Intrust Super Cup 2021 news: Jarrod Mullen suffers dislocated shoulder in Round 1 clash

It was supposed to be a fairytale return to rugby league after four years out of the game due to a drugs ban. It didn’t end well.

Jarrod Mullen’s rugby league comeback was soured by a dislocated shoulder in Round 1. Picture: Matty Holdsworth

Former NRL star Jarrod Mullen has suffered a nightmare rugby league comeback after dislocating his shoulder during the Sunshine Coast’s Intrust Super Cup season opener on Saturday night.

The 33-year-old is set to have scans on Monday to assess the extent of the damage with concerns he may face several months on the sideline.

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The heartbreaking injury comes as Mullen was poised to make a fairytale return to rugby league after being banned from the sport for four years.

The former Newcastle playmaker came off the bench at the 45th minute during the Sunshine Coast’s 28 to 12 Round 1 loss to Northern Pride.

Jarrod Mullen’s rugby league comeback was soured by a dislocated shoulder in Round 1. Picture: Matty Holdsworth

His debut shaped as an impressive one, coming close to scoring a try in the Falcons’ come-from-behind effort.

However, he lasted just 25 minutes in total after badly dislocating his shoulder in a tackle.

Paramedics at the ground attempted to put the shoulder back into place but was unable to do so – sending Mullen to the emergency room for further treatment.

The NRL Physio said it was usually a three to six week recovery to rehabilitate the shoulder or more than three months if surgery is required.

After 4 year ban from the game Jarrod Mullen has suffered a dislocated shoulder in his first game back with the Sunshine Coast Falcons. Usually at least 3-6 weeks recovery to rehab and strengthen shoulder, if surgery required would be 3+ months on the sideline

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) March 20, 2021

Big moment for Jarrod Mullen coming up here! First official game in 4 years! Goodluck mate! @WINNews_SCoast#WINNews6pmpic.twitter.com/4BaU3zUGCE

— Seb Higgins-George (@seb_h_george) March 20, 2021

Sunshine Coast Falcons coach Sam Mawhinney said he hoped the injury would not rule Mullen out for the long-term.

“It‘s been out for one to two hours, so that’s not a good sign,” Mawhinney told The Sunshine Coast Daily.

Jarrod Mullen during his time with the Knights (AAP Image/Darren Pateman)

“We’re not too sure of the extent of the damage but we’ll come up with a management plan.

“It could’ve been worse.

“At least it wasn‘t an ACL or a season-ending injury though.”

Talented Falcons youngster Jack Howarth also suffered a hamstring in Saturday’s game and will have scans on Monday to assess the damage.

Originally published as Intrust Super Cup 2021 news: Jarrod Mullen suffers dislocated shoulder in Round 1 clash