Queensland Reds’ backline stocks take another hit as Lachie Turner ruled out for five weeks

THE Queensland Reds’ outside back stocks are paper-thin following news winger Lachie Turner will be sidelined for five weeks.

Lachie Turner will be out of action for five weeks.

THE Queensland Reds’ outside back stocks are paper-thin following news winger Lachie Turner will be sidelined for five weeks due to clean up surgery on loose ankle cartilage.

Turner joins a packed casualty ward, filled with outside backs including first-choice players Dom Shipperley (hip flexor-two weeks) and Aidan Toua (pectoral-12 weeks) and depth players Samu Kerevi (ankle-two weeks) and Chris Kuridrani (ankle-five weeks).

Ex-Wallabies winger Turner missed last weekend’s loss to the Western Force due to an ankle complaint.

He should be available for selection for the Reds’ home clash with the Melbourne Rebels in Round 14.

Lachie Turner will be sidelined for five weeks.

Reds head coach Richard Graham said the absence of Turner’s experience was a blow for his side ahead of their crunch game with the ACT Brumbies.

“It is disappointing to lose Lachie (Turner). He has been playing very well and has offered some versatility among the back three,” Graham said.

“He suffered a fracture and dislocation of his ankle in early 2013. Unfortunately some cartilage has come loose in the same ankle and is irritating the joint.”

Turner’s diagnosis means Graham could give Jamie-Jerry Taulagi, who made his debut against the Force, another chance against the Brumbies this Friday at Suncorp Stadium.