As we move towards the business end of the NRL season, clubs start to look at their increasing casualty ward and hope to get their key players back before finals.
With news that Panthers dynamo Tyrone Peachey is out for the season with a pectoral injury, we have lost one of the most in form and exciting youngsters in the competition.
Injuries are a part of every team’s season and absolutely inevitable.
If you look back at the successful teams of recent years, it’s no coincidence that they are also generally sides that haven’t suffered horrific injury tolls.
The Tigers lost their superstar fullback James Tedesco in Round 16 and have struggled to find a replacement to strike up a partnership with fellow youngster Luke Brooks.
The Sharks have suffered multiple long term injuries this season and it shows as they look set for a battle to avoid the wooden spoon.
The Sea Eagles currently sit atop the NRL competition, and a quick look at their casualty ward shows only Glenn Stewart is unavailable.
For fun I decided to put together a long term injury starting 13, just to show how deep the talent pool is in the greatest game of all.
To qualify players are either out for the season, or looking as though they won’t be back.
Fullback: James Tedesco (kneecap)
Was set for a second straight City Origin call up until injured earlier in the season. His return unfortunately did not last long for Tigers fans, who along with Tedesco are looking forward to his comeback in 2015.
Wing: Beau Ryan (neck)
Was plagued with a neck injury all season, and failed to live up to his 2013 form. Doctors advised Beau to retire to limit the damage, and thankfully the 29-year-old listened to their advice.
Centre: Brent Tate (ACL)
Was injured in what may be his last Origin game. Tate has been affected by injuries all his career yet has amassed 229 first grade games at club level. Hope to see him back next season.
Centre: Beau Champion (wrist)
Will move clubs at the end of the season, and looks as though he has played his last game for Souths. The Bunnies have lacked spark out wide and have turned to multiple options. Champion’s injury has robbed them of a very viable option.
Wing: Glen Fisiiahi (shoulder)
Suffered a horrible season ending shoulder injury in just Round 3. Has all the talent to become a regular at NRL level but is yet to fully live up to his promise. Will be back.
Five-Eighth: Lachlan Coote (ACL)
Failed to play a single game for his new side, the Cowboys after being injured during the nines. Recruited as a replacement for Matt Bowen, Coote’s injury has caused all sorts of problems at the back for the struggling North Queenslanders.
Halfback: Isaac John (achilles)
Although stuck behind Peter Wallace and Jamie Soward at club level, John’s talents were such that he featured for New Zealand in the ANZAC Test. An unfortunate injury playing NSW Cup means that he has been unable to fill in for the injured Wallace.
Front Row: Lee Mossop (shoulder)
Has only played three games for the Eels since his move from the Super League. An England international, he has been unable to test himself at NRL this season.
Hooker: Nathan Peats (knee)
Was touted as a possible NSW rep before suffering a season-ending knee injury. The Eels have been forced to turn to Isaac De Gois after failing to replace the former Bunny.
Front Row: Glen Stewart (ankle)
May have played his last game for his beloved Eagles after suffering an ankle injury in Round 8. Would have featured in Origin if fit.
Second Row: Frank Pritchard (pec)
The second row wrecking ball has been well covered since his injury in the early rounds of the season but he is a player the Dogs would really like to have back for the finals. Unfortunately it looks like they’ll have to wait until 2015.
Second Row: Tyrone Peachey (pectoral)
One of the buys of the season, Peachey has been a revelation. Possibly the quickest second rower in the competition, Peach has torn sides apart, mainly from the bench this season.
Lock: Ashley Harrison (neck)
An important part of Queensland’s dynasty building side, Harrison’s career comes to a sad end through injury. One of the most underrated players in the competition.
The above is a quality side, and unfortunately it doesn’t look like any will be back in time for finals. Ryan and Harrison’s careers come to a close due to neck injuries.
With 13 first graders out for likely the season, it shows just how deep the talent pool in the NRL really is.
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