Laurie Weeks
Laurie Weeks has avoided surgery after injuring his knee in Friday’s loss to the Hurricanes, however the foundation Rebel will be sidelined for 6 to 8 weeks after scans confirmed a fracture of his left tibial plateau.
The news was bitter-sweet for the club, pleased he had avoided a season-ending injury but also disappointed to lose Laurie for an extended period.
“We call Laurie ‘Mr Rebel’,” Head of Athletic Performance Bryce Cavanagh explained. “He is a wonderful, positive influence on the group, and his experience is invaluable; we’ll miss that on the field.
“In saying that, Laurie’s positive approach to his rugby and to demanding the best from himself and the group will see him tackle his rehabilitation with a determined mindset, and we’re looking forward to welcoming him back to the group in the 2nd half of the season.”
Winger Dom Shipperley continues his recovery after fracturing his hand against the Lions in Round 6 ahead of a targeted late April return, while fellow outside back Tom Kingston was rested from the Dewar Shield on the weekend after a minor ankle strain; he will be available for selection this week.
Steve Cummins, Jed Gillespie, Keita Inagaki, Sam Jeffries, Tim Metcher and Ben Whittaker all played Dewar Shield over the weekend and came through unscathed.