Phoenix Crossland is set to sit out the NRL trial games with a pelvis complaint.
The young half has been on a modified training program for a number of weeks with an early season return to the field pencilled in.
“Unfortunately for Phoenix, he’s had a bit of a disrupted pre-season,” Head of Physical Performance, Balin Cupples said.
“He had some niggling groin concerns over the back-end of last year and wasn’t handling the loads.
Recovery Report: Updates on Best, Lino and Crossland
“After some expert advice, we found what used to be called osteitis pubis around the hip bone, which is some bone bruising.
“… he’s just getting back onto the field. For someone that young, it’s really important we do take our time with this.
“In line with that, Phoenix won’t be available for the Nines and trial period but we should see him very early in the season back and pushing for an NRL berth.”
On a positive note, Mason Lino is out of the casualty ward and available for the trials.
“He ticked off the last of his contact progressions,” Cupples said.
“Starting from tomorrow he’s full training, ready to roll into some footy come trials.”
Finally, Bradman Best picked up a sprained foot at training recently but the injury is nothing to be concerned about.
The young centre has been spotted around training wearing a moon boot but isn’t expected to miss any game time.
“Bradman has a minor mid-foot sprain,” Cupples said.
“He stepped on someone’s boot last week. We had him in a boot as a precaution and we’ve built him back into running this week. We should see him come trials time.”
Injured players and expected return dates:
Phoenix Crossland (Pelvis - Early season)
Bradman Best (Ankle - Trials)
