What’s the Buzz: NRL Rookie Lou Goodwin crumbles

WHAT’S THE BUZZ PART II: THE player who won Channel Nine’s NRL Rookie TV show last year — and a contract with the Canberra Raiders — has had his rugby league dreams shattered by injury.

Lou Goodwin, the NRL Rookie, recovering at home after rupturing his ACL and meniscus. Picture: Daniel Aarons

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THE player who won Channel Nine’s NRL Rookie TV show last year — and a contract with the Canberra Raiders — has had his rugby league dreams shattered.

Lou Goodwin showed enormous potential in beating 27 other finalists in the reality TV show under the coaching of former NRL stars Freddie Fittler, Mark Geyer and Adrian Lam.

But he is now on the verge of having to quit, struck down by a shocking run with injuries over the past 18 months.

Lou Goodwin’s career is in trouble following a string of injuries.

The 25-year-old lock has snapped his ACL. Picture: Daniel Aarons

The 25-year-old lock snapped the ACL in both knees and broke a thumb.

The latest knee injury occurred two weeks ago while playing for Mounties, the Raiders’ feeder club, which required surgery last Monday.

Goodwin is the son of former Penrith Panthers firebrand Matt Goodwin, who was one of the toughest front-rowers of his era.

Goodwin has suffered a string of injuries over the season. Picture: Daniel Aarons

No one is more disappointed for the rookie than Raiders coach Ricky Stuart.

“Lou typified what you want in every NRL player with his professionalism and work ethic,” Stuart said.

Goodwin was spotted on the Channel 9 TV show Rookie. He’s pictured with fellow contestants David Andjelic, Daniel Caprice and presenter Erin Molan. Picture: Justin Lloyd

The rookie as a boy with his father Matt Goodwin.

Goodwin’s dad is former Panthers player Matt Goodwin.

“I only had the opportunity to work with him in the one off-season and he gave it everything. It’s a real shame.”

To make matters worse, Goodwin is a carpenter by trade who can’t work while he recovers from surgery and a torn meniscus.

“I don’t want to quit so I’ll work hard on my rehab and recovery,” he said.

Originally published as What’s the Buzz: NRL Rookie Lou Goodwin crumbles