Penrith Panthers centre Izack Tago is facing up to six weeks on the sidelines with a pectoral injury suffered in the dying minutes of last week’s heart-breaking loss to South Sydney.
The Panthers’ loss has been compounded by news that their star centre will be unavailable for up to six weeks after picking up the injury in the 77th minute attempting to make a tackle on South Sydney utility Michael Chee-Kam.
Izack Tago clutches at his chest during last week’s game against South Sydney.
The injury went unnoticed in the mayhem surrounding South Sydney’s incredible come-from-behind victory.
The Panthers, who declined to comment when contacted on Tuesday night, are privately hopeful Tago could be back as early as a month but are bracing for the potential of having him unavailable for up to six weeks.
That could prove harmful during a State of Origin period where the Panthers could have Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai, Isaah Yeo, Stephen Crichton, Brian To’o and Liam Martin all unavailable.
The Panthers take on the Wests Tigers in Bathurst on Saturday night before squaring off against the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium during magic round.
Tago’s injury could open the door for teenage sensation Jesse McLean to make his NRL debut in the coming weeks.
McLean was recently elevated into the club’s top 30 squad, but the Panthers also have Tom Jenkins and Tyrone Peachey as potential options.
It comes as Canterbury prepare to drop the axe on under pressure playmaker Kyle Flanagan, who is expected to be dropped for this week’s clash against the Dragons in Wollongong on Sunday.
Flanagan was moved from halfback to five-eighth by coach Cameron Ciraldo for last week’s 33-20 loss to the Cronulla Sharks.
Kyle Flanagan is expected to be dropped this weekend.Credit: Getty
It appears Ciraldo will look to change things up with his team slumping to three wins from eight games this year.
The Bulldogs play just one top eight team (Warriors) over the next month and could prove an opportune time for the coach to inject 18-year-old recruit Karl Oloapu into the NRL team for his debut.
The Bulldogs paid a $500,000 transfer fee for Oloapu to join the club from the Broncos at the start of the season but has been learning the ropes in NSW Cup over the first two months.
With games against the Dragons, Raiders, Warriors and Titans over the next month before their first bye, the Bulldogs have a friendly draw after playing four consecutive teams who featured in last year’s finals series.
Stream the NRL Premiership 2023 live and free on 9Now.
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
