Penrith prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard sticking to strict soup diet to heal broken jaw
PENRITH Panthers prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard will rely on a strict diet in a bid to return from his broken jaw in time for the finals.
Panthers
Don't miss out on the headlines from Panthers. Followed categories will be added to My News.
PENRITH prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard will rely on a vegetable soup diet in a bid to return from his broken jaw in time for the finals.
Campbell-Gillard can’t eat solids after he broke in jaw during the Panthers’ round 15 loss to the Roosters.
In an attempt to build strength and maintain weight, the NSW Origin representative has replaced steak with soup.
Teammate Trent Merrin believes Campbell-Gillard’s diet dedication will help him recover ahead of schedule.
“He will do everything he can to get back for the finals,” Merrin said.
“He can’t do much with that jaw. I think eating soup is going to drop some weight off him, but he’ll do whatever it takes.
“I think he is out for about six weeks, but he’ll be right.”
Campbell-Gillard won’t be playing, but Merrin says his presence around the camp will be equally potent.
“He will still be helping guys in the middle like myself and others to keep maintaining that standard,” he said.
“He is a leader in this team, but he will be missed.”
In further good news for Penrith, Campbell-Gillard has signed a new long-term deal.
The contract extension means the 24-year-old will remain with the Panthers until at least the end of the 2024 season.
“Penrith is the club I’ve always wanted to play for and I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to make a long-term commitment,” Campbell-Gillard said.
“The fact my future is now secure means I can completely focus on building and improving my game moving forward.
“The club has shown a lot of faith in me with this deal and now it’s up to me to repay that faith with my performances.
“There is so much young talent coming through the ranks here at Panthers. It’s going to be very exciting over the next few years and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
Watch every game of every round of the 2018 NRL Telstra Premiership on FOX SPORTS. SIGN UP NOW >