The Knights are set to miss out on $3.2 million worth of talent over the next few weeks, as the club has confirmed that Bradman Best is sidelined with a groin injury.
Best is expected to be out for around a month to recover from the injury, joining star teammates Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Brown in the club’s injury list.
The New South Wales centre managed only 40 minutes of play against the Raiders on Sunday before he was substituted out, having to watch the second half from the sidelines with ice on his groin.
Bradman Best watches from the sidelines after sustaining a groin injury. Nine
Newcastle’s coach Justin Holbrook mentioned that Best had notified the staff of his discomfort early in the first half, but he was impressed by Best’s determination to persevere until the break.
“He battled through the first half, to be honest,” Holbrook commented.
“He wasn’t at his best early on, but making it to half-time was significant for us. Nonetheless, it’s disappointing that he had to come off.”
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On Monday, Newcastle confirmed that Best underwent scans and was found to have a moderate-grade groin strain.
If Best is fit to return after four weeks, he could potentially be available for the opening match of the State of Origin series.
Kalyn Ponga of the Knights celebrates scoring a try alongside teammate Bradman Best. Getty
In a positive turn of events for Holbrook and Knights supporters, the team has seen impressive results even while missing their star players.
Holbrook shared that they expect Brown to return from his MCL strain in about two weeks’ time.
Brown told Nine that his recovery has been progressing “smoothly” thus far.
As for Ponga, the coach believes he remains roughly a month away from making his comeback.
The Knights are set to face off against Wests Tigers as they wrap up the round six matches on Sunday.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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