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NRL Physio Injury Updates: Round 6

NRL Physio

Our resident rugby league injury expert, the NRL Physio has written a wrap-up of the injuries and recoveries after Round 6.

 

“Even Nathan Cleary reads the NRL Physio’s Twitter feed!” Said by somebody. Probably.

Nathan Cleary

Cleary Junior is due to start running next week in his rehab from a Grade 3 MCL injury. He is aiming for a return in Round 10-11 and if rehab continues to go well that is very achievable. Many people have been asking me on Twitter whether he can kick goals upon returning. The answer is that if he’s fit to play then he’s fit to kick. I don’t think they would risk him though when they have James Maloney as a more than capable back up. More commonly most teams would ease players back into a kicking role.

 

Nathan Brown

The Eels lock is said to be out for one more week (return Round 8) with an ankle injury which is likely a high ankle/syndesmosis sprain. Most Grade 1 high ankle sprains fall in the 1-4 week recovery range.

 

Paul Gallen

Confirmation of a Grade 2 MCL sprain for Paul Gallen. He has been estimated a 4-6 week recovery, which is where most fall in the NRL. I have seen some cases return in three weeks, but rehab would have to go perfectly.

 

Andrew Fifita

Great news after the Tongan and Sharks prop was cleared from serious injury. He will be unavailable for selection this week as he recovers from bone bruising in his knee. He is still expected to return sometime in the next 2-4 weeks.

 

Wade Graham

The Sharks co-captain will miss the next 2-4 weeks with a hamstring strain. This is likely a Grade 1 hamstring injury with that recovery time frame.

 

Cameron Murray

It is a confirmed hamstring injury for Cameron Murray which is why he missed last week’s game. Still no word on severity just yet from the Rabbitohs. A reminder even minor hamstring strains usually require 2-4 weeks to recover from.

 

Matt Gillett

It was well reported that Gillett visited a specialist last week and it was discovered he has three fractures in the C5 vertebrae in his neck. There are estimates of 8-12 weeks on the sideline. There are many different types of vertebral fracture. The good news is majority heal well with no surgery and no long-term issues. Gillett suffered his initial neck injury in Round 1 at the end of the game against the Dragons. His chin appeared to get forced to the chest (hyperflexion/crusher). He left the field one minute after that tackle and missed a training session the following week with neck soreness. Factors that influence recovery time from cervical (neck) fracture include:

  • the severity of the fracture
  • which of the cervical vertebrae are fractured
  • which part of the vertebrae is fractured – is there nerve/spinal cord injury (luckily this doesn’t appear to be the case).

Despite concern that comes with neck fractures, signs for Gillett are positive. He doesn’t require surgery, there is no nerve/spinal cord injury, no collar required to stabilise fractures/help with healing, and he is able to continue training over next two months with no contact. This ondicates fractures are likely minor and stable, great news for the recovery.

 

Josh Mansour

The Panthers have confirmed a fractured cheekbone for Josh Mansour after he went to hospital mid-game. This is going to need surgery and mostly requires 4-6 weeks recovery.

 

Nathan Peats

Unfortunately Peats suffered a rib cartilage fracture and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks total. This is an extremely painful injury and every twist and turn will cause significant pain.

 

Sio Siua Taukeiaho

In some positive injury news, SST will not require surgery on the cartilage injury in his knee. He will undergo rehab and should only require 1-2 weeks recovery.

 

Matt Lodge

Lodge reportedly suffered rib cartilage injuries on the weekend and could not return to their games. The injury like this is mostly a pain management issue which could cost them a week or two, but most do fine with a pain-killing injection/padding.

 

Solomone Kata

The bustling Warriors centre is expected to miss up to a month with an ankle injury sustained on the weekend against the Broncos. It is a Grade 1 high ankle sprain which usually requires 1-4 weeks recovery time.

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Russell Packer

As seen in the video above Russell Packer has confirmed a Grade 2 MCL tear and believes he was very lucky it wasn’t worse. He has claimed a 4-6 week recovery which would see him return in Round 9-11. The Doctor said he will lose a bit of pace and stepping ability which he is “gutted” about…

 

As always if you have any questions, throw a comment down below or hit me up on Twitter @nrlphysio or Facebook.

The opinions given by the author of this article are given by a qualified physiotherapist, HOWEVER they are based on the information available to the author at the time of publication; are general; and are not based on any formal physical assessment and/or diagnosis by the author. If you believe you may be suffering from an injury similar to one commented on by the author, do not rely on the author’s advice as it may not apply to you – see a qualified physiotherapist for a full assessment, diagnosis and treatment plan.

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NRL Physio

The "NRL Physio" is a qualified and practicing physiotherapist. He tweets from @NRLPhysio and writes for us about injuries to NRL players and their recovery times.

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NRL Physio

The "NRL Physio" is a qualified and practicing physiotherapist. He tweets from @NRLPhysio and writes for us about injuries to NRL players and their recovery times.