The Sydney Roosters have confirmed a full ACL rupture for forward Egan Butcher.
Butcher’s knee injury will sideline him for the rest of the season, requiring a recovery period of nine to twelve months. This timeline implies that Butcher will likely be unable to resume any form of training before Christmas, making it a race against time for him to be fit for the 2025 NRL season opener, where he remains contracted with the Roosters.
The injury occurred during the Roosters’ Round 12 victory over the Canberra Raiders, a match in which the team performed dominantly. Butcher, who came off the bench under coach Trent Robinson, played only 12 minutes before the injury forced him out of the game.
Throughout this year, Butcher has participated in eight games for the Roosters, bringing his total career appearances to 56. Despite limited playing time, he has managed to make a notable impact. His absence for the rest of the season will prompt coach Robinson to find a replacement second-rower. Sitili Tupouniua is expected to return soon from a concussion, and Siua Wong has been vying for a spot in the starting lineup in recent weeks.
Robinson faces a quick decision as the Roosters prepare to face the North Queensland Cowboys in Round 13, followed by a bye in Round 14. The team will need additional replacements in the forwards this week, as Lindsay Collins and Spencer Leniu have been selected for their state teams for the Origin series. Consequently, Terrell May is likely to start, and another bench position will need to be filled.
