Sharks officials fume as NRL clear tackle that sidelined key enforcer

Englishman John Bateman has avoided any sanction for a tackle that robbed the Sharks of prop Toby Rudolf in their shock loss.

The tackle that injured Sharks prop Toby Rudolf.

The Sharks are reportedly fuming after the tackle that injured prop Toby Rudolf has escaped punishment from the NRL.

The Sharks were down to one man on the bench during their shock loss to the Tigers after Royce Hunt (calf), Dale Finucane (head knock) and Rudolf (ankle) suffered injuries.

Hunt’s was a bizarre blow, with the prop injuring his calf whilst warming up.

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The 28-year-old was preparing to take the field against the Tigers and suffered the injury according to Fox League’s James Hooper.

Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon said he’s unsure of the status of his injured trio in his post-match press conference, but advised that Rudolf was in a “boot” with an ankle concern.

The tackle that injured Sharks prop Toby Rudolf.

The Daily Telegraph is reporting initial fears within the club are that Rudolf could require surgery and be sidelined for a lengthy period.

He will undergo scans on his potential syndesmosis injury suffered during a tackle from Tigers backrower John Bateman.

Sharks powerbrokers have reportedly been left angered after the tackle wasn’t deemed a hip drop, with the Englishman avoiding sanction.

NRL officials reportedly told Cronulla bosses that Bateman’s effort wasn’t being considered a traditional hip drop tackle.

Meanwhile, Gold Coast captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s ACL rupture has been confirmed in a hammer blow for the Titans.

Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is helped from the field. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

It’s been a horrific start to the Des Hasler era at the club, with the Titans dropping to 0-2 after being thrashed by the Bulldogs 32-0.

Fa’asuamaleaui was in immediate pain and clutching at his right leg after being tackled by Bulldogs forwards Max King and Jacob Preston.

“It’s just unfortunate. It looks like King just slid down and he just gets twisted awkwardly by Preston over the top,” Michael Ennis said on Fox League.

After being attended to by trainers for about a minute, Fa’asuamaleaui had to be helped off the field.

Titans coach Hasler said the club would need scans to determine the extent of the knee injury, with confirmation his season is now over coming on Sunday.

“It’s definitely his knee, and at the moment that can range anywhere from ACL to MCL so once we get some confirmation through some scans we will know a bit more,” Hasler said.

“But it didn’t look good walking off did it … well if it’s not his ACL it’s a positive outcome, but until it’s confirmed we won’t worry about speculation.”

Cowboys enforcer Reuben Cotter left the field with an ankle injury after it was caught awkwardly in a tackle with only minutes left on the clock against the Dragons.

The Queensland representative immediately grabbed at his leg and hobbled off the field after being attended to by club medicos.

Cotter had his ankle strapped but it was revealed the injury wasn’t being considered serious in a big boost.

“They aren’t overly concerned about Reuben Cotter’s ankle, it was just precautionary to get him off,” Jake Duke said.

Reuben Cotter is tackled against the Dragons. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

The Broncos have confirmed superstar fullback Reece Walsh has suffered a facial fracture following his ugly head clash on Thursday night.

Walsh left the field in the first half of Brisbane’s game against the Panthers, having collided with centre Taylan May which cause a cut under his left eye.

The 21-year-old passed his HIA and attempted to return to the field, however his vision was obscured due to swelling around he eye.

In a club statement on Friday, the Broncos revealed that scans confirmed Walsh has suffered a facial fracture, with no return date announced.

“Reece was taken to hospital last night after we arrived back at the team hotel and underwent a CT scan which showed a facial fracture,” Broncos head of performance Dave Ballard said.

“As a result, he cannot fly home and is being driven back up to Brisbane today by our staff.

“We will be able to determine how much footy Reece will miss once the injury settles down and after we consult a specialist in coming days.

“Reece’s wellbeing is our priority and ensuring he is well looked after. We will get him safely back to Brisbane and then move forward.”

The NRL Physio is predicting Walsh will be out for a period of around four to six weeks.

After all the back & forth - not good news for the Broncos & Reece Walsh. Scans confirm he HAS suffered a facial fracture, won’t be able to fly so will be driven back to Brisbane.

Recovery time to be determined after specialist visit - wide range but many back in 4-6 weeks. pic.twitter.com/dfG8BIXztY

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) March 21, 2024

The news comes after Kevin Walters confirmed prop Payne Haas requires surgery on his knee and will miss four to six weeks.

Haas suffered the injury playing against the Rabbitohs last Thursday night and didn’t feature against the Panthers.

“He’s had some scans. It’ll be a four to six week injury,” Walters said on Fox League.

“He’ll have to have minor surgery on his knee. It hasn’t been right into the trials and into rounds one and two.

“The doctors have had a great look at him and they’re going to operate on him early next week. It’s minor surgery and we expect him to be out for four to six weeks.

“For me, that’s a great result. That’s much better than anything longer or missing half a season or even longer than that.

“Again, Payne’s one of those guys, ultra professional, I’d be surprised if he’s not back even earlier than that given the way he treats himself and his body.”

Originally published as Sharks officials fume as NRL clear tackle that sidelined key enforcer