injuryupdate
08-09-2003, 08:48 PM
This one we got wrong, saying the Saints couldn't upset the Broncos. At least we predicted the Swans were a chance against the Power:
The last hope of the Parramatta Eels making the Top 8 has all but disappeared with a stack of Dragons players withdrawing from Friday night's clash against Brisbane, including Nathan Blacklock, Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper, Lance Thompson, Brett Firman and Ian Donnelly. This is after already missing Jason Ryles and Trent Barrett (pictured) for most of the season. The Dragons moved out of contention last week, and have entered off-season mode, with Firman having a shoulder reconstruction this week. The Eels cannot complain, as they would be doing the same thing if they were out of contention, and realistically they have not had a good enough season to deserve a crack at the Premiership. Brisbane has also been significantly affected by injury, with Ben Ikin (thigh) and Brent Tate (neck) ruled out, and Shaun Berrigan in doubt due to a leg infection which has forced him into hospital. Higher up the ladder Jason Croker has had surgery on a fractured fibula. There is talk of a return in the Grand Final, but Croker is effectively gone for the season. Read more at smh.com.au. Ryan Girdler suffered a sternum injury on the opposite side to the sternoclavicular joint dislocation that kept him out for 3 months earlier this year. He may miss the last round but should return during the finals. Ben Kennedy has been battling a foot ligament injury and will miss Newcastle's match this weekend.
The last hope of the Parramatta Eels making the Top 8 has all but disappeared with a stack of Dragons players withdrawing from Friday night's clash against Brisbane, including Nathan Blacklock, Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper, Lance Thompson, Brett Firman and Ian Donnelly. This is after already missing Jason Ryles and Trent Barrett (pictured) for most of the season. The Dragons moved out of contention last week, and have entered off-season mode, with Firman having a shoulder reconstruction this week. The Eels cannot complain, as they would be doing the same thing if they were out of contention, and realistically they have not had a good enough season to deserve a crack at the Premiership. Brisbane has also been significantly affected by injury, with Ben Ikin (thigh) and Brent Tate (neck) ruled out, and Shaun Berrigan in doubt due to a leg infection which has forced him into hospital. Higher up the ladder Jason Croker has had surgery on a fractured fibula. There is talk of a return in the Grand Final, but Croker is effectively gone for the season. Read more at smh.com.au. Ryan Girdler suffered a sternum injury on the opposite side to the sternoclavicular joint dislocation that kept him out for 3 months earlier this year. He may miss the last round but should return during the finals. Ben Kennedy has been battling a foot ligament injury and will miss Newcastle's match this weekend.