Lindsay Collins in brutal Roosters development as Sam Walker receives boost
The Roosters have been hit with an injury blow ahead of the clash against the Panthers.
Roosters prop Lindsay Collins has been dealt a bitter blow having suffered a hamstring injury against the Rabbitohs, which could see him miss up to four weeks. The Roosters obliterated the Rabbitohs on Friday night with James Tedesco leading the charge in a 48-6 NRL victory.
However, Collins went off before the end of the second half having hurt his hamstring. The Maroons prop was seen limping after the game in a scare for the Roosters. And on Monday, it was confirmed Collins has strained his thigh.
NRL Physio Brien Seeney claimed the Roosters prop would miss between two to four weeks. Unfortunately for the Roosters, they will be missing their star prop for the clash against the Penrith Panthers this Thursday night.
In good news for the Roosters, five-eighth Luke Keary should be available for the clash with the game falling on the 11th day of his concussion stand down protocol. This will make him available on Thursday. To a further boost for the team and their halves combination, Sam Walker should also be back for the tantalising showdown with the reigning champions.
Walker left the field against the Rabbitohs having been deemed to have suffered a grade one concussion, but it was later downgraded to two. This means he will be available to play against the Panthers.
The Panthers should be close to full strength with James Fisher-Harris a chance of returning after missing the victory over the Broncos in the NRL grand final rematch. Fisher-Harris would be a huge welcome for the Panthers as they look to continue the form that saw them defeat the Eels and the Broncos in consecutive games.
Scans revealed a minor hamstring strain for Lindsay Collins. Obviously best case scenario as far as muscle strains go - but still the usual return to play is 2-4 weeks.
No expected recovery timeframe provided by the Roosters at this stage.— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) March 25, 2024
Jack Wighton and Cameron Murray on watch
Collins wasn't the only star to come out battered and bruised from the Friday night clash. The Rabbitohs are keeping watch on new recruit Jack Wighton and captain Cameron Murray after the demolition.
Wighton could be seen hobbling towards the end of the Roosters game, and was a virtual passenger in the dying stages. It has since come to light that Wighton suffered a thigh injury and was spotted with heavy strapping at training on Monday.
Both Wighton and captain Cameron Murray were on restricted duties on Monday, with Murray nursing a bursa issue in his knee. In good news for both players, they are expected to take part in the clash against the Bulldogs. Coach Jason Demetriou is under immense pressure to turn the form of the club around having started the season 0-3. The coach has reportedly been told he has three games to turn things around, or the board will consider finding someone else.
Despite the worry, winger Alex Johnston maintains the players are sticking together. "I think the skipper summed it up at the start of training," winger Johnston said on Monday. "We're only going to get through this together, stick with each other and fight for every play when we're out there and things will start sticking."
