The Brumbies have suffered a major blow with exciting young five-eighth Noah Lolesio all but ruled out for the rest of the Super Rugby AU season with a hamstring injury.
Picked in Wallabies coach Dave Rennie’s players of national interest squad, Lolesio will be sidelined for eight weeks after scans revealed a high-grade tear.
The 20-year-old hobbled off after just 30 minutes of the Brumbies’ 24-23 win over NSW Waratahs last Saturday night.
Even if the Brumbies make the three-team finals series, Lolesio isn’t expected to return until mid-September.
The qualifying final takes place on September 12, with the title decider the following week.
“We’re really disappointed for Noah. He had a good start to the year and was really enjoying his footy,” Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said.
“We’ve got a very good medical team here who will make sure Noah gets the best possible treatment and rehabilitation to ensure he gets back out on the field as soon as possible.
“Whilst we are all disappointed for Noah we’ve got full confidence in Bayley Kuenzle and Reesjan Pasitoa to step in and fill that role.”
Unbeaten in their opening two games, the Brumbies face Western Force at Leichhardt Oval in round four on Saturday night.
guy
Guest
The biggest worry for the Brums at the moment is 2nd row. Not enough grunt or jumping ability. Oh to have Arnold and Carter back. What news on Cadeyn Neville?
hogie
Roar Rookie
Absolutely no issues with a high % goalkicker coming from any playing position, be it fly half or prop. However much we all prefer running rugby and tries, goal kicking is an important facet of the game which Australia has struggled with too long especially in comparison with the NH teams. However this seems to have been noted and pleasing to see Dave Alred up at the Reds developing their kickers...shame for Lucas departing as this could have been invaluable for him in progressing his career.
jameswm
Roar Guru
A bit of flexibility helps, but a lack of strength in the hammies, or an imbalance between quad/hammy strngth, that causes most hammy injuries. A kid of mine is a sprinter – the elite ones are incredibly strong through the glutes/hammies/quads. You’ll get 70kg guys doing single leg leg press on 250kg, dead lifting 240kg etc, making 120kg hulks look soft in the gym. And those impressive hammy strength exercises footballers put on the internet to brag (Russian hamstrings) – they are the norm for good sprinters. Mind you – Lolesio doesn’t run at 10.50 speed, so he probably doesn’t need to be that strong. But he will get fatigue during a game, so does need to be strong.
MitchO
Guest
Actually Nick White used to kick goals surely?
MitchO
Guest
First winger to kick goals gets picked? Short term but can JOC kick? I thought Toomua had improved. Is he still too low %? Jono Lance runs to the line and is a kicker. Can Harry Wilson? or anyone else in the greater squads? Where's Kiwi Mike Harris?
MitchO
Guest
I thought if they are too tight they can pull. yoga is good for strength too though. All the small muscle groups.
PeterK
Roar Guru
the point is there are no high quality goal kickers who are good enough for the wallabies outside Harrison. Hegarty is a good enough goal kicker, none of neither Toomua or Lolesio are.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Bugger...
Markus
Roar Rookie
I think they will back Pasitoa. He has been starting for the Runners there and has a bit of SR game time up his sleeve already, Hansen I have not spotted outside of wing or fullback in years.
Inside Pass
Roar Rookie
Please NO
Inside Pass
Roar Rookie
Yep sad. But he will recover and we will get to see if he can take that work ethic McKellar mentions, through into the lonely hall of injury recovery. Great players work harder in rehab than preseason. They’re hungry and get back on the field with renewed enthusiasm. He can go on the end of year Northern Hemisphere tour with the Wallabies (IF it happens). It will be a good test for the young man. Must say – the video of the injury incident did look like a Poster-lateral corner injury of the knee. NOT a hamstring tear. They use MRI’s fairly regularly now – so assume diagnosis is correct.
Jonesy
Roar Rookie
Surely both are too inexperienced to get serious game time with three wallabies this year? Keen to see them involved with the squad and learning though.
jameswm
Roar Guru
It’s mainly strength a hammy needs, not flexibility.
Richie
Roar Rookie
BK will step up. Pasitoa maybe a little young still, so I’m wondering if Hansen isn’t a good backup?
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
This could be his chance Gepetto :happy:
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Yeah he has been quality and a big part of why Lolesio has done so well this season. But it is easier competing with one guy for a position, than 2!
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Harrison will combine well with O’Connor I think. JOC can come into first receiver when required on attack and Harrison can manage the game better. Left footer and right footer at 10 and 12.
DNZ
Guest
Does it matter what position our goalkicker plays? I do agree it’s a common theme that we’ve struggled and that is almost exclusively down to a lack of work in that space. I’ve never believed we did t have the talent.
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
That’s a real shame he was showing a lot of promise. Still early in his career so time to get better and continue his development. Big hit for the Brumbies though as they were looking good at times with him steering the ship. Wonder who will step up now.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Yeah Lolesio looked better at threatening the line if that's the way Rennie's tams play.