The injury crisis at Canterbury has somehow worsened with larger-than-life winger Josh Addo-Carr suffering a high ankle sprain.
Addo-Carr was chasing after a Matt Burton kick when his right foot appeared to dig deep into the Accor Stadium turf and he landed awkwardly.
The ‘Foxx’ immediately rolled around in pain with initial fears he had injured to his right knee. He started banging the ground in frustration as play continued.
Bulldogs trainer Travis Touma helped Addo-Carr to his feet and, after strapping the ankle, the pair quickly realised his afternoon was over.
The Dogs sent out a press release at the start of the week with an update on the injuries to no fewer than 10 of their players, including Viliame Kikau (concussion), Raymond Faitala-Mariner (concussion), Nu Brown (elbow) and Luke Thompson (lisfranc ligament). Tevita Pangai Junior is still to be seen this season because of a calf injury.
Club officials confirmed Addo-Carr had suffered a syndesmosis injury, which likely means a six to eight week layoff.
It all but ends any chance of Addo-Carr being recalled to the NSW State of Origin team. His five tries in four games, including a long-range four-pointer in last Sunday’s comeback against North Queensland, had him back in the Blues conversation.
Lasting just eight minutes would have stung Addo-Carr even more given his good friend Latrell Mitchell was celebrating his 150th milestone game for rivals Souths.
Canterbury moved Paul Alamoti to the ring wing where Souths focussed more of their attack as the first half progressed, and enjoyed success with a double to Mitchell in a matter of minutes.
First-year head coach Cameron Ciraldo has done a magnificent job to keep the Dogs aiming up with such an outrageous injury toll.
The winger immediately rolled around in pain after his right foot dug deep into the Accor Stadium turf.
South Sydney suffered their own injury with Tevita Tatola clutching at his knee in the opening minute. He was only returning from the same injury he picked up in round three against the Sydney Roosters. He played on until the half hour, but there are fears he will not return for the second half.
The bunker reviewed the tackle but were satisfied there was no hint of a hip-drop tackle.
South Sydney led 26-6 at half-time in front of a bumper Good Friday crowd.
Stream the NRL Premiership 2023 live and free on 9Now.
