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Cronulla Sharks suffer major blow as wing ruled out for the season

(Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Cronulla have suffered a major injury setback with winger Sione Katoa to miss the remainder of the NRL season after undergoing surgery on a pectoral injury.

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The Sharks’ top tryscorer sustained the injury after scoring a runaway try to seal Cronulla’s win over North Queensland last weekend.

That was Katoa’s 14th try of a prolific campaign and leaves the Sharks without a key weapon heading into the finals.

Cronulla will begin life without Katoa this weekend against ladder-leading Penrith.

Meanwhile, Canterbury have been handed a big boost with star winger Josh Addo-Carr a strong chance to play this weekend after being cleared of serious injury.

Addo-Carr went off in last Sunday’s loss to South Sydney with fears he had suffered a glute tear that might have meant he was unable to finish the season.

The injury would have also prevented the winger from pressing his case to earn Australian Test selection for the Rugby League World Cup later this year.

Addo-Carr was overlooked by NSW in the 2-1 State of Origin series defeat.

But the Bulldogs have confirmed the winger’s sole concern is a troublesome ankle problem and he could line up for Sunday’s game against Gold Coast.

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If he isn’t cleared to play against the Titans, the Bulldogs expect their winger, who has 11 tries in 16 games, will be fit for their clash with Newcastle the following Sunday.

The Dogs also have English international Luke Thompson available after the prop complained of delayed concussion symptoms and missed their last six games.

The Titans, meanwhile, expect livewire fullback Jayden Campbell to return on Sunday after being sidelined since round 13 with a hamstring injury.

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H
Hellhound 2 hours ago
The Springboks have something you don't have

Rassie has done very well with the Boks. The well will certainly not dry up soon. The amount of young talent coming through, that don't even stand a chance of making it in before 2027, is just absolutely amazing.


However, Rassie has proven to be a rugby genius. He will never rest on his laurels. It's why he keeps evolving tactics, keeping everyone on their toes. He doesn't underestimate any team. He is very aware of just how close the top teams is.


There will be no complacency not will he relax with his main stars. He is very astute, knowing that his team is getting older and thus giving the younger players much more playtime than what any other coach would do.


By the time the 2027 WC comes around, he will be prepared to defend his title and he knows one bad day will end a triple WC crown. Competition is that close. The Boks are in transition, even though it doesn't look like it.


After the 2027 WC, most of the double (possible triple) WC champs players will become unavailable due to retirement from international rugby. Rassie is already preparing the replacements, getting caps under their belts.


The top teams is just too close to underestimate and no Bok will be allowed to get complacent. Although they are by far the current most successful team and clearly the best by miles, they are not undefeatable.


Very tough to beat yes, but they can lose on the day. I am not worried. The youngsters by 2027 WC will be experienced with lots of years ahead and that should be a warning to the rest of the pack biting at their heels. Love them or hate them, but you have to admire the Boks. They truely deserve to be top dogs currently.

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