Two Storm Origin stars are set for stints on the sideline while a couple of Parramatta’s finest must go through concussion protocols after a brutal start to the 2023 season.
Cameron Munster has rushed back to Melbourne to have surgery on his injured finger.
Munster – who was due to remain in Sydney – instead flew to Melbourne on Friday morning to have his injury repaired on Friday afternoon.
It is unclear until the surgery is complete exactly how long the injury will keep Munster sidelined for but he is expected to miss some matches.
A general compound fracture repair could keep Munster sidelined for about a month. He was praised for his toughness after he returned to the field after half-time despite the painful injury.
The Storm have a long turnaround before their round two clash against the Bulldogs on Saturday week.
“I think he broke a bone that came out of the skin so he’ll need an operation,” Craig Bellamy said.
“Hopefully he can have it (surgery) earlier in the week (and not miss any games). We’ve got a bit of a longer turnaround, but I’m not quite sure.”
“I’ll have a bit of cement and I’ll be right,” he laughed on Channel 9.
However, you’d have to assume there’d be some assessment on his fitness for next week.
Munster told ABC “The bone is still sticking out. It’s not ideal.”
Speaking on Channel 9 after the game, Munster didn’t see it as a big issue, despite confirming the compound dislocation.
Winger Xavier Coates was also forced out of the game with a shoulder injury which Bellamy said was expected to sideline the Maroons star for 1-2 weeks.
Elsewhere, Parramatta’s Will Penisini and IsaacLumelume had to leave the field for HIA tests.
Originally published as NRL Casualty Ward: Cameron Munster to require surgery, Coates injures shoulder
