Slade Griffin’s recovery from an ACL injury is tracking well.
The hooker is increasing his loads on the Alter-G with Head of Physical Performance, Balin Cupples, impressed with how the injured nib Newcastle Knight is progressing.
“Slade continues to progress,” Cupples said.
“He keeps making small steps forward in line with his planning.
Injury Report: Slade Griffin and Jacob Saifiti
“On the running side, he continues to build through his Alter-G progressions, working up now to 90 percent. We’ve taken a bit of volume and upped his speed.
“In line with that, we’ve been doing some running drilling, force absorption type activities.
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“Once he does nail those final stages, he’ll get back on the field.
“With his gym stuff, he’ll add a dynamic, functional side to his training.”
Meanwhile, Jacob Saifti is ramping up his running work.
The prop is recovering from an ankle injury and likely to join his teammates for skills before the opening round of the season.
“He’s added some swerves this week and progressing though that nicely,” Cupples said.
'We've done the hard work, and the foundations are set'
“He’s taken ownership of his individual routines and what he needs to do to maintain that range in his ankle.
“More controlled change of direction next week and in the weeks to come after that he’ll integrate into some skills and team stuff.
“We are just adding layers into his running at the moment.”
Injured players and expected return dates:
Tautau Moga (ACL - Early Rounds)
Jacob Saifiti (Leg - Indefinite)
Slade Griffin (ACL - Indefinite)
Bradman Best (MCL - Round 1)
Brayden Musgrove (ACL – Early Rounds)
