The Canterbury Bulldogs were valiant in defeat despite the Parramatta Eels running up a 30-4 scoreline in the clash between the traditional rivals.
It comes after yet another injury to a key backline star as Jacob Kiraz went down early with a knee injury after just 10 minutes against the Eels.
Watch every game of every round of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Gutho & Sivo link up for a double | 00:37
Gutherson makes mockery of ‘X-Factor’ claims as ex-Eel cops horror return: 3 Big Hits
Coach’s shock hospital reveal after star’s huge Origin statement
The club says Kiraz has injured the MCL in his right knee after he was caught awkwardly in a three-man tackle, with the damaging ball-carrier set to be a huge loss given his willingness to do all the dirty work coming out of trouble.
To make matters worse, centre Jake Averillo played out the match but was in clear discomfort with a right knee complaint. The NRL even added him to its online casualty ward.
Kiraz now joins the mounting injury list including Josh Addo-Carr who is expected to be out until round 15.
The Bulldogs just can’t take a trick at the moment and will have to turn to either Braidon Burns, Declan Casey or former sevens star Jeral Skelton who could make his NRL debut after some strong performances in NSW Cup.
They were already so short that Jayden Okunbor – who has been playing in the middle this year – started on the left wing and then shifted to the right edge where he played alongside Averillo.
It’s gotten so bad that rookie coach Cameron Ciraldo said it was the worst injury toll he’d ever seen.
“It is now,” Ciraldo admitted. “It is, but that’s footy. These things happen. Clubs go through it from time to time. I’ve seen it a number of times over the years where it looks unlucky and feels unlucky but it’s just footy. That’s why you’ve got a top 30, you’ve got guys there who are just going to have to come in and do the job and be the next man up.
“This is why you have a club with a three grades all aspiring to be NRL players.”
Ciraldo also admitted that within the club’s fit players, there’s still plenty of walking wounded.
“Jake (Averillo) was battling, there were a couple of other guys out there that probably shouldn’t be playing at the moment but they’re playing because we need them to play,” he said.
“This club is built on determination and grit and we’re showing plenty of it at the moment.
“In the future, whether it’s in six months or one year or two years, we’re going to look back at this period and it’s going to be the making of some of these guys.”
With Martin Gabor, NCA Newswire
