The nib Newcastle Knights will be without utility Connor Watson for their upcoming encounter with the Wests Tigers with the 23-year-old picking up a minor MCL strain.
According to Knights Head of Physical Performance, Balin Cupples, the injury Watson sustained was relatively minor, however confirmed the star would require a week on the sidelines.
No.9 not returning, Watson sidelined
“Connor’s got a minor grade MCL strain, so he’ll be unavailable this weekend,” Cupples said.
“He was in a boot for the first couple of days this week, he’ll build into AlterG and his straight line before going into change of direction.
LISTEN TO THE SCOTT DUREAU PODCAST BELOW!
IF YOU'RE READING ON THE APP AND WANT TO LISTEN TO THE PODCAST - CLICK HERE!
“In the grand scheme of things, it’s a pretty minor injury and we should see him return next week against the Titans.”
The news wasn’t so good for fellow hooker Slade Griffin, who won’t be returning this season.
Griffin suffered his fourth serious knee injury in a match against Canterbury-Bankstown last year and was initially seeking a return later this year.
That’s no longer the case with Cupples confirming the unfortunate news.
“Slade a few weeks ago had a final assessment externally regarding his knee movements, deceleration, change of direction, and strength both anteriorly and posteriorly,” he said.
“The results we got back, there was still some slight deficits there and that was off the back of a previous six-week block where we tried to target everything we could to get him back onto the field.
“Unfortunately, the risk is just too great for the merit of those two games.”
Access all areas: King’s surprise for 50th NRL match
Cupples was also able to provide an update on Canterbury Cup second rower Beau Fermor, who suffered an ACL injury last week.
“Beau got straight in for surgery Thursday last week, it was actually the day before his birthday the big fella, so he’s been in the last couple of days and is in really good spirits,” Cupples said.
“He’s got a tough journey ahead of him, but he’s got a lot of support around him and we’ll make sure Beau returns in the next year ready to go.”
Injured players and expected return dates:
Edrick Lee (Arm - Round 25-Finals)
Tim Glasby (Head - Round 23)
Connor Watson (Round 24)
Slade Griffin (ACL - Season)
Beau Fermor (Knee - Season)
Phoenix Crossland (Foot - Season)
