NewsBite

NRL casualty ward Round 5

Weekend NRL action has been marred by two sickening leg fractures, while Andrew Fifita, Jai Arrow, Blake Ferguson, Aidan Guerra and Joe Tapine are facing stints on the sideline.

Brien SeeneyNRL Physio
9 min read
April 16, 2019 - 12:27PM
Brien Seeney, AKA NRL Physio.
Brien Seeney, AKA NRL Physio.

Brien Seeney, AKA NRL Physio, reviews the injuries from Round 5.

Nene MacDonald and Aidan Guerra suffered similar severe injuries in their respective Round 5 games. The Cowboys confirmed MacDonald suffered a fracture and dislocation of his left ankle on Friday night after a traumatic blow to his lower leg as he chased down a kick. He then underwent surgery, with the usual recovery range in the NRL being 4-6 months. Less than 24 hours later Guerra also suffered a dislocation and fracture of his ankle. Newcastle confirmed the news with the veteran forward expected to miss four months of action.

Thoughts go out to both players.

Andrew Fifita came from the field late in the Sharks game after pulling up abruptly during a run clutching at his hamstring. Whilst he was seen on the sidelines toward the end of the game with his hamstring heavily iced, he said post game he felt it was just a precaution and was hopeful he would play next week. Unfortunately for Fifita if he has suffered a low grade hamstring strain it is difficult to return within seven days without a high risk of re-injury. Most minor hamstring strains allow a return within 14-21 days in the NRL, which if confirmed would result in 1-2 weeks on the sideline for Fifita.

The Daily Telegraph’s Fatima Kdouh reports that Fifita will be named in the Sharks side and will be given until game day to prove his fitness.

Ash Taylor suffered a minor ACL sprain this past weekend, and is hoping to return in 1-3 weeks. Taylor copped a knock to the outside of his knee whilst attempting a downfield kick, and was initially able to play on through the pain. Partial ACL injuries are quite rare. Return comes down to the stability/function of the knee joint; if this is maintained can avoid surgery & return in weeks However he eventually began to feel numbness down his leg and came from the field. Whilst Titans coach Garth Brennan said Taylor was available to go back on, they did not want to risk him due to the unknown nature of the injury at the time.

Titans teammate AJ Brimson will have surgery after suffering a broken thumb and will miss at least the next 2 weeks. Surgery helps stabilise the fracture & allows for adequate healing. This can often assist with an early return, with most able to return to play in 3-6 weeks

Isaah Yeo could be facing a significant stint on the sideline after hearing a crack in his shoulder as he came away from a tackle on Friday night. With the way Yeo went into the tackle there are concerns of a fracture to his scapula (shoulder blade) or AC joint (joint at the tip of the shoulder). If scans confirm a fracture Yeo would likely be looking at a minimum of four weeks on the sideline, with a severe or complex fracture pushing this out to 10-12 weeks.

Jai Arrow left the field in the dying stages of the Titans game with a suspected right ankle injury. Considering the way the tacklers landed on his lower leg there is some concern for a syndesmosis injury (high ankle sprain), but there have been no reports on the expected severity at this stage. Hopefully Arrow was only leaving the field as a planned substitution, but the Titans injury report will certainly be one to look out for early in the week for an update.

In the very same incident that Nene MacDonald suffered his long term ankle injury on Friday night, John Asiata was also left lying motionless after hyperextending his elbow. Whilst he was able to return to the game with heavy strapping, there is certainly a concern for a ligament injury in these cases. These can often require 2-4 weeks recovery time, and if a fracture is present this can jump to six-plus weeks on the sideline. Hopefully for Asiata and the Cowboys it looked worse than it actually was, and he escapes with no significant injury.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Paul Gallen again both missed this week as they continue to deal with rib cartilage injuries. Whilst they are often considered pain-tolerance issues, rib cartilage injuries are one of the most painful a contact sport athlete can suffer. They are often referred to as “The Police” injury; it hurts with “every breath you take, every move you make”. Pain killing injections may be utilised in these cases, but it can sometimes be difficult to isolate the painful area with the injections unable to mask all of the pain. The most effective treatment is time and rest from aggravating activities, so with two weeks of rest under their belts it shouldn’t be long before these forward leaders return to the field.

Blake Green was ruled out late in the warm up after suffering a groin strain. Minor groin strains often result in a player being considered day to day and don’t require an extended recovery time. However these groin injuries can linger, especially for a player who is required to kick, so Green will be smart to avoid returning too soon.

Brien Seeney, AKA NRL Physio.
Brien Seeney, AKA NRL Physio.

Agnatius Paasi left the field with what appeared to be a left knee injury as opposition tacklers landed on his lower leg. Whilst the view was quite limited and no reports on injury severity after the game, there is some concern for an MCL sprain considering the mechanism of injury. Hopefully Paasi has been spared any long term ligament damage such as an ACL injury.

Joseph Tapine suffered what appeared to be the third significant ankle injury of the round, leaving the Raiders game in the second half after coming down awkwardly during a tackle. The somewhat good news for Tapine is that his foot rolled inwards, the opposite way to Nene MacDonald and Aidan Guerra, which usually results in a less significant injury. This is more comparable to your “garden variety” lateral ankle sprain, where the ligaments low down on the outside of the ankle are stretched or torn. Often these injuries look worse than they actually are. The club has confirmed Tapine suffered ankle ligament damage with no mention of a fracture, an injury that is set to keep the back-rower out of action for 10-12 weeks.

Joe Tapine leaves the field with an ankle injury. Picture: AAP
Joe Tapine leaves the field with an ankle injury. Picture: AAP

However when the ankle rolls as far in as Tapine’s did not only does it significantly damage the lateral ligaments but the high ankle ligaments can be affected in severe cases. Taking all of this into account and considering the mechanism of injury for Tapine was quite traumatic, there are concerns for a ligament injury with an associated fracture which if confirmed would be a likely 8+ week recovery. Hopefully Tapine escapes with only ligament damage and is able to return in the next two-six weeks.

Blake Ferguson succumbed to a rib injury early in the second half. Ferguson had suffered the injury earlier in the match and received a pain-killing injection, but was placed in an awkward position during a tackle and his pain was too much to bear.

Blake Ferguson had a painful night in Canberra. Picture: AAP
Blake Ferguson had a painful night in Canberra. Picture: AAP

Whether this injury is a rib fracture or cartilage injury the recovery protocol and time can be quite similar. For minor isolated rib fractures or rib cartilage injuries there is often a need for rest to let the pain settle, but a return to play can occur in the first 1-3 weeks. However if there are multiple or severe fractures the recovery time jumps to 4-6 weeks, as time is needed to allow the bone or cartilage to adequately heal.

Ferguson also suffered a badly broken nose during the game. While this can look quite gruesome it rarely results in time spent on the sidelines. Breathing can be affected in the short term but as the inflammation settles recovery is usually very quick.

Paul Vaughan came off with a minor ankle sprain, and while there was some initial concern for a minor syndesmosis injury his removal from the game was more a precaution. Vaughan said he was ready to go back on late in the game if needed, but with the scoreline comfortably in the Dragons’ favour he was not required to do so.

Manly’s medical team is expecting Tom Trbojevic to require an eight-week recovery period for his hamstring strain recurrence suffered last weekend. That would have his return occurring in approximately Round 12. Trbojevic is leaving no stone unturned with his rehab this time as he tries to ensure these hamstring strains do not become an ongoing issue. An interesting date to note; the NSW Blues go into camp for Origin 1 straight after Round 11.

Braidon Burns is another trying everything he can as he rehabs from a hamstring strain, undergoing 2 PRP injection treatments to assist with the healing process. Burns is aiming for a return in Round 8, which would be a five week return to play.

Aaron Woods underwent surgery for a Jones fracture, which is a break in the fifth metatarsal (bone at base of the fifth toe). The usual return to play range is 8-10 weeks, but it is worth noting that the recurrence rate for this injury is one of the highest. Up to 20% of athletes who undergo surgery for a Jones fracture require a second surgery after suffering a recurrence. Hopefully Woods avoids this as he aims for a return from Round 12 onwards.

Shannon Boyd was ruled out after suffering hamstring soreness in the Titans captain’s run on Thursday. As explained earlier, it can be difficult to return within a week if Boyd has in fact suffered a true hamstring strain.

Korbin Sims suffered a complete ulnar fracture (bone in the forearm was snapped clean in half) in the Dragons game last week but was able to play on for 15 minutes. He even wanted it strapped up at half time so he could play the second half, but cooler heads prevailed. Sims underwent surgery to insert pins and plates which helps to stabilise the fracture and allows for adequate healing. He is looking at 6-8 weeks recovery.

Dylan Brown is expected to miss at least the next month as he continues to deal with bruising on his spine. Considering Brown’s age this isn’t a recovery that is commonly rushed; the Eels will continue to monitor his scans and symptoms before allowing a return.

Dylan Brown has bone bruising to the back.
Dylan Brown has bone bruising to the back.

Dylan Napa will miss the next 5-6 weeks after suffering a syndesmosis injury last weekend. While this is the same injury fellow Bulldog Kieran Foran suffered the weekend before, Napa’s wasn’t as severe and he was thankfully able to avoid surgery.

One of the most unfortunate injury reports to come out of the weekend, with young Sea Eagles outside back Albert Hopoate suffering an ACL injury playing SG Ball. This was only Hopoate’s second game back after spending 12 months on the sideline recovering from ACL reconstruction surgery early last year. Back to back ACL reconstructions is almost as challenging as it gets in regards to sports injury rehab, and Hopoate will likely be looking at a further 9-12 months recovery. We wish him the best with his surgery and long rehab process ahead.

JUDICIARY

Canterbury prop Sauaso Sue is facing a three-game NRL ban after being charged for two separate incidents in Sunday’s loss to St George Illawarra. Sue was stung with a dangerous contact charge for separate tackles on Jordan Pereira in the 37th minute, and then Paul Vaughan in the 52nd. He can reduce the ban to two games with early guilty pleas on both charges.

Jarrod Wallace (shoulder charge) is facing a 2-3 week ban. Addin Fonua-Blake (high tackle) is facing two games regardless of plea. Joseph Manu (dangerous contact) is facing one week.

Nene McDonald, Kurt Baptiste and Christian Welch (dangerous contact), Mitch Rein, Mikaele Ravalawa (dangerous throw) and Curtis Sironen (high tackle) can escape suspension with early guilty pleas.

Josh McGuire (contrary conduct) escaped with a fine for an eye gouge on Cameron Munster.

FULL NRL CASUALTY WARD

BRONCOS

Tevita Pangai Jr (Suspension, Round 7)

James Roberts (Achilles, Indefinite)

BULLDOGS

Dylan Napa (Syndesmosis, Round 9-11)

Kieran Foran (Ankle, Round 16)

Sauaso Sue (Facing suspension, TBC)

COWBOYS

Nene MacDonald (Ankle, Round 21-season)

John Asiata (Elbow, TBC)

Jason Taumalolo (Knee, Round 8-12)

Kyle Feldt (Groin, Round 6-7)

Scott Bolton (Suspension, Round 6)

DRAGONS

Korbin Sims (Arm, Round 10-12)

Gareth Widdop (Shoulder, Indefinite)

Jack de Belin (Stood down, Indefinite)

Paul Vaughan (Ankle, Round 6)

EELS

Dylan Brown (Back, indefinite)

Nathan Brown (Pectoral, Round 14)

Will Smith (Broken arm, Round 8)

Kaysa Pritchard (Personal leave, Indefinite)

Manu Ma’u (Knee, Round 6)

Stefano Utoikamanu (Ankle, Round 9)

Blake Ferguson (Ribs/nose, TBC)

KNIGHTS

Slade Griffin (Knee, Indefinite)

Jacob Saifiti (Leg, Indefinite)

Aidan Guerra (Ankle, Round 20-23)

Kurt Mann (Sternum, Round 7)

Sione Mata’utia (Stinger, Round 6)

Nathan Ross (Foot, Retired)

PANTHERS

Isaah Yeo (Shoulder, TBC)

Sam McKendry (Knee, Indefinite)

Tyrone May (Stood Down, Indefinite)

Frank Winterstein (Knee, Round 8-10)

RABBITOHS

Greg Inglis (Shoulder, Retired)

Adam Doueihi (Knee, Round 6)

Braidon Burns (Hamstring, Round 8)

RAIDERS

Michael Oldfield (Groin, Round 6)

Brad Abbey (Knee, Round 8-10)

Joseph Tapine (Ankle, Round 17-19)

ROOSTERS

Brett Morris (Knee, Round 6)

Ryan Hall (Knee, Round 8)

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Ribs, Round 6)

Jake Friend (Shoulder, Round 8)

Joseph Manu (Facing suspension, TBC)

SHARKS

Andrew Fifita (Hamstring, Round 6-7)

Aaron Woods (Foot, Round 16)

Matt Moylan (Hamstring, Round 10)

Wade Graham (Knee, Round 9-12)

Paul Gallen (Ribs, Round 6)

SEA EAGLES

Addin Fonua-Blake (Facing suspension, TBC)

Dylan Walker (Stood down, Indefininte)

Tom Trbjoevic (Hamstring, Round 12)

Albert Hopoate (ACL, Season)

STORM

Scott Drinkwater (Pectoral, Round 8-12)

Tom Eisenhuth (Throat, Indefinite)

TIGERS

Benji Marshall (Hamstring, Indefinite)

Chris Lawrence (Broken jaw, Indefinite)

Jacob Liddle (Ankle, Round 6)

Robert Jennings (Concussion, TBC)

TITANS

Nathan Peats (Pectoral, Round 16)

Ash Taylor (Leg, Round 7-8)

AJ Brimson (Thumb, Round 9-11)

Jai Arrow (Ankle, TBC)

Shannon Boyd (Hamstring, TBC)

Jarrod Wallace (Facing suspension, TBC)

WARRIORS

Nathaniel Roache (Calf, Round 6)

Blake Green (Groin, TBC)

Agnatius Paasi (Knee, TBC)

Originally published as NRL casualty ward Round 5

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

More related stories

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/supercoach-news/nrl-casualty-ward-round-5/news-story/970cb5a57630d357a703f507421d65ce