St George Illawarra fullback Gerard Beale is expected to miss the rest of the NRL season, following confirmation on Monday he’d re-ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
Beale suffered the injury in the second half of his side’s upset victory over Newcastle on Sunday, when attempting to tackle Knights’ fullback Darius Boyd.
It is a devastating blow for Beale, who was considered a strong chance to feature for New Zealand in this month’s Test match against Australia in Canberra.
The 22-year-old, who linked with the Dragons this year after four seasons with the Broncos, will decide on which type of surgery to opt for in the coming days.
“We will consult with a knee specialist in the upcoming days before proceeding with an ACL reconstruction and subsequent commencement of rehabilitation,” the club’s performance director Andrew Gray said in a statement.
“It is disappointing news for Gerard who is such a positive influence amongst our entire playing group.
“There is no definite timeframe for his return at this stage but we all look forward to seeing him return to the playing field soon.”
Hez
Roar Rookie
A bit disappointed to see Nightingale back there, his form has won us two matches. I've heard Cummins needs work on his defence?
Professor Dragon
Guest
Once he is back up to scratch.
Professor Dragon
Guest
Evander Cummins?
Bazzio
Roar Guru
Knee reconstruction #3 @ age 23 for Beale. Bad news indeed. Hope he is up & at it soon. GWS GB Dugan preferred the Bonko's over the Dragons ~ let him stew until he calls the club. There may be a few alternatives to cover for Beale @ Dragons ~ Danny Vidot could be coached & train for the position, or maybe Taioalo "Junior" Vaivai. To go back to last year's disaster by playing B Moz or Gypsy @ fullback would be sooooo bad.
Nugget
Guest
Dugan to play for saints in the next fortnight?
planko
Guest
Dugan just got a bargaining chip......
Pete
Guest
Paging Josh Dugan?