NRL Physio Injury Updates – Round 3
Our resident rugby league injury expert, the NRL Physio has written a wrap-up of the injuries and recoveries after Round 3.
WATCH: @PenrithPanthers halfback Nathan Cleary speaks about the possible knee injury suffered in the loss to @NRL_Bulldogs
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— NRL.com (@NRLcom) March 23, 2018
Nathan Cleary
The toughness of Nathan Cleary has to be applauded as he played almost 30 minutes with a ruptured MCL. Luckily MCL injuries rarely require surgery and the usual recovery is in the 6-10 week range. There is some conjecture of sprain/tear in relation to Cleary’s injury. Effectively sprain and tear mean the same thing – replace strain (muscle injury) with sprain (ligament injury) in Cleary’s case. I along with all of you NRLCEOs wish him the very best with upcoming recovery period.
Bevan French
There is no word on the specific nature of Bevan French’s shoulder injury. He will miss this week’s game at least but hopes to return in the next 1-2 weeks. The same can be said for Kane Evans (ribs).
Trent Merrin appeared to suffer a rib/sternum injury just before full time last night, he came from the field immediately after this tackle. If no fracture will be mostly a pain tolerance issue, most fall in the 1-3 week recovery range pic.twitter.com/OsYGEdzAUp
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) March 23, 2018
Trent Merrin
Merrin appeared to suffer a rib/sternum injury just before full time on the weekend. He came from the field immediately after the tackle. If he has no fracture then it will be mostly a pain tolerance issue. Most of which falls in the 1-3 week recovery range.
Adam Reynolds
The Rabbitohs kicker has started running and will be monitored as to if he plays this week if not will return in Round 5.
Jarryd Hayne
Scans have confirmed a minor hip flexor injury for Hayne. He is expected to miss 2-4 weeks for the Eels.
Corey Oates
Oates by reports suffered a hip flexor strain which is the muscle at front of the hip. It is only Grade 1 as he was able to play on momentarily. Travis Meyn of the Courier Mail is reporting he is likely to be out for two weeks.
Jorge Taufua
The Sea Eagles winger suffered a broken collarbone this past weekend. The usual recovery time of 6-8 weeks will have him aiming for a Round 10-12 return.
Looking back at Connor Watson last night, appears this is where he initially dislocated his shoulder. Likely damage was done here, shoulder became unstable and explains innocuous way the second dislocation occurred not long after this pic.twitter.com/NbEUFXF5yw
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) March 25, 2018
Connor Watson
The Knights recruit will require shoulder surgery after dislocating his shoulder according to Nathan Brown post game. Depending on surgery type recovery time would likely be in the 3-5 month range. It’s worth noting not all shoulder dislocations require surgery. Hopefully scans come back better than the club expects and it is just 3-6 weeks recovery.
Benji Marshall
Low (inversion) ankle sprain mechanism for Benji Marshall. He was able to finish the game but went for scans. Lateral ankle sprains often look worse than they actually are. He has avoided an avulsion fracture and has been cleared of a serious ankle injury (no fracture/high grade damage). He is a chance to play this week for the Tigers.
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— Canberra Raiders (@RaidersCanberra) March 7, 2018
Josh Hodgson
The Raiders said he is targeting late June/early July (Round 16-18) for his return from an ACL reconstruction.
Lachlan Coote back at training! Wearing a bit of protection around the leg, but great to see him here @nthqldcowboys @9NewsNorthQld pic.twitter.com/zRwuyrps53
— Tom Fowles (@TomFowles9) March 25, 2018
Lachlan Coote
Great to see Coote back training with the main playing group. He will still want to play it safe considering his history with hamstring injury. He could be back any week.
Tevita Pangai Junior
TPJ went off with a hamstring strain on the weekend. He suffered two hamstring injuries last season as well. The second of which was a re-injury after only missing one week. Queensland media is reporting he will be out for two weeks.
Other injuries
- Aiden Sezer will be treated and assessed by medical staff this week to see if he can play against the Sea Eagles this week.
- Joe Tapine will be assessed again this week after recovery not going as quickly as planned. He’s a chance to play this week.
- Javid Bowen has a broken nose but is still playing in Round 3.
- Charlie Gubb’s groin injury will likely see him out until Round 9.
As always if you have any questions, throw a comment down below or hit me up on Twitter @nrlphysio or Facebook.
The opinions given by the author of this article are given by a qualified physiotherapist, HOWEVER they are based on the information available to the author at the time of publication; are general; and are not based on any formal physical assessment and/or diagnosis by the author. If you believe you may be suffering from an injury similar to one commented on by the author, do not rely on the author’s advice as it may not apply to you – see a qualified physiotherapist for a full assessment, diagnosis and treatment plan.
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For your NRL Physio (Brien Seeney):
In regards to Fifita injury….you stated he has no PCL on imaging, explaining how the medical team thought it was ACL due to instability. Well, if the medical team cannot distinguish between an ACL vs PCL on clinical exam, then I suggest they take a refresher physical assessment course. This SHOULD have been an easy call for an experienced provider. Sloppy exam???