There’s never a good time for injuries, but especially when you’re in the kind of form that Daniel Saifiti has been producing in recent weeks.
But during the Round 9 loss to the Eels, the NSW Blues forward went down with what looked to be a knee injury.
Following the match, coach Adam O’Brien revealed that it’s suspected Saifiti has been dealt damage to his posterior cruciate ligament.
“Daniel is the one we’re concerned about,” O’Brien said.
“Early diagnosis is PCL…I think that’s better than the others (ACL and MCL).
“[He’ll be a] couple of weeks I think.”
The injury meant the big forward would only play 38 minutes, much less than his usual efforts, but he still managed to pour out 91 running metres and 31 tackles.
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The team performed strongly in defence, but unfortunately couldn’t get the attack clicking in the moments that mattered.
O’Brien identified the attack, particularly the kicking game, as a flaw in the match.
“I thought we showed some toughness and grit defensively,” he said.
Match Highlights: Eels just too good in tight battle
“I wasn’t happy with attack.”
Our skill on the kicks wasn’t where it needed to be.
“Our end-note to sets was a little impatient and unpolished.”
Saifiti’s injury means there’s a possible vacancy that now opens up in the starting squad with multiple names now being considered.
His brother, Jacob, would have to be considered at the top of the list given his string of strong performances, while Josh King is a man who could return to the side if fellow forwards Tim Glasby, Sione Mata’utia and Mitch Barnett are still unavailable for selection.
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