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NRL Casualty Ward 2020: NRL Physio analyses every club’s injury list

The season hasn’t even begun and already injuries are starting to bite. We analyse EVERY injury heading into Round 1 of the NRL season.

Brien Seeney, Tom Sangster, Fatima Kdouh and Paul Crawley
10 min read
March 5, 2020 - 2:23PM
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The season hasn’t even begun and already injuries are starting to bite.

Almost 30 players are racing the clock for Round 1.

In latest news:

* The injury curse continues at the Dragons with hard-running forward Korbin Sims ruled out for the next six weeks following surgery for a broken arm.

In a major blow for both the 28-year-old and St George-Illawarra fans, Sims underwent surgery on Wednesday after originally injuring his arm at the Perth Nines last month.

Initial scans taken a fortnight ago came back positive for Sims.

However, persistent pain led to follow-up scans last week which, much to his disappointment, revealed a small fracture.

Korbin Sims has been sent for surgery on his arm.
Korbin Sims has been sent for surgery on his arm.

It’s also the second time he has broken his arm, having suffered a similar injury in April last year.

The loss of Sims is a cruel blow for head coach Paul McGregor only 10-days out from the club’s first-round clash with the Wests Tigers in Wollongong.

Sims’ injury frustration is compounded by the fact that McGregor is already dealing with serious upheaval to his round one line-up which includes the unavailability of captain Cameron McInnes (knee), fullback Matt Dufty (cheekbone) and prop-forward Josh Kerr (knee).

Lock Jack de Belin — part of the club’s 30-man roster — remains stood down by the NRL while veteran forward James Graham’s pre-season preparation has been limited after he was rested from each of the club’s pre-season trial matches.

The loss of Sims for at least the first first month of the season will force McGregor to rely on Tyson Frizell, Paul Vaughan and Graham to lead a Dragons pack whose depth, as result of injuries, is under significant strain before a ball has even been kicked.

— David Riccio

James Graham didn’t play a single minute of pre-season.
James Graham didn’t play a single minute of pre-season.

* Cronulla playmaker Shaun Johnson (virus) has resumed training after missing the final trial. He is in no doubt for Round 1.

— David Riccio

* New Zealand Warriors are still awaiting scan results from Roger Tuivasa-Sheck after the star fullback sustained an ankle injury in Sunday’s trial loss to Wests Tigers.

The inspirational skipper limped off early in the 20-6 loss in Rotorua after earlier playing a hand in the team’s only try to Ken Maumalo.

The Warriors have been smashed by a pre-season injury toll with 10 players currently on a casualty list that also includes Lachlan Burr (neck, round 1), Agnatius Paasi (ankle, round 1), Kodi Nikorima (ankle, round 1), Peta Hiku (shoulder, round 1), Gerard Beale (knee, early rounds), Jazz Tevaga (ankle, round 5), Nathaniel Roache (knee, mid-season), Jackson Frei (knee, season) and Bunty Afoa (ACL, season).

Warriors chief executive Cameron George said the mounting injury toll was a huge concern but they were hopeful Tuivasa-Sheck’s situation was not serious.

“But who knows until the scans and X rays come back,” George said.

“He walked off the ground but there are so many bones in the ankle and foot you just never know.”

— Paul Crawley

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is in doubt for Round 1.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is in doubt for Round 1.

* Rabbitohs recruit Patrick Mago will be sidelined for 12 weeks with a torn pec.

* Canberra has suffered another preseason blow with Ryan Sutton set to cop a shoulder charge ban that will rub him out of the opening round.

* Brisbane captain Alex Glenn (hamstring) is in danger of missing Brisbane’s Round 1 showdown with North Queensland.

* The Warriors had a troublesome final trial with Josh Curran (knee), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (ankle), Agnatius Paasi (ankle), Patrick Herbert (leg) and Lachlan Burr (neck) all picking up injuries. The severity of these injuries are not yet known, but Tuivasa-Sheck suggested post match his removal was mostly precautionary in nature.

* Moses Mbye was unable to finish the Tigers final trial game after landing awkwardly on his knee following a head knock. Whilst he passed his HIA he remained out of the game due to a minor knee sprain. The injury mechanism suggested Moses may have suffered an MCL injury, which if confirmed as a minor grade sprain would usually allow a return to play within 1-3 weeks.

* Star Penrith forward James Fisher-Harris will be right for Round 1 following a shoulder injury, but hooker Mitch Kenny will miss the opening rounds due to an elbow issue (via Fatima Kdouh).

* Former Test player Sione Mata’utia is aiming for Round 4 due to a knee injury.

* Sharks hooker Cameron King’s NRL season looks over after confirmation of a torn ACL.

* Melbourne gun Brandon Smith faces six weeks out after suffering a facial fracture playing for New Zealand Maori

A host of star players are out of Round 1 or racing the clock.
A host of star players are out of Round 1 or racing the clock.

Read on for analysis on every player in the NRL Casualty Ward:

FULL CASUALTY WARD

BRISBANE BRONCOS

* Captain Alex Glenn (hamstring) is in danger of missing Round 1. Glenn, 31, aggravated a hamstring injury in Brisbane’s trial loss to the Cowboys last weekend and has been seeing a private acupuncturist to fast-track his recovery.

* Matt Lodge (knee) — attempting to avoid surgery after partially tearing his ACL at training. If rehab is successful usually would look for a return in 2-3 months.

* Jordan Kahu (shoulder) — underwent AC joint reconstruction surgery in November, initial expected recovery of 5-6 months. Now looking at missing early stages of the regular season.

* Sean O’Sullivan (knee) — suffered his third ACL rupture in September of 2019. Broncos taking a conservative approach with his return to play, aiming for a mid-season return.

* Keenan Palasia (knee) — suffered his second ACL rupture in November of 2019. Another the Broncos are unlikely to rush back, so aiming to return mid-late season.

* Joe Ofahengaue (disciplinary suspension, round three)

* Izaia Perese (stood down)

Matt Lodge has avoided ACL surgery for now.
Matt Lodge has avoided ACL surgery for now.

CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS

* Jeremy Marshall-King (shoulder) — underwent a posterior shoulder stabilisation surgery (type of shoulder reconstruction) in early December. Often requires slightly longer recovery, but JMK is pushing to return in Round 1

* Marcelo Montoya (knee) — one of the most significant injuries of 2019, Montoya suffered a multi-ligament knee injury which included ruptures of his PCL, LCL and a torn lateral meniscus. Multi-ligament knee injuries present a very challenging rehab, and Montoya is hoping to return for Round 1, which will be eight months post injury.

* Sauaso Sue (knee) — hoping to be back for Round 1 after undergoing an ACL reconstruction in July 2019.

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* Raymond Faitala-Mariner (syndesmosis) — should return in Round 2-4 after suffering a syndesmosis injury that required surgery.

* Kieran Foran (shoulder) — despite initial fears of a nine-plus month recovery period, Foran is aiming to return in Round 15, seven months after undergoing a shoulder reconstruction and rotator cuff repair.

* Chris Smith (knee) — will miss at least 13 weeks after suffering a complete tear of his MCL and partial tear of his ACL during the All Stars game. If he is able to avoid surgery on his ACL a return around three months is the usual aim.

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS

* Josh McGuire (knee) — despite surgery on a meniscus tear, McGuire shouldn’t miss any more time than he was originally expected to, still having to serve a one game suspension carried over from last season.

ST GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS

* Korbin Sims (arm) — Will miss six weeks after undergoing more surgery on a troublesome broken arm.

* Josh Kerr (knee) — a minor MCL sprain will have Kerr touch and go to start the season. He should return between Round 1-3.

* Korbin Sims (arm) — thankfully scans cleared him of a broken forearm, but bruising surrounding the surgical plate from 2019 surgery still has him in some doubt to start the season.

* Matt Dufty (cheekbone) — expected to return in the first 2-3 rounds after surgery on a fractured cheekbone.

* Cameron McInnes (knee) — could return as soon as Round 2-3 after suffering a high grade MCL injury. The Dragons gave a wide expected recovery range (6-12 weeks) but considering usual return to play times for this injury in the NRL (6-8 weeks) and McInnes’s good track record with quick recovery, would not be surprised to see him back early in the season.

* Jack de Belin (stood down, indefinite)

PARRAMATTA EELS

* Waqa Blake (shoulder) — pushing to return in Round 1 after shoulder reconstruction surgery was required due to a dislocation suffered in the World Nines.

* Oregan Kaufusi (elbow) — Picked up an elbow injury in the final trial and racing the clock for start of season.

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

* Tautau Moga (hamstring) — a minor hamstring issue held him out of the final trial, but the Knights are hopeful he will be fit for Round 1.

* Phoenix Crossland (groin) — osteitis pubis, which is an inflammation of the pubic bone, is threatening the start of Crossland’s season. Whilst he is hoping to be fit for the early rounds of the season this is an issue that can linger.

* Bradman Best (fractured foot) — surgery on a fractured foot will see Best miss the first three weeks of the season.

* Sione Mata’utia (knee) — Mata’utia is looking to return in Round 4 after suffering a high grade MCL injury.

PENRITH PANTHERS

* James Fisher-Harris (shoulder) — expected to be right for Round 1 despite a shoulder injury that held him out of the Panthers final trial. Spent the off-season in recovery from a pectoral injury.

* Mitch Kenny (elbow) — will miss the opening rounds after surgery on a medial elbow ligament injury.

* Kurt Capewell (quad) — should be fine for Round 1 as he finishes up rehab on a quad strain.

* Dylan Edwards (ankle) — round seven.

* Dean Blore (shoulder, round six)

* Soni Luke (pectoral, April)

* Shaun Blore (ACL, April-May)

* Brayden McGrady (ACL, April-May)

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SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

* Patrick Mago (torn pec) — will undergo surgery this week and miss 12 weeks.

* Mark Nicholls (shoulder) — expected to be fit for Round 1 after offseason shoulder surgery.

* Ethan Lowe (knee) — initial fears of a high grade MCL injury were allayed with Lowe now expected to be fit to start the regular season.

CANBERRA RAIDERS

* Canberra has suffered another pre-season blow with Ryan Sutton set to cop a shoulder charge ban that will rub him out of the opening round.

The incident occurred in Saturday’s trial match win over Canterbury in Port Macquarie.

It’s a blow the Raiders could have done without given star backrower John Bateman is already sidelined with a shoulder injury that is likely to keep him out for up to two months.

With Sutton now unavailable, it means Joey Tapine will almost certainly stay playing in the middle and not shift to an edge to cover Bateman’s loss.

Corey Horsburgh is the player most likely to get the right edge backrow spot for the opening clash against Gold Coast on Friday week.

— Paul Crawley

* John Bateman (shoulder) — Raiders reported during the week Bateman is expected to return in Round 7-8 as he continues recovery from recent shoulder surgery. One to keep an eye on for an early return as five Raiders players returned much earlier than expected from significant injuries in 2019.

* Hudson Young (suspension, round six)

* Sebastian Kris (extended leave)

SYDNEY ROOSTERS

* Billy Smith (ACL) — the first ACL injury in the NRL for 2020, another untimely injury with Smith looking to claim a starting centre spot. Won’t return until 2021.

* Boyd Cordner (workload, round one) — Missed the World Club Challenge as the Roosters ease their captain through the season.

MANLY SEA EAGLES

* Albert Hopoate (knee) — expected to return in Round 8 as he fine tunes the final stages of rehab from his second consecutive ACL reconstruction.

* Jake Trbojevic (shoulder) — will miss at least Round 1 after offseason shoulder reconstruction surgery. Should be back in Round 2-4.

* Jack Gosiewski (back) — will miss at least the first month after suffering a rare infection in one of the discs that was operated on in his back. Tough to predict recovery from post surgical infection.

* Addin Fonua-Blake (shoulder) — another like Trbojevic who will miss the opening round due to offseason shoulder reconstruction surgery. Hoping to return by Round 4.

Jake Trbojevic will miss the opening round.
Jake Trbojevic will miss the opening round.

* Taniela Paseka (ankle) — out until at least Round 4 after surgery on a syndesmosis injury suffered at the Nines.

* Manase Fainu (stood down/shoulder) — in doubt to play this year regardless of off field dramas after suffering a post-operative infection in his shoulder after reconstruction surgery.

CRONULLA SHARKS

* Shaun Johnson (virus) — Has resumed training after missing the final trial. He is in no doubt for Round 1.

* Cameron King (knee) — Devastating news with King ruled out for the 2020 season after rupturing his ACL during a trial game.

* Bronson Xerri (shoulder) — Hoping to return in Round 1 or 2 after undergoing shoulder reconstruction surgery in the offseason.

* Matt Moylan (hamstring, indefinite)

MELBOURNE STORM

* Christian Welch (knee) — in the final stages of rehab from ACL reconstruction surgery and should return in the early rounds.

* Brandon Smith (facial fracture) — will miss 4-6 weeks after suffering a facial fracture in the All Stars game, putting a likely return in Round 2-4.

* Nelson Asofa-Solomona (hamstring) — ruled out of the final trial with a hamstring injury but hopeful of playing Round 1.

GOLD COAST TITANS

* Moeaki Fotuaika (wrist/knee) — fighting to be fit for Round 1 as he recovers from two surgeries — one to fix a fractured scaphoid and another a torn meniscus, both injuries he played through late last year.

* Beau Fermor (knee) — early-to-mid season return after an ACL reconstruction in August 2019.

* Keegan Hipgrave (repeated concussions) — Hipgrave is still yet to be cleared to return to contact after suffering repeated concussions with associated ongoing symptoms last season. Clear example how varied recovery from concussion can be.

* Ryan James (knee) — another devastating case with James ruled out for the 2020 season after re-rupturing his ACL during the preseason.

NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS

* Gerard Beale (knee) — end stages of rehab from a patella fracture, expected to return in the early stages of the season.

* Jazz Tevaga (ankle) — a 2019 syndesmosis injury that the Warriors hoped would not require surgery got the better of Tevaga, who underwent tightrope repair surgery late in the year. He is expected to return in Round 5.

* Nathaniel Roache (knee) — working his way back from an ACL rupture suffered mid last season, hoping for an early-mid season return.

* Bunty Afoa and Jackson Frei (knee) — both Warriors forwards will miss the season after undergoing ACL reconstruction surgeries.

* Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (ankle) — sent for scans and in doubt for Round 1.

* Lachlan Burr (neck), Agnatius Paasi (ankle), Kodi Nikorima (ankle) and Peta Hiku (shoulder) are all hopeful of playing the opening round.

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WESTS TIGERS

* Jacob Liddle (knee) — Just commenced on field running after suffering a multi-ligament knee injury last year. Is hopeful of a return mid-season but the Tigers won’t be rushing his rehab considering the severity of the injury.

* Russell Packer (foot) — a mystery foot issue has Packer and the Tigers discussing the possibility of medical retirement.

* Moses Mbye — Picked up a knee injury and concussion in the final trial.

* Paul Momirovski (ankle) — Injured at the Nines and hoping to return in Round 1.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/supercoach-news/nrl-casualty-ward-2020-nrl-physio-analyses-every-clubs-injury-list/news-story/81781cf1c63bea211535e3d30f59f2c4