Bulldogs Hit By Major Injury Blow as Season Looms
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have been dealt a significant setback just ahead of their season opener, with new recruit Leo Thompson facing a lengthy stint on the sidelines. The promising forward is expected to miss approximately 10 weeks of action following an unfortunate incident that has cast a shadow over the club’s pre-season preparations. This news comes on the heels of a challenging period for the club, compounded by similar concerns for other key players.
Thompson, who was slated to bolster the Bulldogs’ forward pack in 2026 after making the move from the Newcastle Knights, was initially part of the Indigenous All-Stars representative team. However, he was forced to withdraw from the match due to concerns over calf tightness. Subsequent scans have revealed the extent of the injury, confirming a calf tear that will sideline the front-rower for a considerable period. While the news is undoubtedly a blow for Bulldogs fans and coach Cameron Ciraldo, it is understood that Thompson will not require surgery.
The NRL Physio, Brien Seeney, commented on the unfortunate timing of the injury, noting that the initial scans were precautionary, making the diagnosis of a tear all the more disappointing. The Bulldogs are scheduled to travel to the United States this week to face the Penrith Panthers in the opening round of the competition. The absence of Thompson will undoubtedly impact the team’s forward rotation as they prepare for this significant international fixture.
In more positive news for the Bulldogs, star playmaker Matt Burton appears to have avoided serious injury. Burton left the field during a recent NRL trial match against the Knights, clutching his hamstring and limping. Concerns were high that the five-eighth might miss the trip to the US, but it is now understood that he is fit to travel and is expected to be available for selection in round one. This is a significant relief for the club, as Burton’s presence in the halves is crucial to their attacking strategy.
Warriors’ Playmaking Depth Tested by Injury Crisis
The New Zealand Warriors have also suffered a substantial blow to their playmaking stocks following the All-Stars clash. Te Maire Martin is set to join several of his teammates on the injured list after sustaining a broken leg during the representative game. This latest setback further depletes the Warriors’ depth in the halves, which has already been a source of concern.
Martin sustained the injury in a collision with his Maori teammate Briton Nikora in the second half of the match. While he was able to walk off the field, subsequent assessments suggest a potential fibula fracture. Seeney indicated that such an injury could keep Martin out of action for approximately six to eight weeks.
This injury to Martin exacerbates an already precarious situation for the Warriors in the halves. Luke Metcalf, another key player in the playmaking department, is still recovering from an ACL rupture sustained last year and is expected to miss around seven weeks of the current season. Adding to the club’s woes, Chanel Harris-Tavita is reportedly dealing with calf tightness, further limiting their options.
As a result, Tannah Boyd is the likely candidate to wear the No. 7 jersey come round one. However, the club also has NSW Cup star Jett Cleary waiting in the wings, providing another potential option. Martin’s injury marks the latest in a series of setbacks that have plagued the Warriors, following a challenging 2025 season that was significantly impacted by various issues. The club will need to navigate these considerable injury concerns as they strive to build momentum early in the upcoming season.
