Wests Tigers fullback Daine Laurie and centre James Roberts are both facing an extended period on the sideline due to injury.
Laurie is expected to miss between 4 to 6 weeks after suffering a Grade 2 MCL injury in Saturday’s win over the Rabbitohs. Roberts has been carrying a lower back injury for a while and was a late withdrawal from the game last weekend. He too is facing an indefinite period out of the game.
On the plus side, young outside back Asu Kepaoa is back in full contact training after tearing a pectoral muscle in pre-season.
Kelma Tuilagi will make his return against the Dragons this weekend after missing the South Sydney game through illness.
After injuring his ankle injury in the team’s Round 6 win over Parramatta, Jake Simpkin has continued his strong recovery. The young hooker is named in a 24-man squad for this weekend’s game against the Dragons in Wollongong.
Stefano Utoikamanu is progressing well and not too far off making his return, after undergoing ankle surgery in late March.
Adam Doueihi is targeting a return close to Round 14 after undergoing a knee reconstruction late last season.
Tommy Talau is back doing some ‘graded running’ following an ACL tear in Round 25 last season. He’s expected to be available for selection later in the season.
And Shawn Blore will not play at all this year after suffering an ACL injury in pre-season.
