Thompson set to see more of the sidelineThe Canberra Raiders may be forced to unveil a new centre pairing for the start of the NRL season as Joel Thompson's rotten injury luck continues.
The 22-year-old sustained rib cartilage damage and hurt his hip flexor while playing for the Indigenous All-Stars in Saturday night's match against the NRL All-Stars on the Gold Coast.
It was Thompson's first game since being sidelined with osteitis pubis midway through last season, which forced the promising utility to miss Canberra's final 11 games, including both semi-finals.
Thompson returned to Canberra last night. Raiders medical staff will examine him today.
Indigenous All-Stars coach Laurie Daley lauded Thompson's courage in wanting to continue.
''Joel Thompson had busted rib cartilage and a hip flexor and he said, 'I want to go back out','' Daley said.
''After a minute he couldn't run so I had to drag him back off.''
Raiders hooker Travis Waddell is nursing a finger injury from the same game.
Even if scans come back positive, it's unlikely either Thompson or Waddell will take part in the Raiders' trial with the Melbourne Storm in Bega on Saturday night.
Prop Tom Learoyd-Lahrs and fullback Josh Dugan are also long shots to take part after playing substantial roles at Skilled Park.
Learoyd-Lahrs was awarded player's player by his Idigenous teammates, with Dugan man of the match.
Thompson's injury only a month out from the club's season-opener against the Sharks gives coach David Furner a selection headache.
Thompson was set to reignite his centre pairing Jarrod Croker.
One option could be to move Daniel Vidot closer to the play, with Reece Robinson or junior Kiwi winger Drury Low on the flank.
Raiders recruit Blake Ferguson will miss both trials with a fractured finger, but the former Sharks speedster remains confident of being fit to face his old side on March 13.
Outside back James Stuart who has just five top-grade appearances under his belt and back-rower Danny Galea are among the other options at Furner's disposal.
All will have the chance to press their claims when the Raiders take a squad of about 30 players down to Bega to face the Storm.
That will be cut to 20 or 22 for Canberra's final trial against the Canterbury Bulldogs in Tamworth on February 26.
RAIDERS TRIAL GAMES
Saturday night: Against Melbourne Storm at Bega
Saturday, February 26: Against Canterbury Bulldogs at Tamworth
Source: The Canberra Times