Thompson set to see more of the sideline

[Archie]

Thompson set to see more of the sideline

The 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

[Archie]

Poor JT that is really bad luck. Hopefully it doesn't keep him out for too long he is too good to sit wasting away on the sidelines. In the meantime, I think it is Low time. If the kid doesn't get his start now with JT, Mogg and Monas all gone then I wouldn't blame him for wanting to look around elsewhere for a club that will give him some game time. He is too good to lose. Stick him out there Furner and give the kid a run even if it's just for a couple of games.

[pocket rocket]

That really sucks especially since Thommo was just getting into some great form before his injury. Isnt it always the way the same thing happened to Justin Carney. Hopefully Thommo's ribs aren't to bad and we can use him early on in the year.

[GB7600]

Get well soon Joel we need ya mate.

Agree with Archie give his place in the side to Low or even Robbo or Fergo.

[Chase94]

Shhooo!

Some players just seem to have all the bad luck ay. Gutsy kid but wanting to play on with a busted hip and rib you gotta love the spirit!

[Low Blow]

LOW! LOW! LOW!

 :13: :13: :13:



PS. Get well soon JT!

[Raidercast]

That really is bad luck for the bloke. He is easily the best Second Rower come Centre going round. He has the size, strength and speed to be one of the all time great centres and he can also mix it with the big boys in the pack. It would be great to see him back in the form he was in when he just left Jarrod Hayne grasping at air on the way to the line. All the best for a speedy recovery JT!