NRL casualty ward round 9
SUPERCOACHES are reeling following injuries to key quartet Shaun Johnson, Jai Arrow, Payne Haas and Scott Sorensen.
Sharks
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WADE Graham admits he’s unsure if he’ll be fit for next month’s State of Origin series opener after suffering a frustrating recurrence of his hamstring injury.
Graham lasted just 27 minutes of what was supposed to be his return game in the Sharks’ nail-biting 22-20 win over Parramatta on Saturday.
The NSW back-rower spent the better part of the game on the sideline with an ice pack on his left hamstring after it gave way in the first-half. It gives him just three weeks to prove his fitness before NSW coach Brad Fittler reads out his side for the June 6 series opener in Melbourne.
The Blues are well-stocked for back-up options with the likes of Tariq Sims and Jack de Belin pushing their cases for a representative call up. And while Graham desperately wants to represent his state again, the difficult nature of hamstring injuries is clouding his chances.
“I just have to get through a game for Cronulla first,” Graham said when asked if he’ll be fit for Origin I.
“Origin’s probably not even on the radar for me at the moment now.
“If I can’t get through 80 here, that’s got to be the first focus. “There’s still a bit of time but I’m more focused on here.”
The timeframe for Graham’s return is unclear and while the injury-hit Sharks want him back on the park sooner rather than later, they’ll take no risks. Skipper Paul Gallen is a chance to take on Canberra next Sunday however fellow veteran forward Luke Lewis will be out for several more weeks with a calf strain.
Jayson Bukuya will also return after this week being hospitalised with a virus, though Scott Sorensen suffered a suspected broken hand.
Graham said he would be cautious with his rehabilitation.
“I did a pull of the hammy that I did originally so it’s not ideal, it’s pretty frustrating,” Graham said.
“I trained well throughout the week, it felt good to start the game, felt good in the contact, felt good running and kicking.
“It’s one of those things, it’s rugby league sometimes.”
Jayson Bukuya (virus) was a pre-game withdrawal for the Sharks.
* Jai Arrow (ribs) has been cleared of serious injury. “The doctors thought he had a possible collapsed lung but the scans are clear,” coach Garth Brennan said. “He flew home with the team and will have some follow-up (medical checks) but it’s suspected bruised ribs. If it turns out to be just bruised ribs then he’s a big chance of playing (next week).” Jarrod Wallace (virus) failed to finish but will play next week. Keegan Hipgrave (concussion) must pass protocol. Will Matthews (concussion) was a pre-game withdrawal.
* Star Warriors Issac Luke (shoulder) and Shaun Johnson (ankle) will be sent for scans. Adam Blair (ankle) failed to finish but is expected to be available next week.
* Payne Haas (ankle) will miss 2-4 weeks. Jack Bird (quad) and Alex Glenn (hamstring) have been cleared of serious injury and are expected to line up next week.
* Trent Merrin (broken finger) went for surgery on Sunday following a freak injury in the warm up. His return date is yet to be determined. Jack Hetherington (dangerous contact) is facing a week on the sidelines regardless of plea.
* Curtis Scott (ankle) was ruled out pre-game for the Storm but is a chance of playing next week.
* Tapine Joseph (dangerous throw) can escape suspension with an early guilty plea.
* Chris Lawrence (concussion) must pass protocol.
* Angus Crichton (head gash) will be available next week.
* Jack De Belin (hip) limped off late for the Dragons.
FULL NRL CASUALTY WARD
BRONCOS
Payne Haas (Ankle, Round 12-14)
Jack Bird (Quad, Round 10)
Alex Glenn (Hamstring, Round 10)
Josh McGuire (Ankle, Round 14)
Jordan Kahu (Broken jaw, Round 12)
Andre Savelio (ACL, season)
Matt Gillett (Broken neck, Round 14-18)
BULLDOGS
Aiden Tolman (Ankle, Round 13)
COWBOYS
Kane Linnett (Pectoral, Round 13)
Jordan McLean (Foot, Round 16)
Josh Chudleigh (Knee, Season)
John Asiata (Pectoral, Round 18)
DRAGONS
Luciano Leilua (Ankle, Round 10)
Jack De Belin (Hip, TBC)
EELS
Jarryd Hayne (Hip flexor, Round 12)
Nathan Brown (Ankle, Round 12)
Greg Leleisiuao (Thumb, Round 15)
Beau Scott (Ribs, Indefinite)
Kirisome Auva’a (Ribs, Indefinite)
Tony Williams (ACL, Season)
KNIGHTS
Mitchell Pearce (Pectoral, Round 19-23)
Tautau Moga (ACL, Season)
PANTHERS
Nathan Cleary (Knee, Round 11)
Tyrone May (ACL, Round 10)
Sam McKendry (ACL, Season)
Tim Browne (Ruptured bowel, Retired)
Waqa Blake (Ankle, Round 14)
Josh Mansour (Fractured cheekbone, Round 19)
Dylan Edwards (Shoulder, Season)
Trent Merrin (Broken finger, TBC)
Jack Hetherington (Facing suspension, TBC)
RABBITOHS
Richie Kennar (Foot, Round 13)
Zane Musgrove (Ankle, Round 13)
Tyrell Fuimaono (Toe, Round 10)
Sam Burgess (Suspension, Round 10)
Angus Crichton (Head gash, Round 10)
RAIDERS
Josh Hodgson (ACL, Round 16-20)
Charlie Gubb (Groin, Round 10)
Sam Williams (Knee, Round 10-12)
ROOSTERS
Daniel Tupou (Pectoral, Round 12)
Bernard Lewis (ACL, Season)
SEA EAGLES
Jorge Taufua (Collarbone, Round 12)
Curtis Sironen (ACL, Season)
Kelepi Tanginoa (ACL, Season)
Brad Parker (Knee, Round 12)
Lachlan Croker (ACL, Season)
Jack Gosiewski (Hand, Round 12)
Jono Wright (Broken hand, Round 13)
SHARKS
Wade Graham (Hamstring, TBC)
Paul Gallen (Knee, Round 11)
Luke Lewis (Calf, Round 12)
Josh Dugan (Foot, Round 12-14)
Scott Sorensen (Broken hand, TBC)
Jayson Bukuya (Virus, Round 10)
STORM
Tim Glasby (Broken thumb, Round 14-15)
Sandor Earl (ACL, July)
Jesse Bromwich (Knee, Round 11-13)
Curtis Scott (Ankle, Round 10)
TITANS
Dale Copley (Hamstring, Round 10-11)
Nathan Peats (Ribs, Round 11-13)
Will Matthews (Concussion, Round 10)
Jai Arrow (Ribs, Round 10)
Jarrod Wallace (Virus, Round 10)
Keegan Hipgrave (Concussion, Round 10)
WARRIORS
Gerard Beale (Broken leg, Round 10)
Nathaniel Roache (Back, Season)
Leivaha Pulu (Ankle, Round 20)
Shaun Johnson (Ankle, TBC)
Issac Luke (Shoulder, TBC)
Adam Blair (Ankle, Round 10)
Blake Ayshford (Back, TBC)
TIGERS
Russell Packer (Knee, Round 10)
Josh Reynolds (Shoulder, Round 11-13)
Chris Lawrence (Concussion, Round 10)