Breaking News For PNG Penrith Panthers: He Is Back…..
Due to a groin injury, renowned playmaker Cameron Munster will not be available for Friday’s pivotal match against Penrith for the Storm.
Although Munster was selected on Tuesday, coach Craig Bellamy informed the media on Thursday that he “won’t be playing unless something drastically happens overnight.”
“I don’t think anyone is exactly sure of what it is or how to fix it,” Bellamy stated. “It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster, he looks like he is going to improve and then he does a bit of training and it gets sorea again.”
Due to a calf injury, veteran Elliott Whitehead will be out for the Raiders’ season opener versus the Knights.
Zac Hosking, a recent recruit, will start in Whitehead’s place for Thursday’s game since he is set to miss three to four weeks.
As he approaches his comeback from a hamstring injury, Knights hooker Jayden Brailey will also be spectating from the sidelines at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Knights coach Adam O’Brien stated on Wednesday, “He’s very close; if it’s not Round 2, it’d be a definite Round 3.”
“He looks really good, every time I see him, but given his history, it’s a long season and I don’t want to rush it.”
The Roosters’ Sitili Tupouniua and Siua Wong have been evaluated by the team’s medical personnel after their Round 1 game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas against the Brisbane Broncos.
Tupouniua exited the pitch early in the second half due to discomfort in his left groin. He will be evaluated and subjected to scans as a precaution.
After exiting the field late in the second half, Wong was deemed free of any injuries and will be ready for selection in their Round 2 matchup with the Sea Eagles.
Center Due to a hamstring issue, Billy Smith was ruled out of the match on the eve of Las Vegas.
Ward of Casualties By Club/BroncosBronco
SharksSharks TempestTitans of StormsWarriors TitansFighters
Tigers of the WestTigers of the West
A small foot fracture that Marata Niukore sustained in the Pre-Season Challenge match against the Dolphins has also delivered the Warriors a blow ahead of Round 1.
Chief of Staff The timing for Niukore’s return is unknown, according to Balin Cupples. “He is expected to come out of his protective boot and modified weight bearing acute phase later this week,” Cupples stated.
Star duo Jayden Campbell and David Fifita of the Titans are making good recovery progress, but both will be out for at least a month.
Over the past two weeks, Fifita (pectoral) and Campbell (knee) have effectively started integrating into team training with the goal of returning sometime between Rounds 4-6.
After missing the Pre-Season Challenge match against the Eels due to a minor knee injury, prop Isaac Liu has also been cleared to celebrate his 250th NRL game in Round 1.
Meanwhile, Jason Saab’s hamstring injury late in the Sea Eagles’ Round 1 victory over the Rabbitohs in Las Vegas struck a blow.
The dynamic winger was having a great day on Manly’s right edge, running 248 yards and scoring an intercept try before limping off the field in the 76th minute with a pulled right hamstring.
After the game, Manly coach Anthony Seibold stated that he anticipated Saab will be out for their Round 2 match on March 17 against the Roosters.
It’s not great when one of your true speed men pulls up like that. When we return to Australia, he will undoubtedly receive scans,” Seibold stated.
“We’ve got a long turnaround and it’s probably doubtful he’ll play in that Roosters game but whenever you see a player come off with a hamstring injury it’s never going to be a five or seven-day turnaround.”
Brendan Piakura was lost early in the Broncos’ game against the Roosters in Las Vegas due to his failure to receive a proper evaluation for a head injury.
Piakura was declared out of the game later in the first half when his head collided with Brandon Smith’s hip during an attempted tackle in the game’s fourth minute.
While Dolphins lock up, Cowboys representative forward Coen Hess has sustained an ACL injury that will finish his season. Tom Gilbert suffered an ACL tear during the tryouts versus the Warriors, meaning he will also miss the 2024 season.
The injury usually necessitates a nine to twelve month rehabilitation period, thus Tom is virtually out for the 2024 season, according to a statement released by the Dolphins’ Head of Performance, Jeremy Hickmans, on the team’s website.
