The Gold Coast Titans faced a significant injury crisis in Round 10, with four players forced off the field prematurely during their victory against North Queensland. Following scans, the Titans provided updates on the condition of Kieran Foran, AJ Brimson, Harley Smith-Shields, and Phil Sami, all of whom were ruled out of the team’s upcoming Magic Round clash against Newcastle.
In a devastating setback, Brimson is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks due to a groin injury. However, there was a glimmer of hope as Smith-Shields will forego surgery for a pec injury, with a prognosis of six weeks out despite initial fears of a season-ending injury. Skipper Foran and Sami both suffered hamstring injuries, with Foran’s status listed as week-to-week and Sami expected to miss a month.
Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has disclosed the possibility that star prop Thomas Flegler may not return to play this season due to a shoulder injury sustained in Round 5 against the Wests Tigers. While initially hopeful that surgery would not be necessary, Bennett acknowledged the seriousness of Flegler’s injury, expressing uncertainty about his return this season.
The Broncos also faced setbacks, confirming that young prop Ben Te Kura’s season is nearly over after suffering a Lisfranc injury in the Queensland Cup. Te Kura will undergo surgery and requires at least four months of recovery time, potentially ruling him out until the finals in September.
Tristan Sailor is set to miss up to six weeks due to a high ankle sprain sustained in the same competition, with surgery scheduled for this week. However, there was a silver lining as Billy Walters is expected to return in Round 12 after only a one-week absence due to a wrist injury.