Much has been said and written in recent times about the apparent rising injury toll in the NRL.
Theories for this increase abound, including the faster game under the six-again rule, the bigger bodies of NRL players compared to those of days gone by, the ball-and-all tackling style of the modern game and the impact of foul play.
Whatever the reason, it appears that the number of players unavailable at any one time is higher than ever, and it’s clearly affecting the ability of teams to perform at their best.
Coming into Round 11, there are some 105 players unavailable through either injury or suspension. Included in the injured list are a dozen players who are gone for the season, and about the same number whose return date is currently classified as “indefinite”. Just to put that into perspective, the 105 unavailable players represent just over one-fifth of the total roster strength of the 16 clubs.
Some clubs are faring far worse than others in regards to player unavailability, with the cellar-dwelling Dogs missing ten players this week, while Manly, St George, the Knights and the Raiders all have nine players out. At the other end of the scale, competition front-runners Penrith are at full strength, while the Tigers and the Eels are only missing two and three players respectively.
Whichever way you look at it, that’s a lot of talent unavailable, but it can’t all be blamed on injury. Following the magic round foul play purge last week, there are 16 players currently suspended. Injuries are bad enough and will no doubt continue, with even more players potentially rubbed out for the season, so clubs just can’t afford to make their position even worse through player suspensions.
In this regard, the sooner both players and clubs get on board with the new normal in relation to send-offs and suspensions the better.
Just to illustrate the impact of suspensions on playing strength, here’s a team selected from those players who will be missing Round 11 courtesy of the judiciary:
1. Tyrone Peachey
2. Mikaele Ravalawa
3. Marata Niukore
4. Tyrell Fuimaono
5. Tautau Moga
6. Jack Wighton
7. Dylan Brown
8. Josh Papalii
9. Josh Hodgson
10. Jack Hetherington
11. David Fifita
12. Tariq Sims
13. Herman Ese’ese
That’s a lot of talent wasted, and many of them have suspensions that will see them out for some further time.
Tony
Roar Guru
Yep. Just ask the Dragons
Joe
Roar Rookie
Raider v Storm today is basically a test of team depth with all the outs. Suspensions and injuries are going to have a bigger impact this season.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
On the plus side Nat, it will probably be the “worst Queensland side ever”so on paper NSW would be certainties once again.
Nat
Roar Guru
That's the deal the devil made. Premiership success but then they gotta face Qld... :angry:
kk
Roar Pro
Wighton would probably enjoy an excursion to playing beside class. His fall from superstar to ordinary stunned me. It's a long road back. Munster would remind him who is the boss.
Tony
Roar Guru
I'd go with Mitchell for Crichton and Wighton at 14.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I wouldn’t be surprised if Wighton gets the 6. Theres increased rumblings around “NSW go better with a big ball running 6”. Luai isn’t the type NSW normally picks JFH and To’o are arguably my favourite players going around at the moment. JFH not eligible, don’t think they’ll pick To’o My back five would be 1 Tedesco 2 Tupou 3 Turbo 4 Crichton 5 JAC 14 - Papenhuyzen
Paul
Roar Guru
you'd be sweating on not losing too many for too long, close to the finals Albo. Great to have a charmed run with injuries now, just as long as Lady Luk doesn't come back to cruel the Panthers in the last few games before the finals.
Tony
Roar Guru
I reckon the top four on TB’s list are certainties. JFH isn’t eligible – plays for NZ
kk
Roar Pro
TB, Fisher-Harris is a certainty. Isn't he eligible? Capewell ... Origin class minutes? Cleary and Luai will be the halves at some stage. 'The Naturals' Yeo has to be in the 17. Relentless Effort. Crichton was born to play Origin. To'o's height maybe a problem.I love his spirit. Martin is ideal for Origin.. Would lift him to next level. They may get away with two out, Cleary and another, but I suspect they will have a minimum of four selected in Origin. A lot depends on team selected for O1 and the result thereof.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I don’t think it will be that big Cleary definitely Capewell definitely Luai maybe Yeo maybe Crichton seems unlikely at this stage (I’d pick him) To’o seems unlikely If they all get picked it could be a problem but they could foreseeably get away with just Cleary and Capewell... ably replaced by Burton and Martin for a few weeks
Albo
Roar Rookie
Yes Baz ! I am a firm believer in the "swings & roundabouts" theory regarding luck in footy ! Right now I am feeling a bit nervous for the Panthers following the good run they have had with injuries these past two seasons. Anyone seen that roundabout yet ? Is it SOO ?
kk
Roar Pro
There are a set of three 20 footers on its way to Penrith named "Origin." The Panthers contribution to that celebration of the best will be substantial. In the interim, a whistleblower could give one or more of them a rest. Playing to the rules is now serious business. May they continue to do so.
Tony
Roar Guru
:laughing:
Adam
Roar Guru
He'd only try to headbutt one of his team mates anyway. Better to play it safe
Tony
Roar Guru
I made a point of leaving him out
Adam
Roar Guru
Neither did the poor blokes he eye gouged...
Adam
Roar Guru
Couldn’t fit McGuire in your suspended top 13……? :laughing:
Tony
Roar Guru
Looks that way. Then again, they're all young and fit.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Has Ivan Cleary made a deal with the devil? They were missing Koroisau and Edwards for a while but they’ve had a charmed run with injuries over the past two seasons...