Knights face injury setbacks after loss to Roosters
Knights Suffer Multiple Injuries in Roosters Clash
The Newcastle Knights experienced significant injury challenges during their 23-22 loss to the Roosters. Coach Justin Holbrook confirmed post-match that the team was hit with several injury blows. Among the most serious was to Dylan Lucas, who was stretchered off the field with a dislocated and fractured ankle. His injury occurred in the first half after he took a penalty tap and was brought down, with his left foot bending outwards.
Teammates quickly called for trainers and a medicab for Lucas, who was seen with his hands on his head as he was moved to the stretcher. Commentators noted the quick response from medical staff, indicating the severity of the injury. Lucas was given a green whistle as he was transported to the sheds.
Later in the match, Dylan Brown also sustained a knee injury. Holbrook expressed concern about Brown’s condition, stating that doctors and physios did not have a positive initial diagnosis. The club hopes Brown has not suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury, especially since it affects the same knee that previously sidelined him this year. He is scheduled for scans in the coming days.
The Knights were already without Kalyn Ponga due to a leg injury before the match. During the game, Francis Manuleleua and Tyson Frizell also left the field for head injury assessments. Manuleleua’s night ended early in the second half after contact with Egan Butcher‘s shoulder, while Nat Butcher was placed on report for a high tackle on Frizell.
Match Details and Roosters’ Victory
Despite the mounting injuries, the Knights showed resilience. They took the lead through a try by Mat Croker. The team held a 10-6 lead at halftime. However, the Roosters managed to secure a narrow 23-22 victory, with Daly Cherry-Evans slotting a field goal in the final moments of the game.
James Tedesco was a key player for the Roosters, scoring a hat-trick, including an early try where he powered under the posts after a step caught the Knights off guard. Some Newcastle players appealed for an obstruction call on Tedesco’s first try, but their pleas were denied. Tedesco’s second try in the second stanza levelled the score at 10-all.
The Roosters also faced an injury concern, with Daniel Tupou taken to the sheds with a suspected shoulder injury. However, this did not prevent them from maintaining their momentum. Billy Smith scored a try that appeared to seal the win for the Roosters in the 68th minute, but Bradman Best quickly responded to level the scores with six minutes remaining.
The Roosters‘ win marked their fifth consecutive victory, temporarily moving them into second position. This win also secured a finals berth for the tricolours and moved them closer to a top-four spot. They have now won six straight and 10 of their last 11 clashes against the Knights.
Coach’s Reaction and Upcoming Challenges
Coach Holbrook expressed mixed emotions after the game, stating he was “devastated but proud” of his team’s performance given the circumstances. He noted that despite the significant injury list, no alarm bells were being set off within the team. Captain Phoenix Crossland echoed Holbrook’s sentiments, expressing his upset but also his pride in the playing group for fighting until the end against a “pretty much full-strength Roosters team.”
The Knights‘ injury woes could have significant implications for their season, particularly with the potential long-term absence of Lucas and Brown. The team will face road trips against the Broncos and Raiders in the coming fortnight. The Roosters, on the other hand, will aim to secure a top-four spot as they prepare to face the Cowboys.
The match also saw several players placed on report. Victory Radley was reported for a crusher tackle in the first half. Egan Butcher was placed on report for a high tackle on Francis Manuleleua, and his brother Nat Butcher was also reported for a high tackle on Tyson Frizell. Additionally, Frizell was placed on report for dangerous contact on the legs of Wong.
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Source: nine.com.au
