NRL's kick-blocker crackdown changes the game - but the question is do we want that?
NRL kickers are under more pressure than ever. But what will the knock-on effects of the new crack-down be?
Bulldogs star Kieran Foran’s career is in the balance after news today that his troublesome right shoulder may force him to sit out all of next season.
Three years after having the same shoulder reconstructed, Foran reinjured it in the very early stages of New Zealand’s win over Great Britain on Saturday.
Resigned to another reconstruction, NRL.com reports that exploratory shoulder also uncovered damage to the rotator cuff, which requires nine months recovery – at the very least – following cleanout surgery.
Given Foran’s injury history with that specific shoulder, however, he’ll likely need a full year before being cleared to play.
Foran has been available for just over half of the matches Canterbury have played since he joined on a three-year deal in 2018. His 2019 season was heavily impacted by hamstring and ankle problems.
He will be out of contract at the end of the season, with the Bulldogs already set to apply to the NRL for salary cap relief, given the injury was suffered in a representative game.
Initial scans following the game looked to be positive, with the 29-year-old cleared of a fracture and reconstruction only being mooted as a possibility.
Instead, the five-eighth will need the most comprehensive shoulder procedure of his career.
MORE TO COME
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NRL kickers are under more pressure than ever. But what will the knock-on effects of the new crack-down be?
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