Lote Tuqiri’s NRL season – and possibly Wests Tigers career – is over after the dual international suffered a broken arm in his side’s 32-20 loss to Canterbury on Friday night.
Tuqiri was a victim of friendly fire when teammate Adam Blair came in from the side and crunched his arm as the veteran winger clung onto Bulldogs back-rower Dene Halatau.
He was taken from the field and rushed to a nearby hospital where X-rays showed a break above his elbow to end his injury-riddled season after just 12 games.
Worse still, with no contract for next season, the 32-year-old’s time with the Tigers and the NRL is in extreme doubt.
Tigers chief executive Stephen Humphreys said no decision had been made on Tuqiri’s future, with the winger’s health his primary concern.
“Right now our focus is on trying to comfort him and his wife, book the hospital and surgery over the weekend,” Humphreys said.
“In terms of his playing future that will sort itself out in the next few weeks.
“Lote’s keen to continue playing and this would not be a good way for him to end.
“What he was focusing on was trying to get a good bank of footy over the next month to demonstrate his capability.
“That’s sadly not going to be the case. We’re just going to have to work out what we’re going to do over the next few weeks.”
Gareth
Guest
So that's got to be about $700,000 worth of wasted cap space that Adam Blair is responsible for now. Hopefully Lote finds a way to bounce back, whether it's on the field or off it.
King of the Gorgonites
Roar Guru
He won't be missed. Lote can be summed up in the following- unfulfilled potential.
Blaze
Guest
Have to agree there.... Even when he runs at the line, just as he is about to hit the defense he slows up and is taken easily.... Not good enough.
oikee
Guest
Take my hat off to Lotti, how tough is he, broken arm and seemed to be completely relaxed with it, no complaints. Then i seen that exray, streuth,. Hope he gets another couple of years, no reason why he cant go on, it will heal and he should be good to go. You only have to look at Tate, and their is no reason why players cant play on after injuries.
Johnny1
If only Adam Blair had been otherwise useful on the field his spot would be justified I have yet to see him do anything positive,how long can they keep him in the start up side is a mystery to me. Wests Tigers cannot win games playing with twelve men,pay Blair out and start again. Hopefully Lote's career is not over,he has made other comebacks before,hope he has one more.
Mick
Guest
Always sad when injuries potentially retire a player. Good luck to Lote and hopefully we will see him running around next year. Would be a great mentor to the kids at the Broncos..... -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.