Rookie Kade Dykes suffers suspected ACL injury in Sharks’ worst nightmare

The Sharks have copped a significant blow with reports rising star Kade Dykes will be out for the season, already exposing the club’s depth.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 06: Kade Dykes of the Sharks celebrates victory with teammates after the round 21 NRL match between the Cronulla Sharks and the St George Illawarra Dragons at PointsBet Stadium, on August 06, 2022, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

The Sharks have copped a significant blow with reports rising star Kade Dykes has suffered a suspected torn ACL.

News Corp revealed on Tuesday night that Dykes was sent for scans earlier that day at a pre-season camp in Wollongong.

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It’s a cruel twist for the young fullback, who also turned 21 on Tuesday.

He made his NRL debut in Cronulla’s local derby with St George Illawarra August and featured again the following week, scoring his first try in the top grade too.

Dykes — the son of former Shark and Eel, Adam Dykes — starred in NSW Cup last season to earn a two-year Top 30 deal with the club around the same time he made his debut.

His future is so bright that he was expected to challenge Will Kennedy for the Sharks’ No. 1 jersey.

It’s a huge blow for Dykes. Photo NRL Photos

If confirmed to be a torn ACL, Dykes will miss the entire 2023 season.

It’s a serious concern for the Sharks given back-up fullback Lachie Miller was released to the Knights also on Tuesday.

Given Luke Metcalf has also left the club, utility Connor Tracey and reigning Dally M medallist Nicho Hynes are coach Craig Fitzgibbon’s next options should anything happen to Kennedy throughout the season.

Originally published as Rookie Kade Dykes suffers suspected ACL injury in Sharks’ worst nightmare