Canberra and Penrith have suffered major injury setbacks in their NRL season-opener, with stars Blake Austin and James Segeyaro both hurt in the Raiders’ spirited 30-22 win.
Austin limped off GIO Stadium early in the second half of Saturday’s game with possible medial ligament damage to his right knee, while Segeyaro sustained a suspected broken arm.
It soured what was a tight and often ugly affair in which debutants from both sides sizzled in the searing heat.
The temperature nudged 35 degrees in the nation’s capital, prompting the Panthers to order an extra 100kg of ice just before kick-off to help keep their players cool.
Dally M five-eighth of the year Austin had been named on the bench to ease his way back from major shoulder surgery last September but started the game after Sam Williams was a late scratching (virus).
He showed no signs of concern in his first outing of the year, scoring a try, assisting in another and kicking a monster 70m-plus drop-out before being sidelined.
But his new halves partner Aidan Sezer made up for his absence, scoring a double on debut for the Raiders.
Panthers recruits Trent Merrin and Peter Hiku also laid on tries in their first NRL games for their new club.
The Raiders looked to have control in the first-half, up 12-2 at the mid-point via tries to Edrick Lee and Austin but went to the break 16-16 thanks to Merrin and Hiku.
The visitors took the lead when Austin went down with a converted Josh Mansour four-pointer, only for Sezer to level with his second in the 55th minute.
Back-to-back penalty goals to skipper Jarrod Croker put Ricky Stuart’s men back in front by four.
Strongman Shaun Fensom wrapped it up in the dying seconds with a try, after making more than 40 tackles and running 125 metres.
The victory had Stuart jumping on the sidelines.
Casper
Guest
Can't see the correlation, none of those seem to be from fatigue.. Each injury listed seems to be accidental or resulting from impact, mostly early in games. You don't tear an acl because you never got a rest after 15 minutes. And don't whinge about scheduling when the NRL negotiates a big rise in fees for the rights, players have been the beneficiaries.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Dead right Max, playing afternoon games this early in the season is fraught with danger. What happened to having quarters in the early games like other years? Not a solution but it would take a lot of heat stress issues away. Injuries will always happen regardless of kickoff time but why make it harder for fans who like a cold beer and not a luke warm one. Like c'mon it's all about me isn't it.
MAX
Guest
The NRL fails on the simple things. Scheduling daylight games in February (Trials) and Round 1 in March is an indicator of gross human stupidity. Injuries may occur regardless of temperature but the NRL may be seen to be paying scant attention to player well being. Next week there will be no Segeyaro v Lichaa. The Raiders will be without Sezer and Austin in their game against the Roosters who have yet to toil in the afternoon sun at Allianz. All that aside the 5 games to date have been sensational. This will be a season to remember.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Tough luck for Austin, hoping for a speedy recovery.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Who said the purpose was to reduce injuries and on what planet can you link the interchange reduction to injuries.... Considering all the players you listed are 80 minute players?
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
If the purpose of the new interchange reduction was to reduce injuries the NRL should take a careful look at this weekends statistics. Eels v Broncos Kahu and Norman. Manly v Bulldogs Liicha Raiders v Panthers Seiser, Segeyaro and Austin Tigers v Warriors Henry Cowboys v Cronulla Gallen There may be more I have missed
Muzz
Guest
I also think Sezer may have a fractured eye socket.