outclassing an undermanned Raiders outfit.

The Bulldogs will get another shot in the arm next week against Cronulla with Ciraldo set to inject Viliame Kikau, Tevita Pangai Junior, Matt Burton and flyer Josh Addo-Carr into the starting side.

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CANTERBURY

RAKE REVELATION

For almost 10 years Canterbury have been searching for a hooker as worthy of the No.9 jumper as the wiley Michael Ennis.

Finally, in Parramatta recruit Reed Mahoney, the Bulldogs have the answer to at least one of their spine conundrums.

Mahoney’s class was on full display in the first half as the grand final hooker looked right at home pulling the reins in Muroya.

Not only did Mahoney direct traffic in attack, his up tempo style helped Canterbury get on the front foot early from the kick-off.

Reed Mahoney is a key addition at the Bulldogs.

When he wasn’t poking holes in the Raiders defence, he was probing to do so, linking up with both sides of the field.

In control of the ruck, clean, crisp service came easy for Mahoney with halfback Kyle Flanagan the biggest beneficiary.

But he also wasn’t afraid to run when the opportunity presented itself.

If Ciraldo can nail his fullback appointment this season, the Bulldogs are poised to benefit from what has the potential to be one of the most improved spines this season.

CONNECTION

Penrith’s back to back titles were underpinned by the mottos ‘Everest’ and ‘Top Gun’ with Ciraldo a key figure in bringing the themes to life.

He’s done something similar in his rookie season at Canterbury. This time, the theme is ‘connection’.

With a slew of new faces, Ciraldo understood the importance of connection to building not only combinations in attack but strengthening the Bulldogs’ defence.

Whenever the playing group is in the same room, Ciraldo wants them to put their phones away and get to know each other, to connect.

The result of which can already be seen.

“To the boys’ credit they have bought right into it and have been really good. Everything we have done, they have attacked at 100 percent. They have come together as a group, which has been the best thing and most important thing for us,” Ciraldo said.

While trial form can at times be taken with a grain of salt, the improvements are obvious. The spine combined well in attack, as did the outside backs, and players were in sync in defence, missing only one tackle in the first half. Ciraldo’s rejuvenated Canterbury, also completed at over 90 per cent in the first half.

CANBERRA

COURAGEOUS CROKER

Axed from the NRL side and then succumbing to a serious shoulder injury, Croker only managed a single game of top flight football in season 2022.

The troublesome shoulder injury even threatened to force the 32-year old into an early retirement.

But the veteran, and illustrious goal kicker, made a successful return for the Green Machine in Moruya. Croker still faces an uphill battle to regain the jumper that he had a stranglehold for over a decade. Young centres Seb Kris and Matt Timoko are Ricky Stuart’s first choices for round one, with the coach also having options in Albert Hopoate and Brad Morkos.

SCHNEIDER ON FIRE

With a number of Canberra’s big name stars either rested or on All Stars duty, Sunday’s trial was a chance for Stuart’s youngsters to press their claims ahead of round one. Jamal Fogarty and Jack Wighton have the halves spots sewn up, but young halfback Brad Schneider did well in an undermanned outfit. The 21-year-old refused to give up, even when his side was well and truly on the back foot. He had a hand in an early second half try, keeping the Raiders in reach.

Xavier Savage suffered what appeared to be a serious injury.

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CANBERRA

The curse of the preseason looks to have struck in the worst possible way for the Raiders with electric fullback Xavier Savage posing a despondent figure on the sideline in Moruya after coming off the field injured.

Savage threw his head back, and into his hands in despair, as Canberra medical staff assessed the youngster for an injury to his cheek and jaw.

Savage left the field after clashing heads with a Canterbury player in the second half.

A serious injury to Savage will test Canberra’s fullback stocks. Albert Hopoate, who has excelled in the position in the lower grades, is an option for Stuart if Savage’s injury does rule him out of the opening rounds.

CANTERBURY

Josh Reynolds’ second coming at Canterbury teased a fairytale finish as the club cult hero crashed over the tryline in the first half.

But a try in his first game in his beloved Canterbury colours in almost seven years wasn’t to be for Reynolds, who was ruled to have been held up in-goal.

“He just loves being in Belmore, loves the Blue and White. He just loves footy. I said at the start if our team can have a little bit of Josh Reynolds in it then we’ll have a good team. He was so happy to put the jersey back on, he got a bit emotional. To see him lay the law down there for the boys shows what it meant for him to be in the jersey. It’s a long season ahead and I’m sure Josh is going to play a part for us,” Ciraldo said

Storm disaster as key man goes down long-term

—Fatima Kdouh

Melbourne Storm’s 32-24 loss to the Sydney Roosters in the Pre-Season Challenge was compounded by a serious injury to star centre Justin Olam, who sustained a fractured arm in Geelong.

Storm medical staff confirmed the injury and Olam is set to miss Round 1 clash against Parramatta.

Olam will have scans to determine the full extent of the injury and could be sidelined for up to six weeks.

For the Roosters, marquee signing Brandon Smith got his Tricolours career off to the best possible start, combining nicely with the likes of Sam Walker and Victor Radley to help deliver his new club a victory against former outfit Melbourne.

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ROOSTERS

CHEESEY COMBINATIONS

All eyes were on hooker Smith in Tricolours for the first time, against the side where he made a name for himself.

“It was a bit weird, looking up and seeing such familiar faces,” Smith told Fox League.

“It was kind of hard to be honest, seeing all the medical staff and physios and that on the sidelines and I was on the other side.

“It was weird hearing all the names they were calling out for the plays and stuff. I knew exactly what they were doing ... it started confusing me to be honest.”

Tyler Moriarty of Roosters celebrates a try. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

The overall signs were not only positive for Roosters fans, but exciting.

Clearly, the work Smith has done in a shortened pre-season with the likes of No.7 Walker and lock Radley will reap rewards.

Smith looked like he was already on the same page as Walker but the former Storm wasn’t getting carried away with anything.

“I’ve still got plenty of room for improvement here. I was a little bit shaky out there to be honest, still getting used to all the play names and I haven’t trained in the last three days. It’s pretty weird but we’ll get used to it,” Smith said.

Smith’s combination with Radley and power game through the middle promises to be a lethal one. Out of dummy half, Smith put a charging Radley onto the ball, who powered over the tryline.

BONDI DEPTH

Roosters veteran winger Daniel Tupou has shown no signs of slowing down but at 31, coach Trent Robinson has one eye on the future. Rookie flyers Tuipulotu Katoa and Vuate Karawalevu started the trial and produced some impressive individual moments. Karawalevu displayed plenty of power and speed, as did Katoa.

The Tricolours forward stocks are also in good shape. Robinson confirmed bench spots are up for grabs for the Round 1 clash against the Dolphins. Former Broncos hooker Jake Turpin looked comfortable in the halves, doing his chances no harm in the race for the injured Connor Watson’s (knee) No.14 jumper. Front-rower Fletcher Baker and three-game rookie prop Tuku Hau Tapuha produced some strong carries. Former Parramatta forward Elie El-Zakham put his strength on show, powering over the line in the first half.

Grant Anderson of the Storm crosses for a try. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

MELBOURNE

RARE PRODUCT

Sualauvi Faalogo is not only a rare Melbourne Storm local junior, but arguably one of the hottest prospects coming through the ranks. Craig Bellamy has resisted unveiling the livewire fullback but Ryan Papenhuyzen’s knee injury has depleted fullback stocks, forcing the coach’s hand. The first signs were positive for Faalogo, he was solid without being brilliant. But his potential as an NRL star cut through quickly. Faalogo produced an impressive first half break, where he cut through the Roosters tiring defence with ease. When playmaker Tyran Wishart was out on the last tackle with nowhere to go, Faalogo showed a cool head, stepped into and produced a pin point cross field attacking kick to end the set. His speed was on full display when he streaked away for a long-range try in the second half, capping off a 205-metre performance.

WELCOME RETURN

Melbourne’s forward pack was decimated after stalwarts Jesse and Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi defected to new franchise, the Dolphins. It makes Christian Welch’s return from a long-term achilles injury all the more timely. His experience and, more importantly, leadership will be crucial for the Storm, who have assembled a younger roster than what Bellamy has been accustomed. Centre Reimis Smith (pectoral) also got through his first game in nine months unscathed, made all the more important after Justin Olam’s arm injury in the first half.

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MELBOURNE

JUSTIN OLAM

Already lacking the strike power of fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen (knee) to open the season, Bellamy’s back five suffered another untimely injury blow, this time to blockbusting centre Olam.

Justin Olam with a suspected broken arm

The early diagnosis is an arm fracture, which is a separate injury to the niggle he was carrying into the trial. He’ll go for scans today to determine the extent of the year.

It leaves coach Bellamy searching for round one replacements with the likes of Grant Anderson and Marion Seve to come into contention.

Olam started the game with a heavily strapped right arm and elbow, and within minutes came reeling out of a tackle on Roosters forward Siua Wong. Clutching his right wrist in the back play, Bellamy pulled Olam out of the game just after six minutes.

ROOSTERS

MORE KEARY CONCUSSION WORRIES

Luke Keary missed Sunday’s trial after the experienced playmaker suffered a knock during an opposed training session on Friday. The news would no doubt worry Roosters fans given Keary’s history with injury.

While halfback Walker did not miss a beat in Geelong, Keary’s steady hand and experience is pivotal for the Roosters.

St Helens fire warning shot at Penrith after slaying Dragons

—Martin Gabor

St Helens sent an ominous warning shot to the Panthers after they warmed up for next week’s world club challenge with a comfortable 30-18 win over a Dragons side that failed to fire with a host of stars on the sidelines.

Super League sides have managed just one win in the world club challenge over the past decade, but the team that has won the past four titles has all the weaponry to knock off the most dominant NRL team of the past few years, including winger Theerapol Ritson who Andrew Voss described as “the fastest man on the planet”.

Dragons fans have been known to smash the panic button after a loss, and while they were underwhelming on Saturday, they were without the likes of Ben Hunt and some of their key forwards.

But they’ll want to show a bit more in attack in next week’s Charity Shield to give their supporters something to look forward to heading into the new season.

Treigh Stewart may have done enough to earn a full contract, after impressing for the Dragons in the absence of Tyrell Sloan. Picture: Getty Images.

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TREIGH DAY

He’s only on a train and trial deal right now, but the Dragons could do a lot worse than promoting Treigh Stewart into their top 30 after an eye-catching performance on Saturday.

The 21-year-old fullback was so good in the lower grades that he kept Tyrell Sloan on the wing in the 2019 SG Ball side, and the pair could link up again at some stage after Stewart dazzled with a stunning solo try midway through the first half.

He still has plenty to work on, especially under the high ball, but his speed and willingness to get involved in attack could be just what the Dragons need after their attacking woes of 12 months ago reappeared against St Helens.

Stewart was also involved in the worst call of the weekend when he was placed on report for a “possible hip-drop” on Jack Welsby despite doing nothing wrong.

GOOD AS GOLD

There were plenty of people up in arms when Tommy Makinson shocked the world to claim the 2018 golden boot award, but a stunning World Cup and some eye-catching touches on Saturday have left his critics with egg all over their face.

Makinson produced a stunning flick pass to set up a try in the first half and then showed some fancy footwork to crash over in the right corner, with his performance sure to lead to calls for him to be offered an NRL deal.

The positional switch of Zac Lomax backfired for the Dragons, who will likely move back to the left edge next week. Picture: Getty Images.

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CENTRE SWAP BACKFIRES

There’s no harm in tinkering with the side in the pre-season, but there’s no way Anthony Griffin can stick with Zac Lomax at left centre after the strike weapon was restricted to just seven metres in the first half.

Those all came from one run when a trimmed down Ben Murdoch-Masila broke through some flimsy defence to set up Lomax for St George Illawarra’s first try of the evening.

The decision to move Lomax to the left may have been a subtle attempt to stop him popping no-look offloads to Mikaele Ravalawa, but it resulted in him seeing no ball as he was caught out defensively for a couple of first-half tries.

Moses Suli didn’t do much better in a rare night on the right edge, managing just three runs in 40 minutes when yardage is one of his biggest strengths.

Konrad Hurrell reminded fans how dangerous he can be, but struggled in defence and could be a target for Penrith. Picture: Getty Images.

HEAT ON HURRELL

Konrad Hurrell reminded NRL fans how destructive he can be when he steamrolled Moses Mbye with a trademark carry, but he also showed off the traits that saw him head overseas when he still had plenty to offer here.

The wrecking ball was guilty of some shocking reads in defence and struggled to get back onside in a major warning sign ahead of next week’s world club challenge.

It’s meant to hit 37 degrees next Saturday for the game in Penrith, and you just know that the Panthers are going to target him with Jarome Luai and Izack Tago already licking their lips on the left edge.

BABY PANTHERS CRUISE PAST SENIOR EELS IN FIRST ‘GF REMATCH’

—David Riccio

The mighty machine rolls on.

Penrith have shown they are ready to be crowned the best club in the world after disposing of western Sydney rivals Parramatta 22-16 in their first trial match of the year on Saturday night.

In sweltering conditions at BlueBet Stadium, a rookie Panthers side were comprehensive in propelling the premiers towards their World Club Challenge clash with St Helens next week.

As is their greatest strength, the Panthers unveiled another string of rising stars, including outside backs Tom Jenkins and Jesse McLean, who both ran for over 130-metres.

In a match that saw both team’s rest their biggest names, Parramatta’s Mitch Rein and rookie Penrith fullback Isaiah Longi both had early nights after suffering HIA’s.

The young Panthers squad proved too much for Parramatta in the ‘Grand Final rematch’. Picture: Getty Images.

SUMMER TIME

The loss of outstanding hooker Api Koroisau to the Wests Tigers is without doubt the biggest question mark over the premiers. Can they dominate the premiership without their star no.9?

Well, the Panthers may not be as concerned following the display from rookie rake Luke Sommerton.

Rising through the Penrith lower grades, Sommerton was superb against the Eels with his speed out of dummy-half delivering a terrific solo try.

Sommerton skittled the Eels defensive line as he charged away on a 25-metre run to the tryline.

Mitch Kenny and Soni Luke were tipped to lead the charge to replace Koroisau, but Sommerton deserves to enter the debate.

KFC SUPERCOACH: SEE ALL THE POINTS FROM NRL PRE-SEASON

The Eels went into the clash with more NRL experience, but struggled to keep up with the young Panthers. Picture: Getty Images.

COG IN THE WHEEL

The Panthers ability as a club to not only survive, but thrive through the testing State of Origin period has been critical to their dominance.

Last year it was back-up halfback Sean O’Sullivan who shone in the absence of club champion and NSW Origin star Nathan Cleary.

And it looks like they’ve found their new O’Sullivan and vital Origin time replacement for Cleary.

Former Knights, Bulldogs and Huddersfield halfback Jack Cogger was superb in his debut for the club, steering the Panthers around with aplomb.

The 25-year-old held his own in defence, kicked sharply and went close to scoring by taking on the line on more than one occasion.

POMMY COMEBACK

Talk to any Parramatta player over summer and they only wanted to talk to you about the influence that hooker Josh Hodgson’s arrival has had on the team.

While the anticipation among Parra fans to watch the English International for the first time was high, in reality, last night’s trial was merely about the 33-year-old getting through his first game in 16-months after tearing his ACL in round one last year.

Hodgson played for the opening 20-minutes of the trial, which was probably the Eels worst period of the match with stop-start errors and poor defence.

The majority of his stint was playing off the back foot and rucking his forwards up field.

However, when the Eels did finally get inside the Panthers 20-metre zone, Hodgson came to life with his creativity and class noticeable.

Yes, he threw an intercept for a Penrith try, but had the pass stuck, Parramatta would’ve scored.

SLOPPY EELS

Parramatta began the trial with a far superior line-up.

It included proven NRL players Ryan Matterson, Josh Hodgson, Shaun Lane, Mitch Rein, as well as the capable Jake Arthur, Sean Russell and Jirah Momoisea.

The Panthers biggest names were Matt Eisenhuth and Jaemon Salmon.

Yet Parramatta’s experience accounted for little as they fumbled and stumbled their way through the first half.

Their start to the match will need to be addressed by Eels coach Brad Arthur ahead of their final trial against the Knights.

The Eels inability to run for more meters against an inferior pack, miss eight tackles to five and complete at 66 per cent for the opening half will be a key focus for the coach.

Originally published as NRL trials 2023: Injury carnage as Xavier Savage and Justin Olam suffer serious injuries