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Zac Hosking in brutal new NRL development after further injury blow for the Raiders

The Canberra Raiders back rower could be a huge loss for the club.

Riley Morgan
·Sports Reporter
·2-min read

Canberra Raiders star Zac Hosking could be set to spend the remainder of the season on the sidelines after surgery could be required on his shoulder injury. Hosking exited the field last week in the Raiders' controversial win over the Titans clutching his shoulder. Hosking has been one of the most damaging runners this year for the club and time on the sideline would be a huge blow.

Initial reports suggested Hosking would miss a few weeks as he worked through rehab. Unfortunately, The Daily Telegraph has reported Hosking is looking at 10-12 weeks out having suffered ligament damage to his shoulder.

Canberra Raiders star Zac Hosking (pictured) could be set to spend the remainder of the season on the sidelines. (Getty Images)
Canberra Raiders star Zac Hosking (pictured) could be set to spend the remainder of the season on the sidelines. (Getty Images)

Hosking's recovery and rehab over the next two weeks is vital to how long he will miss. If rehab goes well, surgery could be delayed until the end of the season. “The Raiders are anticipating that Zac requires surgery,” Telegraph reporter Dave Riccio told SEN Radio. “It was a dislocation and with that came some damage to the ligament.

“It’s in need of repair via an operation so Zac is heading down that path. It is a three to four month recovery process which means that this injury is not completely season ending but it’s a huge chunk and portion of what will be a tricky part to the season."

This is a huge blow for Hosking who had found form after moving from the Panthers. The 27-year-old has been awarded six Dally M points this year as the Raiders find themselves defying the doubters to sit third on the ladder with four wins and two losses.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 16: Zac Hosking of the Raiders celebrates a try during the round two NRL match between Canberra Raiders and Wests Tigers at GIO Stadium, on March 16, 2024, in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Jenny Evans/Getty Images)
CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 16: Zac Hosking of the Raiders celebrates a try during the round two NRL match between Canberra Raiders and Wests Tigers at GIO Stadium, on March 16, 2024, in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Jenny Evans/Getty Images) (Jenny Evans via Getty Images)

David Fifita on Raiders radar after injury

The Raiders are looking to bolster their back row options going forward and bulldozing Titans star David Fifita has been on their radar for quite some time. Hosking has been sensational through the first six rounds, but adding Fifita to the mix in teh future is reportedly high on their list.

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“In the background, the Raiders have always had an interest to the point where they had him pinned down and that’s David Fifita,” Riccio added after the Hosking news. “The Raiders aren’t the only chasers but Fifita hasn’t re-signed with the Titans and taken up that clause in his contract to go another year.

“The Raiders are not going to chase him because they feel like they’ve done enough." The Raiders are taking on the Broncos this week without the likes of Corey Horsburgh, Jordan Rapana and Elliot Whitehead.