The nib Newcastle Knights put on a dominating performance in their Round 15 victory over the Brisbane Broncos, however it wasn't without casualties.
Injury Report: Lee injury blow, Ponga update, Levi return
2019 recruit and star winger Edrick Lee has arguably had his best season in the NRL, securing the win over the Sharks in Round 1 off his intercept try, linking up with Captain Mitchell Pearce to get the win against the Dragons, and scoring the opening try against the Broncos.
It seems his season may have been cut short, after picking a radial fracture on the weekend.
Head of Physical Performance Balin Cupples expects the injury to sideline Lee for some time.
"Edrick has fractured his radius," Cupples said.
"He went in for surgery yesterday, and the surgery went really well,
"Being the radius, and the unique spot that he has fractured it, it is a fairly significant return to play,
"At this stage we are looking at 10-12 weeks return for the fracture."
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The Knights were without Kalyn Ponga in Round 15, after he was withdrawn from the side ahead of kick off with a calf complaint.
Ponga came out of Origin camp with a ‘few niggles’, and was eased back into training throughout the week by the Knights medical staff. Although his cork progressed throughout the week, Ponga developed calf tightness as a result.
"We focused on his contusion injury cork wise," Cupples said.
"That tightness wasn’t going away, we tried some flush runs and had a real low key build up into the game,
"Unfortunately the day of the game he pulled up tight and had some pain walking,
"We followed the scan process which showed a minor strain of his calf which requires time to be taken with recovery.
"It is a minimum of 2 games before Ponga will return to the field.
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On a positive note, Danny Levi is expected to be available for selection this week, return from an ankle injury in May.
"If Danny gets through the week, he will join the team going into the Warrior’s game," stated Cupples.
"Danny has ripped in to it, he’s done plenty on his days off.
"He ticked off last week a couple of those more game-like conditioning like sessions."
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Eager Knights fans will have noted Aidan Guerra's progression through Canterbury Cup the past few weeks, as he builds up his match fitness for a return to NRL.
Guerra took a head knock in the match against Blacktown Magpies, and failed to return to the field following an HIA.
Cupples expects that Guerra will fit for selection this week, provided he progresses throughout the week.
"Today he’ll follow the Graded return concussion protocol, which everyone goes through," Cupples said.
"We will see how he progresses through the week."
Injured players and expected return dates:
Kalyn Ponga (Calf - Round 18)
Edrick Lee (Arm - Round 25-Finals)
Slade Griffin (ACL - Late season)
Danny Levi (Ankle - Round 16)
