NRL Casualty Ward Round 13: All weekend injuries in one spot

Another horror week of injuries has gone from bad to worse for Manly with key player out long term, while a host of superstars are set to miss the Roosters and Storm blockbuster.

The race for this year’s title has turned into a survival of the fittest, but some unfair advantages have exposed why every team isn’t getting an equal opportunity in 2020.

And as a mounting injury crisis grows, a leading expert has revealed why “major injuries” can be traced back to clubs which are struggling to cope with changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

NRL Physio Brien Seeney said that while overall injuries were slightly down this year, the number of injuries sidelining players for five weeks or more had almost doubled — jumping from 3.97 per round in 2018 to 6.64 in 2020.

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Thursday’s blockbuster between the Sydney Roosters and Melbourne has been robbed of another big name in Storm superstar Cameron Munster (knee), who has joined Cameron Smith (shoulder) on a growing list of outs.

And the Roosters had nine players missing for last Thursday’s win over St George ­Illawarra.

Manly’s Addin Fonua-Blake also injured a knee on the weekend as the Sea Eagles’ season went from bad to worse, while Sivila Havili’s tricep ­injury is another blow to ­Canberra.

Injuries have to be factored in every year but this season the 18 uninterrupted rounds on top of all the other changes has turned it into an ironman event. There are no byes because of post-season State of Origin, adding to the strain as we count down to the finals.

While no one is questioning the mighty job the NRL has done to get the comp back up and keep it going, it has come at a hefty cost to player health and injury management.

Lachlan Lewis of the Bulldogs checks on Cameron Munster of the Storm.

There are also some huge unfair advantages, specifically those relating to travel.

Just look at weekend rivals Penrith and Canberra.

The Raiders have racked up close to 70 hours of travel time this season. Ten of their 13 games have required long-haul trips by road or plane.

Competition frontrunners the Panthers have had just one game outside Sydney all season, against Gold Coast.

The Panthers’ other “big” trip was to Lottoland to play Manly, a distance of 76km. They have also had three games at Kogarah, 65km away.

The Raiders basically have a six-hour road trip every time they play in Sydney given they can’t stay at a hotel the night before a game or after it. And it all has an effect on prehab and rehab for players.

While Ivan Cleary was complaining about two questionable calls that went against Penrith during Saturday’s win, the Canberra players were preparing to board the bus for another long haul back to the nation’s capital.

It puts things in perspective.

While everyone understands there was little anyone could do to make it completely fair to all clubs, that doesn’t deny that some clubs have been hugely disadvantaged.

— Paul Crawley

Addin Fonua-Blake is expected to miss at least a month with a PCL injury.

SEA EAGLES COP DOUBLE FORWARD BLOW

Manly’s forward stocks took a blow on Friday night with barnstorming prop Addin Fonua-Blake set to miss at least a month due to a knee injury picked up against the Warriors. It was initially hoped he would be out for just a few weeks but scans revealed a high-grade PCL injury, ruling him out long-term.

Fonua-Blake left the field in the 20th minute of the match and while initial reports suggested it was just a cork, coach Des Hasler confirmed after the match that the club suspected Fonua-Blake injured his PCL.

Martin Taupau of the Sea Eagles was left dazed after a high shot from Jack Hetherington of the Warriors. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The Sea Eagles lost their other starting prop Marty Taupau later in the game after he was forced from the field for an HIA as the result of a high shot by Warrior Jack Hetherington. Taupau failed his HIA and did not return to the pitch.

Hetherington may have played his last game for the Warriors with the firebrand facing a five week suspension for the high tackle on Taupau.

Hetherington, who is on loan to the Warriors from the Panthers, will miss at least a month of games after the tackle received a grade three careless charge. His poor record, with a 70 per cent loading plus carry over-points, has resulted in his hefty stint on the sidelines.

Taupau needs to pass through the NRL’s strict concussion protocols, but Manly are confident Taupau will line up against Knights thanks to a longer turnaround, but given he needed to be assisted from the field there is some doubt.

In some good news for the Sea Eagles, Brad Parker (concussion), Curtis Sironen (knee) and Joel Thompson (ankle) are all set to return but Tom Trbojevic is still not ready to return and could still be two or more weeks away.

MUNSTER SIDELINED BY SICKENING INJURY

With the Storm already missing their skipper Cameron Smith they could ill-afford to lose another key spine player, but unfortunately this looks to be the case after Cameron Munster failed to finish Saturday’s win over the Bulldogs due to a suspected MCL injury.

Concern by video for right MCL sprain for Cameron Munster, tackler causes knee to collapse in/twist stressing medial knee. Can also bring risk of injury to ACL or even syndesmosis, hopefully both avoided here. Same knee he suffered a grade 2 MCL sprain to in recent weeks pic.twitter.com/Jir3rfRuOt

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) August 8, 2020

The star playmaker only returned from an MCL sprain to the same knee in Round 10, and scans have confirmed he is facing another 2-3 weeks on the sideline.

Considering this is a re-injury of a previous MCL sprain it would not be surprising to see the Storm approach Munster’s rehab conservatively, taking their time to ensure he is as close to 100% as possible before returning.

If the MCL is not performing its usual role this can leave a player at increased risk of damage to other structures in the knee, namely the ACL, so rushing a return from a partial MCL tear is not advised.

HORRIFIC INJURY SIDELINES TIGER LONG-TERM

After a traumatic collision Billy Walters suffered a multi-ligament knee injury in the Tigers loss to the Panthers. In what was a horrible accident, a defending player landed on the outside of Walters’ knee causing a significant medial collapse of the joint.

The Tigers on Sunday confirmed Walters suffered a ruptured ACL and MCL. He is facing reconstruction surgery with a usual 6-9 month recovery period (with approx. 7 months until Round 1 2021).

The way in which the injury occurred was almost a mirror image of one Andrew McCullough suffered in 2017, which resulted in an ACL and MCL rupture.

Wests Tigers fear an ACL injury for Billy Walters. Not promising signs with hands on tests from medical staff very accurate at identifying an ACL rupture. Mechanism very similar to McCullough in 2017 which resulted in an ACL/MCL rupture. Have to hope for best case (isolated MCL) pic.twitter.com/L2K3R5Rtsv

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) August 8, 2020

SIMS’ SEASON HANGS IN BALANCE

Tariq Sims will visit a specialist early this week to see if his season has come to a premature end after suffering an AC joint sprain. While most AC joint injuries allow a quick return as soon as pain is controlled, if the damage is significant enough (grade 3+, or a complete tear of the ligaments and displacement of the bones) and the joint is unstable surgery can be required.

This must be the concern for Sims as a specialist review is not common for low to moderate grade AC joint sprains.

If surgery is required an associated recovery time of 3-5 months would end his season. The hope would be Sims can trial a strengthening rehab program and return sometime over the next 3-6 weeks.

The injury is yet another blow for the Dragons following the departure of James Graham to the UK Super League and the suspension of Test forward Paul Vaughan due to his covid bubble breach.

Paul Vaughan is in lockdown for a COVID breach.

To top it off, promising young middle forward Jackson Ford was charged with a grade-three tripping offence for a challenge to the legs of Luke Keary and will miss the next 2-3 weeks if he fails to beat the charge.

YOUNG BULLDOG COPS PAINFUL BLOW

Jake Averillo came from the field after suffering what reports suggested were a contusion/cork to his hip.

This can be very debilitating in the short term, with Averillo having trouble moving his leg. Thankfully these effects are usually short lived, with most contusions settling within the first 3-5 days.

Jake Averillo scored this try but failed to finish due to injury.

RAIDERS RUNNING LOW ON HOOKERS

The Raiders’ hooking stocks took another blow on Saturday with Siliva Havili leaving the field in the 47th minute with a triceps injury. Post-game coach Ricky Stuart was hopeful an extended absence would not be required, with scans to confirm the severity of the strain.

The high velocity movement that caused the injury along with Havili’s lack of arm function immediately afterwards brings concern for at least a partial tear, which would usually require at least 2-3 weeks on the sideline.

Even more difficult for Havili is the fact the triceps is an extremely important muscle that is used when passing the ball, which in his role as hooker is a requirement throughout the game. If there is a tendon tear this can even require surgery, which would result in a three month recovery period and season over.

Parramatta's Ryan Matterson was left concussed after attempting a tackle on Wests Tiger's Russell Packer in round 11. Picture. Phil Hillyard

MATTERSON’S RETURN DATE CONFIRMED

Eels coach Brad Arthur has confirmed Ryan Matterson will return next week after suffering a worrying concussion against his former club the Tigers three weeks ago.

With a history of concussions, Matterson has been given all the time he needs to recover, according to Arthur.

“We just want to make sure he’s 100 per cent cleared and he gets a full week of hard training and contact training into his next game, which will be next week,” Arthur said.

“He had a good run yesterday (Friday) and got some contact in today (Saturday).

“He’s had a rough trot in the past with an extended period off with concussion, so we just wanted to play it safe.

“He’ll get a full week of contact and he’ll be ready for next week against the Dragons.”

Parramatta have confirmed Ryan Matterson will return to the team for the round 14 clash against the Dragons. Picture: Brett Costello

Des Hasler indicates a suspected PCL injury for Addin Fonua-Blake. Scans to determine severity. General return to play guide:
Grade 1: 1-3 weeks
Grade 2: 3-5 weeks
Grade 3: 5-8 weeks

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) August 7, 2020

GRANT SENT FOR SURGERY

Wests Tigers have confirmed Harry Grant needs minor surgery on his knee and will miss 3-4 weeks.

Grant was a notable absentee from coach Michael Maguire’s team list on Tuesday with the club originally claiming he would miss just one week with a meniscus injury.

However, further evaluation discovered he requires surgery.

The injury is a big blow to the Tigers and Grant’s Dally M hopes.

Harry Grant will miss up to a month.

NRL CASUALTY WARD

Brisbane Broncos

Alex Glenn (knee, round 15-17)

Anthony Milford (hamstring, round 17)

Corey Oates (leg, indefinite)

Jordan Kahu (shoulder, indefinite)

Sean O’Sullivan (knee, indefinite)

Keenan Palasia (knee, indefinite)

Tesi Nui (wrist, season)

Jack Bird (ACL, season)

Canberra Raiders

Siliva Havili (triceps, TBC)

Semi Valemei (knee, round 16-17)

Emre Guler (ankle, round 17-19)

Corey Horsburgh (foot, round 19)

Sia Soliola (facial fracture, finals)

Sebastian Kris (personal leave, indefinite)

Andre Niko (knee, season)

Josh Hodgson (knee, season)

Bailey Simonsson (shoulder, season)

Canterbury Bulldogs

Jake Averillo (hip, TBC)

Will Hopoate (ankle, round 15-16)

Joe Stimson (shoulder, season)

Adam Elliott (shoulder, season)

Cronulla Sharks

Andrew Fifita (hamstring/finger, round 16)

Chad Townsend (calf, round 16-18)

Jackson Ferris (knee, round 17-19)

Bronson Xerri (stood down)

Cameron King (ACL, season)

Gold Coast Titans

Mitch Rein (knee, round 16-17)

Jonus Pearson (pectoral, round 16-17)

Ryan James (knee, season)

Manly Sea Eagles

Curtis Sironen (knee, round 14)

Martin Taupau (concussion)

Addin Fonua-Blake (knee, TBC)

Joel Thompson (ankle, round 14)

Brad Parker (head knock, round 14)

Tom Trbojevic (hamstring, round 15-17)

Dylan Walker (foot, round 17-19)

Albert Hopoate (knee, indefinite)

Manase Fainu (stood down/shoulder)

Melbourne Storm

Cameron Munster (knee, round 16-17)

Max King (Achilles, round 14)

Brenko Lee (hand fracture, round 14)

Cameron Smith (shoulder, round 15-16)

Marion Seve (ear, round 16-17)

Tui Kamikamica (lower back, finals)

Paul Momirovski (finger, finals)

Newcastle Knights

Daniel Saifiti (knee, round 14)

Pasami Saulo (suspension, round 15)

Sione Mata’utia (ankle, round 18)

Bradman Best (ankle, indefinite)

Tim Glasby (concussion, indefinite)

Edrick Lee (arm, indefinite)

Andrew McCullough (hamstring, season)

Connor Watson (Achilles, season)

Jayden Brailey (knee, season)

North Queensland Cowboys

Scott Drinkwater (knee, round 15)

Valentine Holmes (ankle, round 18-20)

Peter Hola (wrist, indefinite)

John Asiata (knee, indefinite)

Murray Taulagi (wrist, indefinite)

Parramatta Eels

Ryan Matterson (concussion, round 14)

Peni Terepo (indefinite)

Penrith Panthers

Dean Whare (toe, round 18)

Dylan Edwards (hamstring, round 14-15)

Pat Hollis (abdominal strain, round 14)

Brian To’o (ankle, round 17)

Charlie Staines (hamstring, round 16)

Kurt Capewell (knee, round 17)

South Sydney Rabbitohs

Hame Sele (shoulder, round 14)

James Roberts (pectoral, finals)

Ethan Lowe (neck, season)

Tom Amone (knee, season)

Braidon Burns (knee, season)

St George Illawarra Dragons

Tariq Sims (shoulder, TBC)

Brayden Wiliame (calf, round 14)

Jack de Belin (stood down)

Jackson Ford (facing suspension)

Sydney Roosters

Josh Morris (calf, round 14)

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (calf, round 14)

Brett Morris (back, round 14)

Angus Crichton (knee, round 14-15)

Daniel Tupou (ankle, round 15)

Boyd Cordner (head knock, indefinite)

Victor Radley (knee, season)

Sam Verrills (knee, season)

Billy Smith (knee, season)

Warriors

Nathaniel Roache (knee, round 14)

Leeson Ah Mau (pectoral, indefinite)

Rocco Berry (back, indefinite)

Leivaha Pulu (compassionate leave, season)

Agnatius Paasi (compassionate leave, season)

David Fusitu’a (compassionate leave, season)

Ken Maumalo (compassionate leave, season)

King Vuniyayawa (compassionate leave, season)

Taane Milne (knee, season)

Jackson Frei (knee, season)

Bunty Afoa (knee, season)

Selestino Ravutaumada (season)

Wests Tigers

Billy Walters (knee, TBC)

Alex Twal (sternum, round 14)

Jacob Liddle (knee, round 14)

Zane Musgrove (foot, round 16-18)

Harry Grant (knee, round 17)

Michael Chee Kam (concussion, indefinite)