Gold Coast Titans skipper Ryan James has suffered another ACL injury after missing the bulk of the 2019 NRL season with the same injury.
Gold Coast star Ryan James has suffered a cruel blow after he re-injured the ACL that ended his 2019 NRL season prematurely.
The 28-year-old was on track to make a comeback to the field at the Indigenous All Stars match next month, but scans are expected to confirm he will be sidelined for another extended period.
The Titans confirmed Ryan was involved in a collision at training on Friday morning and preliminary scans indicate a reoccurrence of the ACL injury that sidelined him from round 6 last season.
It’s a huge blow for the Titans, who are desperate to improve on their last-place finish from last season.
“Further scans and testing will be required to get a more accurate picture around Ryan’s process from here as far as treatment, recovery and rehabilitation,” said Mal Meninga, Titans head of performance and culture.
“Everyone at the Titans shared Ryan’s pain today. He is obviously a hugely popular part of this club, and earned even more respect with the positive way he applied himself to his recovery from
the original injury last year, without ever once getting down or feeling sorry for himself.
“We all desperately wanted Ryan to be back on the field and back to his best this season – a goal he had set himself, and deserved to achieve.
“This news is obviously devastating to Ryan and his family, but also to his friends and colleagues here at the Titans.”
Just a day earlier James was clocked as the fastest prop at a Titans training session, an impressive feat showing his dedication to return.
James told NRL.com he was feeling fit and confident with the progress of his knee.
“It is a good sign coming back from a knee injury knowing that the pace and strength is still there,” he said.
“I did a couple of agility tests (on Thursday). Having the confidence to be able to do it is one thing and not even thinking about it is another thing, and that is the stage I am at.
“I have gone past even thinking about the knee and I am just training. I feel back to normal and the knee is one hundred per cent.”
mushi
Roar Guru
Been a few of these this off-season. Whilst I'm "glad" most of the news has been injury rather than stupidity related, you've got to feel for these guys. Lesson 1 players, look out for yourselves because the club's going to do that and they don't get injured.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
I think there is no chance of Arrow getting an early release now. Especially as he was happy to see out his contract at the Titans this year before this tragic turn of events. Now after this crisis it would be a bad look if he just cut and run, especially when he feels such a close connection with the his teammates. Souths will just have to tough it out knowing that, when compared to the Titans, things could be a lot worse. Keep an eye out for Keaon Koloamatangi. Big things are expected from
“Big Mac Daddy”. https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/teams/nsw-cup/south-sydney-rabbitohs-nsw/keaon-koloamatangi/Big Daddy
Guest
Such a shame for this guy. Should go for medical retirement. Probably puts to bed the Arrow move to South's.
Paul
Roar Guru
Neither James nor the Titans can take a trick at the moment. I hope he can get back to full fitness asap.