NRL injury update: Young stars Colquhoun & Dykes out for Round 1

Sharks young duo ruled out for Round 1

This week was full of bad injury news for the Cronulla Sharks. Two of the club's brightest prospects suffered injuries this week ahead of the club’s Round 1 matchup against New Zealand Warriors on March 8.

Young prop Jesse Colquhoun has been ruled out after breaking his fourth metatarsal. The club said via a statement that “A timeframe is yet to be determined” for when the 22-year-old can return from injury. Cronulla medical staff are set “to consult surgeons to determine the best course of action for his return to play.”

Kade Dykes is out with injury. The 22-year-old fullback is suffering from a “minor hamstring injury” in the Sharks’ most recent pre-season match against Bulldogs.

For Dykes and Sharks’ sakes, we’re all hoping this is truly a minor injury. Dykes missed all of the 2023 NRL season with a major ACL injury. If it is just a minor injury, Dykes could be back for Sharks’ Round 2 fixture against Bulldogs.

Eels injury updates

Few teams in the NRL had more injuries heading into Round 1 than Parramatta Eels. It now seems like they will have few players out with injury.

Bailey Simonsson, Ryan Matterson, Wiremu Greig, and Toni Mataele were all expected to miss Eels’ Round 1 match against Bulldogs. Now, it seems only Greig will miss the club’s opening fixture.

The 24-year-old prop suffered a hamstring injury last week. Mataele also suffered a hamstring injury but he’s not been ruled out of Eels Round 1 match like Greig has, so don’t be surprised if you see him at the CommBank Stadium on March 9.

Dolphins injury list grows longer

Dolphins, the NRL’s newest club, have had their fair share of bad luck in their first year as an NRL side. This bad juju apparently has stuck with them going into their second season.

Tom Gilbert tore his ACL and will miss all of the 2024 NRL season for the Dolphins. He missed nearly all of last year after dislocating his shoulder while playing for the Maroons.

Star centre Herbie Farnworth also looked to be out for significant time after suffering a knee injury in training this week. It’s now been revealed that he could be back as soon as Round 1.

Sean O'Sullivan and Max Plath have suffered head injuries and will be out for an indefinite amount of time. Anthony Milford has a hamstring injury and is questionable for Round 1.