NRL pre-season injury news: Cowboys star Jason Taumalolo ahead of schedule, Titans recruit Reagan Campbell-Gillard suffers injury

The Cowboys have received some much needed good news, with a star ahead of schedule in his return from injury, while a Titans recruit is racing the clock for the start of the season. See the latest injury news.

The Cowboys have received some rare good news on the injury front with Jason Taumalolo in the mix for round 1 following his Tonga camp controversy.

Taumalolo is recovering faster than initially expected after undergoing surgery on a foot injury in December.

The Tongan tearaway suffered a Lisfranc injury while representing the Mate Ma’a in the Pacific Championships.

Taumalolo, 31, pushed through the injury to play in the final of the tournament which Tonga lost to Australia on November 10.

Upon returning to Townsville and reporting to North Queensland for pre-season assessment, the injury was discovered to require surgery.

That prompted the Cowboys to contact the NRL and make inquiries about why Taumalolo was cleared to play by Tonga staff in the final despite carrying the injury.

The Cowboys have received some good news, with Jason Taumalolo tracking ahead of schedule in his return from a Lisfranc injury. Picture: NRL Imagery

There were fears Taumalolo would miss at least the opening month of the 2025 NRL Premiership following the foot operation.

However the 275-game veteran is tracking well and could feature for the Cowboys in their season-opener against Manly on March 8.

“Jase underwent Lisfranc surgery in early December,” Cowboys football boss Micheal Luck said.

“He is tracking well and hopefully he is vying for selection in round one.

“It is a tricky injury to recover from and everyone is different.

“Generally, bigger guys take longer to heal. But Jase has always healed really well with any injury he has suffered.

“We are hopeful he continues that trend with this injury and is thereabouts for the first round or two.”

Taumalolo suffered the injury while representing Tonga at the Pacific Championships, but was able to play through the pain and feature in the final against Australia. Picture: Getty Images

A fit Taumalolo will be a welcome boost for a Cowboys club that has had a wretched run with injury this pre-season.

Utility Tom Chester and backrow weapon Heilum Luki have been ruled out of the 2025 season after suffering ACL knee injuries.

Both players have previously undergone ACL repairs and the incidents are not believed to be linked.

Halfback favourite Jake Clifford underwent minor surgery on a hernia this week which will sideline him until next month’s trial matches.

The Cowboys headed to the Tablelands in the Cairns region on Thursday for a pre-season camp and community visits.

TITANS RECRUIT RACING THE CLOCK FOR SEASON OPENER

High-profile Titans recruit Reagan Campbell-Gillard is racing the clock to be fit for Gold Coast’s NRL season-opener.

Campbell-Gillard sustained a shoulder injury at training recently which is expected to sideline him for about a month.

The setback is a blow for ‘RCG’ after he was released by Parramatta to join the Titans on a three-year contract.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard is in some doubt for the Titans’ Round 2 season opener after suffering a shoulder injury at training. Picture Gold Coast Titans

The former NSW Origin and Kangaroos prop was signed to slot into a fearsome middle forwards rotation along with Queensland enforcer Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Maroons prop Moeaki Fotuaika.

However Campbell-Gillard will now miss Gold Coast’s pre-season trial matches.

The Titans have a bye in round 1 of the NRL season, with the club hopeful Campbell-Gillard will be on deck for their round 2 clash with the Bulldogs at Belmore.

The Titans already have David Fifita in some doubt for the early rounds after suffering a setback in his return from ankle surgery.

Originally published as NRL pre-season injury news: Cowboys star Jason Taumalolo ahead of schedule, Titans recruit Reagan Campbell-Gillard suffers injury