Dragons dealt another setback as Jacob Liddle faces new hamstring injury

The Dragons’ season took another severe hit just moments before their match against the Rabbitohs was set to begin.

On a day when coach Shane Flanagan would have gladly traded anything for a straightforward game and a win, he was compelled to implement a significant reshuffle as Jacob Liddle was sidelined due to a suspected hamstring injury sustained during the warm-up.

Liddle had previously missed the beginning of the season with a hamstring issue, and it is feared that this recent injury pertains to the same leg.

Fox Sports’ sideline reporter Jake Duke mentioned that Liddle exited the field, stating he “felt it go” and expressed concerns that it “felt just like the grade three tear” that had kept him out at the season’s start.

“When it rains, it pours,” quipped Fox commentator Dan Ginnane.

Flanagan had previously shifted Liddle into the starting line-up over Damien Cook.

Josh Kerr stepped in for Hamish Stewart, and Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga was added to the six-man bench.

Shortly after kick-off, the Dragons found themselves behind once more, with Latrell Mitchell scoring in just the fifth minute.

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However, by the 30-minute mark, the Dragons had surged ahead after both Cook and Stewart managed to cross the try line.

They were given a lift when Rabbitohs substitute Peter Mamouzelos was sent to the sin bin for a hip-drop tackle on David Fale.

Instead of capitalising on the additional player, however, Alex Johnston scored for the Rabbitohs just before halftime, with Mitchell converting to give Souths a 16-12 advantage as both teams retreated to the sheds.

“That’s a crushing blow for the Dragons – leading, with an extra player, and yet Souths score just before the break and convert,” Ginnane remarked.