Concerns over Gilbert’s ACL; Two Titans Players Ruled Out
Dolphins forward Tom Gilbert sustained a suspected ACL injury during the Pre-Season Challenge loss to the Warriors, requiring assistance from the field. In his second game back from a shoulder reconstruction last June, Gilbert fell awkwardly without contact and immediately experienced discomfort upon hitting the turf.
Post-match, the Dolphins informed NRL.com that initial tests indicated a suspected ACL tear, with Gilbert scheduled for further evaluation. Assistant coach Nathan Fien expressed disappointment, highlighting Gilbert’s significance to the team, especially after returning from last year’s injury in the Origin.
Teammate Sean O’Sullivan also encountered trouble, failing a HIA early in the game against the Warriors, forcing him out of the remainder of the match. Additionally, Titans veteran Kieran Foran was ruled out of the trial game against the Eels due to a calf issue, with Brian Kelly (virus) replaced by Harley Smith-Shields.
In other injury news, Dragons prop Blake Lawrie suffered a rib issue, while Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes missed the Pre-Season Challenge match against the Bulldogs due to a minor quadriceps injury. Hynes, returning from representing the Indigenous All Stars, experienced quad tightness during training but is expected to be fully fit for round one.
Titans’ Brian Kelly, Warriors’ Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, and Sea Eagles’ Josh Schuster are among those facing fitness concerns for upcoming matches, with precautionary measures being taken for their recovery. Roosters winger Dom Young sustained a neck injury following a crusher tackle, prompting his absence from the Vegas game, while Knights hooker Jayden Brailey and Storm’s Sualauvi Fa’alogo dealt with respective hamstring and shoulder injuries.
