Canberra face a nervous wait on co-captain Josh Hodgson’s fitness ahead of next Saturday’s blockbuster against Parramatta.
Hodgson was injured late in the Raiders’ 30-10 defeat to Penrith on Friday night, and did not return. The 31-year-old could be seen trying to stretch out his left leg for several seconds after a try, before eventually succumbing to the problem.
Any injury to Hodgson would be a significant blow to the Raiders. They were forced to make do last year without him, and while dummy-half Tom Starling took them to within 80 minutes of a grand final, there is no doubt they missed their leader.
Saturday’s game shapes as a big battle of the packs, with Parramatta’s number nine Reed Mahoney leading the Dally M count headed into Round 5.
Meanwhile, the circumstances surrounding Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad’s concussion could also cop some scrutiny from the NRL.
(Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
The Canberra fullback stayed on the field for eight minutes following the initial knock in a tackle from Isaah Yeo, before eventually leaving the field.
In that time, he was the victim of a high tackle from Viliame Kikau, prompting some questions over what actually removed him from the field.
It’s understood the NRL’s spotter spent that time going over the footage of the original blow, sustained in the first tackle with Yeo. The Cook Islands international came reeling out of the hit, and staggered forward before falling to the ground.
It’s believed he was eventually ruled out on that footage, even before finishing his head injury assessment (HIA).
There is however a thought that the injury could pertain to neck issues the 25-year-old has previously battled, as club medics could be seen analysing movement in his fingers.
Regardless, Nicoll-Klokstad’s absence hurt the Raiders on Friday as they desperately lacked his safe hands and defensive voice at the back.
“It certainly did (hurt), but it shouldn’t be an excuse,” Ricky Stuart said.
“Jordan (Rapana) has played fullback before, he did a good job there, I thought he played really well.
“I’m happy with Elliott (Whitehead) in the centres, that’s what happens when you lose an outside back.”
Andrew01
Roar Rookie
Tim gives as good as he gets. He is biased mate. And that's okay, everyone is. Its a preference when people can recognise their own bias, none the less my comment wasn't actually an attack, more a prediction.
mushi
Roar Guru
So you wouldn't complain if the injury rate at your work spiked?
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Yep, finished over the Storm, outstayed the Raiders..just the Bunnies left and there in a pile by the door will lie the 3 main contenders/ threats to them.
Bill
Guest
Just nasty aren’t you just. Tim’s a fine writer and while it may not be to everyone taste all the time, is entertaining and for me, mostly spot on. He might be a die hard Raiders fan, having grown up in Canberra that’s no surprise, but he’s insightful, knowledgeable and detailed; I for one appreciate it. His love for the sport comes through in his writing and commentary. I mean, look at your contributions to this site, nasty little jibes at the writers that provide the content that keep this site going. It would be sad if they up and left. Have some respect Andrew, please mate. Bill
andrew
Roar Rookie
Probably a bit of both Albo. I'm afraid teams are going to have to get used to it. The game's changing, and like a lot of things, people don't like or won't accept change. Penrith are probably the fittest along with the other top 4 contenders and it's up to the rest to catch up and not dumb down so to speak.
Andrew01
Roar Rookie
Ricky Stuart not blowing up after a loss....?! But a Raiders loss is a Raiders loss. I think we all know what Tim Gore will be writing about in his weekly spot... After a week reflecting on Tommy it will probably be back to "Complaint Corner with Tim" .
Albo
Roar Rookie
Right now the Panthers are the fittest team in the competition , whether through natural ability or their training programs ? They seem to be best suited to the longer minutes of action under these new rules.
andrew
Roar Rookie
Hey Scot . It was interesting listening to Luai's interview after the game. When asked about the speed of the game, his reply of, we train for it and wasn't going to make any excuse for it and that his team embraced it. That sums it up. I'm getting tired of players complaints about the speed of the game. Saints will soften up Parra tomorrow for the Penrith clash.