In a huge blow ahead of the State of Origin period, North Queensland forward Scott Bolton has been ruled out for up to three months after cutting his hand in a freak fishing accident.
Already hit hard by the loss of lock Jason Taumalolo (hamstring), the Cowboys’ forwards depth looks set to be further tested during the Origin series due to Bolton’s accident.
Less than impressed Cowboys coach Paul Green was tight lipped about the incident which occurred during last weekend’s representative round.
But it has emerged that Bolton cut his finger while preparing bait during a fishing trip up north.
“He’s cut a tendon so they’ve had to re-attach that,” Green said.
“That’s why it’s so long, not good timing.”
Bolton is expected to be sidelined for eight to 12 weeks.
It was hardly ideal news ahead of an Origin series that looks set to gut their forward stocks.
Bolton – who was averaging more than 100 metres and 24 tackles a match off the bench – joins Taumalolo on the sidelines ahead of Saturday night’s home NRL clash with the Bulldogs.
Kiwi wrecking ball Taumalolo could be out for up to six weeks with a knee complaint.
“It’s a grade two medial. Better than first suspected so hopefully he’s four weeks and not six weeks,” Green said.
Test props Matt Scott and James Tamou will back up for North Queensland following Sunday’s loss to New Zealand.
Meanwhile, centre Tautau Moga (knee) is set to miss two weeks after being injured in Tonga’s Test loss to Samoa on the Gold Coast last weekend.
Matthew Wright returns from a knee complaint to replace Moga against the Bulldogs.
John Asiata slots into lock for Taumalolo and Kelepi Tanginoa is on the bench for Bolton.
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