NRL round 11: Newcastle Knights plagued by injuries and errors during loss to Canterbury Bulldogs

Newcastle’s premiership hopes are in tatters after two stars were carried off the ground with season-ending injuries on Sunday.

Andrew McCullough and Connor Watson.

The Canterbury Bulldogs have secured their second win of the 2020 season after defeating an injury-ravaged Newcastle Knights squad on Sunday afternoon.

The opening half was plagued by fumbles and unforced errors with both sides struggling to overcome the slippery conditions in Newcastle. However, Canterbury were able to muster a try in 12th minute to take an early lead.

But as rain poured onto McDonald Jones Stadium, the Knights were struck with two devastating injury blows, considerably damaging their premiership chances.

In the 24th minute, Newcastle hooker Andrew McCullough performed a regulation tackle on Bulldogs winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, only for his left leg to slide underneath his body in gruesome fashion, damaging his hamstring.

Andrew McCullough is assisted by a medic.

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“My hamstring hurts just watching,” Fox League commentator Matt Russell muttered.

“He can’t walk … we might not see McCullough again in 2020.”

Penrith Panthers great Greg Alexander responded: “Have you seen a round where more players have slipped over? It’s just been one of those rounds.

“No one can hold their feet … I can’t remember seeing as many players in a round of football slip over and do damage.”

McCullough was able to get to his feet, but had to be carried off the ground by two medics, and utility Connor Watson ran on as his replacement.

Andrew McCullough off with nasty looking left hamstring injury. A few unfortunate points, up high on the hamstring & a “stretch” strain. Both require longer recovery typically, & concern for at least partial tear or tearing of tendon off the bone. Likely lengthy recovery ahead pic.twitter.com/HWO8DfkG4J

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) July 26, 2020

But in a cruel twist of fate, tragedy struck the Knights once again just five minutes later.

In the 30th minute, Watson slipped onto the turf without making contact with another player, and was spotted holding his left ankle in agony. Having just recovered from an ankle injury acquired in round three, the 24-year-old immediately waved for the medics, fearing the worst.

“He’s just hit the ground under no contact,” Russell said.

“Let’s hope it is an ankle and not an Achilles.

“I’m worried about Conor Watson here.”

Alexander replied: “He doesn’t look good at all, does he?

“He spent a number of weeks on the sideline with a serious ankle injury and only returned last week.”

As Watson was helped off the ground by a pair of medics, sideline reporter Steve Roach confirmed McCullough had suffered a “serious hamstring injury”.

Sadly, it was later confirmed Watson’s season was over, having suffered a Achilles’ tendon injury.

Significant concern for a significant achilles injury for Connor Watson. Non-contact pushing off mechanism, even looks behind to see who “kicked” him (common feeling with achilles rupture). Will be easy test for medical staff in sheds, if confirmed surgery & 5+ months recovery pic.twitter.com/Vw36ttOQ98

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) July 26, 2020

Former Sydney Roosters star Braith Anasta argued the “shocking” setbacks had significantly damaged Newcastle’s chances of winning a premiership this season — the Knights have been left with limited options for the dummy-half position.

“Looks like a severe hamstring injury (for McCullough), he’ll be lucky to get back this year,” Anasta said on Fox League.

“I really feel for Newcastle … I’m no doctor, but it’s obviously a bad one.

“It’s just horrible for Newcastle.”

Four-time premiership player Cooper Cronk warned the Knights would struggle to bounce back in the second half.

“The hardest part for coach Adam O’Brien is that Newcastle aren’t playing well,” Cronk said.

“When you play in a team and two people go down with major season-ending injuries, it rattles you emotionally.

“Adam O’Brien not only has to get the group back on mentally, but has to fix the physical performance.”

I love Rugby League but man it can be a cruel game sometimes.
Thoughts are with McCullough & Watson @NRLKnights

— Cameron King (@CAMKINGY) July 26, 2020

McCullough (hamstring) - season.

Watson (Achilles) - season.

Webster (nagging calf/broken eyelash) - season.

— Andrew Webster (@awebster1975) July 26, 2020

Unfortunately, Newcastle’s performance did not improve immediately after the interval — Canterbury scored the next two tries with ease, racing to an 18-point lead.

The home crowd were given something to cheer about in the 62nd minute, when Knights winger Hymel Hunt dived over to put his side on the scoreboard. The game was then brought back to life when second rower Sione Mata’utia scored a try of his own nine minutes later.

But despite a considerable shift in momentum in the final 20 minutes, the Bulldogs emerged victors with the final scoreline reading 18-12. Canterbury’s three tryscorers were Aiden Tolman, Raymond Faitala-Mariner and Jake Averillo.

Speaking to ABC Grandstand, Knights playmaker Kurt Mann admitted: “Losing Macca and Connor early didn’t help our flow. We’re putting Junior under a lot of pressure with the kicking. I think it’s something we’ve all got to own.”

Having won their first match since round four, the Bulldogs remain in bottom spot on the NRL ladder, while Newcastle are also unmoved in sixth.

Next weekend, Canterbury will take on the mighty Parramatta Eels, while the Knights will face the Melbourne Storm on Sunday afternoon.