The Waratahs have confirmed strike weapon Lachie Turner will likely miss the entire Super Rugby season after tearing his hamstring off the bone.
Turner needs surgery on Wednesday to reattach the tendon and will miss at least six months of action, meaning, best case, he could be back if the Waratahs make it to the finals in August.
He is definitely out of Australia’s mid-year Tests against Scotland and Wales and, lacking match practice, would be almost no chance for the August-October Rugby Championship.
The lightning-fast winger finished 2011 in great form and was well positioned to have his best season yet for both the Waratahs and the Wallabies.
However, it all came to an agonising end in Tamworth on Friday night, when Turner suffered extensive tendon damage in the trial win over Samoa.
Waratahs management say Turner is in good spirits given the devastating circumstances and is concentrating on what he needs to do with his rehabilitation.
Tonga-born winger Atieli Pakalani is due back from a shoulder injury for the round one clash with Queensland and will be up against exciting youngster Tom Kingston and former Cronulla rugby league junior Brackin Karauria-Henry for Turner’s jersey.
In more positive injury news for NSW, No.8 Wycliff Palu (hamstring) and prop Benn Robinson (knee) are available for selection for Friday night’s final trial match against Tonga at the Sydney Football Stadium.
Fellow Australia winger Drew Mitchell (ankle) will also be back for the Reds match, while captain Rocky Elsom should recover from his hamstring strain for a return in early March, and Dan Vickerman (shoulder) will be back in April.
Lock Sitaleki Timani will also return from his Japanese rugby club in March.
B-Rock
Roar Guru
Why are the Tahs playing another Islander B or C team this week, risking further injury from the traditional big hits while not testing attacking or defensive nous against Super Rugby quality teams? The Tahs are already the walking wounded before the season starts. A major rethink of the pre-season program is required in order for them to be well prepared for the season - unfortunately this may only happen if another serious injury occurs this weekend. Lets just hope its not Barnes this time.
mania
Guest
how can a white guy like lachie be one fo the fastest australian sportsmen? i remeber when Usain Bolt was in Aus and they had a track and field fun day and a few of aus's fatest sportsmen and lachie ended up winning, doing 100metres in 11.10 seconds. lachie is underrated and a his absence will be a huge loss
Mals
Guest
This injury is a big shame for Lachie & the Waratahs! He's a good finisher & versatile player who will be missed.