Roosters star likely set for surgery as club updates multiple injury concerns
The Sydney Roosters’ damaging win over the Brisbane Broncos has come at a cost, with star winger Mark Nawaqanitawase expected to undergo surgery after suffering a syndesmosis injury during Saturday night’s 38-24 clash at Allianz Stadium.
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Roosters coach Trent Robinson confirmed post-match that the outside back is likely to require an operation, with the injury set to sideline him for an extended period and place his State of Origin hopes in serious doubt, with initial estimates around 6-8 weeks on the sideline.
Nawaqanitawase was one of several players to fail to finish the high-intensity encounter, which saw the Roosters run out convincing winners but also suffer a growing injury toll across both sides.
The former Wallaby left the field in the first half after his foot became trapped under teammate Robert Toia in a tackle, immediately sparking concern from medical staff as he limped from the field.
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Robinson later confirmed the worst fears, indicating surgery is expected on the syndesmosis issue — an injury that typically requires a recovery window of several weeks, depending on severity.
The setback is particularly untimely for Nawaqanitawase, who had been pushing his claims for a NSW Blues debut and was firmly in selection contention for the upcoming Origin series opener later this month.
The Roosters winger had spoken earlier in the week about his ambition to represent the Blues, but those hopes now hang in the balance with surgery set to rule him out of the immediate Origin window.
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Saturday night’s match itself was a bruising contest despite the Roosters’ strong finish, with the Broncos also losing skipper Adam Reynolds to a head knock and suffering further injury concerns across a chaotic second half.
While the Roosters celebrated a crucial 38-24 win, attention quickly shifted to the casualty ward, with Nawaqanitawase’s injury but for the Roosters it was far form the only representative calibre casualty.
Star Kangaroos and Blues back-rower Angus Crichton will also need scans on a knee injury that forced him to leave the game during the second half.
Coach Robinson suggested it was a medial knee injury that forced Crichton from the field, with the Roosters awaiting further scans to assess the severity.
The Roosters will also lose representative front-rower Lindsay Collins after he received a head knock that ultimately ruled him out of the game, and automatically for next round as he enters the NRL’s concussion protocols for a Category 1 concussion.
It was a huge win for the Roosters, who are on a roll and, along with Penrith, are arguably the form clubs of the competition right now, but it has come at an immense cost that could be felt heavily from Round 10.
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